Policy Bootcamp - Building the State Landscape
This fall's UVA Policy Bootcamp took place on October 5, 2026, and introduced participants to the legislative process and policy implementation taking place at the state level through engaging presentations, networking opportunities, and hands-on activities. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of science-informed policymaking within the Commonwealth while developing practical skills for engaging with public leaders and exploring policy-related careers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POLICY BOOTCAMP HERE
COVES Policy Fellowship
The 2027 COVES Fellowship is a 12-week fellowship program of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (VASEM). The fellowship is a full-time, in-person commitment (40-hours-per-week) that requires fellows to work in offices outside their institution from May 24 to August 13, 2027. The fellowship places graduate students in a legislative office, executive agency, or nonprofit organization in Virginia. COVES Fellows are matched to host offices based on mutual interest and placement availability. Prior to the summer fellowship, fellows attend a mandatory COVES Orientation and professional development training on May 20-21 that will provide an introduction to governance and policymaking in the Commonwealth. In addition to their work in policy offices, COVES Fellows will be paired with a mentor and will participate in briefings, policy meetings, field trips, the COVES Policy Fellowship Forum, and the VASEM annual summit.
Please note: If you are an F or J student visa holder, you must consult with UVA’s International Studies Office before applying to confirm your eligibility, as there may be additional restrictions or limitations, and to request a signed International Student Eligibility Confirmation Letter to include as part of your application.
The application deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Learn more about the COVES Fellowship and how to apply.
CASE Workshop: Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering
Each spring, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) hosts its Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop. The University of Virginia regularly participates as an institutional sponsor, with the goal of enabling a small cohort of graduate students to attend this entry-level workshop every year. Selected students participate in the 3.5-day program in the Washington, D.C., area and learn about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations processes, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement. In addition, students will participate in interactive seminars about policy making and communication.
The registration fees and travel expenses will be covered through the PhD Plus program. An internal review process will select the University’s participants. Learn more about the eligibility requirements and submission guidelines.
Learn more and apply for the 2026 CASE Workshop.
PAST EVENTS
2026 Science Policy - Public Commentary Workshop
This 1.5-hour workshop was designed for graduate students and postdocs who are interested in influencing science policy but not sure where to start. Public commenting is one of the most accessible and impactful ways for scientists to help shape government policy and regulations. On August 7, 2026, the Science Policy Initiative and PhD Plus hosted a virtual, hands-on workshop led by Gwendolyn Bogard of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to learn how the public comment process works, where to find opportunities for engagement, and what makes an effective public comment. Through a guided writing exercise, participants also gained practical experience drafting their own public comment and left with a framework they could use to engage in future science policy decisions.
Learn more about the 2026 Public Commentary Workshop.
2026 UVA Policy Bootcamp - Advocacy in Action
This two-day event took place in January 2026 and included a Policy 101 overview, an introduction to how your science gets funded, and special topics each year like transitions in government, conversations about hot-button topics such as AI, a science policy-focused workshop, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn from professionals who have a wide range of experience in science-, health-, and technology-policy.
“Participating in the Policy Bootcamp helped me better understand how funding agencies set their priorities, which is essential for a scientist.”
"I really appreciated the open discussions about networking and being very frank about how much of this type of work depends on personal connections. The PhD Plus office set up a fantastic group of speakers and topics this year that I feel I learned a lot from, and I really enjoyed the entire event!”
Learn more about the 2026 UVA Policy Bootcamp.
Science Policy Workshop, "A Changing Landscape in Science Policy: 6 Months into the New Administration"
This half-day event on August 13, 2025, was co-hosted by PhD Plus and the Science Policy Initiative at UVA. The summer Science Policy Workshop was open to all UVA graduate students and postdocs across all disciplines, and we welcome students and postdocs from other academic institutions across the Commonwealth who have an interest in science policy careers to participate virtually or in person.
The interactive workshop included a review of some of the larger changes to Federal agencies and funding programs over the past 6-months, an overview of the anticipated Senate and House of Representatives appropriations for the next fiscal year, and two panel discussions centered on the potential impact of these changes to graduate student and postdoc funding opportunities and how state agencies and offices are adapting.
Learn more about the event.
Science Policy Workshop, "Writing Op-Eds as a Scientist: Lessons Learned from Paul Greenberg"
On October 22, 2025, the Science Policy Initiative at UVA and PhD Plus hosted a 1.5-hour workshop on Writing Op-Eds as a Scientist. This session will be led by Paul Greenberg, a renowned author and expert in public science communication. Paul covered the essentials of writing op-eds, provided tips on effectively reaching the public, and shared his experiences writing about the environment, technology, and more.
Following the talk, there was a live Q&A session where virtual and in-person attendees asked Paul for advice on writing and pitching their ideas to publishers, and for insights into his work.
Learn more about the event.
Careers in Health Policy Panel Discussion
The Science Policy Initiative (SPI) and PhD Plus program hosted a virtual panel discussion with three UVA-grads-turned federal agency leaders at the FDA and NIH, with backgrounds in biomedical engineering, immunology, and biochemistry. The panel spanned perspectives from people who were working across the health policy spectrum, from “in-the-weeds” policy analysts at the NIH to people who were working more closely in the medical products/device regulatory side of an agency to ensure the safety of the public’s health through federal review and guidelines at the FDA. The discussion began with a few questions centered on the panelists’ paths in health or biomedical policy, followed by an audience Q&A session.
Learn more about the event.
Science Policy Fellowship Workshop
In August 2024, the Science Policy Initiative at UVA co-hosted a half-day workshop specifically designed for graduate students and postdocs who are interested in pursuing science policy fellowship and internship opportunities. The event included an overview of different types of science policy opportunities (summer internships to postgraduate fellowship programs), a panel discussion featuring national program officers, tips on how to get started, and more.
Learn more about the event.