AGU Cosponsors 2011 AMS Summer Policy Colloquium

For the past ten years, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) has run a highly successful Summer Policy Colloquium. This year AGU is cosponsoring the colloquium, which will run from 5-14 June, 2011, in Washington, DC.

Approximately 30-40 entry-level to mid-career Earth scientists and engineers attend an intense, ten-day immersion course. Participants meet with policy officials from the executive branch, Congress, media outlets, and others engaged in public policy related to Earth science. During the colloquium, participants learn about policy basics and the latest in science policy. They also use case studies to explore several issues in depth. Ultimately, participants develop a deeper appreciation of the policy process and build skills, experiences, and contacts to use throughout their careers to shape policies and become scientific policy leaders. Over 350 individuals have attended the colloquium and its alumni currently are working in Congress, university leadership, non-governmental organizations, and senior government or corporate positions.

Participation is limited to 50 individuals on a first-come, first-served basis, and tuition is $5000, not including room and board. The paleoclimate program of the U.S. National Science Foundation has provided full funding (tuition, room, and board) for 10 graduate students and two faculty from minority-serving institutions. This funding is available through a nationwide competition, and applications are due on Monday, 28 February, 2011.

For more information, please contact Ann Cairns (acairns@agu.org or +1-202-777-7505) or William Hooke (hooke@ametsoc.org or +1-202-737-9006, ext. 420).