2025 Science Policy Bootcamp

Join the Science Policy Initiative (SPI) and PhD Plus for a free science policy-focused professional development event designed for graduate students and postdocs. OVERVIEWThe 3-day event includes a Science Policy 101 overview led by Toby Smith, sessions centered on transitions in government, conversations about hot-button topics such as governance around Artificial Intelligence featuring Victoria Rubin, a science policy-focused workshop taught by Jackie Goodrum, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from and network with professionals who have a wide range of experience in science-, health-, and technology-policy.All interested participants who would like to attend in person must register before 5:00 pm on Monday, January 6. Virtual participants can register at any time before or during the event. This will help ensure the coordinators have an accurate list of all dietary restrictions and that all participants receive information on how to participate prior to the start of the event. REGISTER HERE HOW TO PARTICIPATEThis hybrid event will be held in person in the Language Commons (New Cabell Hall, Suite 298). Snacks and beverages will be provided for in-person attendees. If you are unable to make it in person, you are welcome to join us by Zoom. All interested participants must register to receive the Zoom link and instructions on how to join prior to the event. BRIEF AGENDAWednesday, Jan. 8 Welcome & Introduction to the BootcampScience Policy 101 Federal Transitions & University Federal RelationsWays to Engage in Science PolicyThursday, Jan. 9 Welcome - Recap of Day 1 & Goals for Day 2State-level TransitionsPanel: Short- to Medium-Term Transitions: Insights from Federal Agencies and OfficesLong-term Transitions: Changes to Legal Precedents Science Policy Opportunities - Networking Event (NCH, Conference Room 236)*Friday, Jan. 10 Welcome - Recap of Day 2 & Goals for Day 3Governance Around Artificial Intelligence Science Policy Communication Workshop  FEATURED PRESENTERS & PANELISTS PhD Plus and SPI at UVA will be announcing and sharing more information on all of the invited speakers, panelists, and moderators leading up to the event. Below is a short list of some of the speakers who will be leading sessions during the event. Jacqueline (Jackie) Goodrum, JD | Lecturer in the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia; and Conservation Policy Associate at Wild VirginiaChris Hayes, PhD | Legislative Affairs Specialist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationErik Olson, JD | Senior Strategic Director, Health & Food at Natural Resources Defense CouncilVictoria Rubin, PhD | Senior Professional Staff Member with the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and TechnologyJulia Smith | Executive Director for Federal Relations and Special Assistant to the President at the University of VirginiaTobin (Toby) Smith | Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy at the Association of American UniversitiesDavid Toscano, JD | Former Mayor of Charlottesville (1994-1996), Minority Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates (2011-2018), and Representative for the 57th District of Virginia (2006-2020); and current Attorney at Buck, Toscano, and Tereskerz.  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe 2025 Science Policy Bootcamp is co-hosted and supported by SPI at UVA and the PhD Plus program. We would like to offer our appreciation to the leaders of the Planning Committee for their effort in organizing this year's event, including (alphabetical order): SPI at UVACarreen de Cardenas, Zach Dawson, Kenn Dela Cruz, Savannah Lynn, Olivia Morren, and Mark SchwartzOffice of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs, PhD PlusEniola Afolayan, Amy Garrou, Sam Lake, and Melanie Sinche SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS Science Policy Initiative at UVASPI is a student-led organization empowering scientists and engineers to be more informed and involved in science policy. We seek to enhance awareness about fellowship and career opportunities, provide support and professional development events to prepare students and postdocs for careers in science policy; and facilitate community outreach that supports evidence-based policies.PhD PlusPhD Plus is a university-wide initiative to prepare graduate students and postdocs across all disciplines for long-term career success. Our goal is to enable versatile academics who are deeply engaged with society’s needs to become influential professionals in every sector.