Module: 2
Sponsoring Program: BioE/BMS
Administrator: Kristina Leung
STUDY LIST INFORMATION
Course Number: BioE 219/BMS 270
Course Name: Applying Science to Policymaking
Units: 3
Grading Option: S/U
Course Director: Jeannie Bailey
MORE COURSE INFORMATION
Dates: Monday, April 20 - Friday, May 8, 2026
Campus: MB
Location: MH 2100
Schedule: M/W/F, 3-5pm
Minimum Class Size: 6
Maximum Class Size: 15
From tackling pandemics to addressing climate change, we need scientific expertise to craft evidence-based policies to solve society’s big challenges. Designed to train scientists to engage with policymaking at all levels, this minicourse is a first step for anyone interested in science policy. We will focus on three core competencies: (1) knowledge of the California state and US federal policymaking process, (2) rhetorical skills for communicating with a variety of audiences, and (3) understanding of the variety of career paths and ways to engage in policy as a scientist. Learning from the course lectures, panel discussions, and practical workshops, each student will develop a policy portfolio with an elevator pitch, written policy brief, and oral policy pitch on a selected science policy topic related to their research interests. This course is intended for students at any stage of training on any career trajectory and will provide opportunities to interact with expert guest speakers in a variety of career paths.