“JSPG is honored to publish this excellent collection of articles ahead of the 2024 US elections. We hope that these publications can help inform voters and policymakers alike, reflecting on key challenges where science and policy intersect, including water resource governance, and AI in healthcare, abortion care, and more. Our authors provide a showcase for the many ways scientists can support underserved communities in policy negotiations,” said Andy Sanchez, JSPG Editor-in-Chief.

The summer standard issue includes sixteen articles on topics ranging from policies to grow the semiconductor workforce to equitable Baconora production, racial bias in artificial intelligence, Indigenous water governance, and interstate abortion care after the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs decision.

“We have always prided ourselves at JSPG for shedding light on critical STEM policy topics, and our latest standard issue continues that tradition in the most timely fashion, on the eve of an unprecedented electoral crossroads of the world’s largest economy. The strong leaning toward US-based topics is a testament to our partnership with the National Science Policy Network, a fellow organization leading on the engagement of early-career professionals, fellows, and students. This final standard issue of 2024 represents a rigorous examination of how science policy can better serve diverse communities and accelerate technological progress. The issue's breadth spans sustainable agriculture, transportation innovations, and semiconductor manufacturing, while tackling complex topics such as criminal justice, scientific publishing reform, indigenous inclusion, and federal R&D priorities—offering policymakers and interested parties evidence-based insights for navigating many of today's most urgent societal needs,” said Julianne McCall, JSPG CEO & Managing Publisher. ​

We invite students, post-doctoral researchers, policy fellows, early-career researchers, and early-career professionals from around the world to submit op-eds, policy position papers, policy memos or analyses, and other articles addressing bioeconomy policy ideas and challenges. These include topics and concerns around the intersection of biology/biotechnology and artificial intelligence and machine learning, biomanufacturing, food, and agriculture. Submission deadline: January 13, 2025.

“Together with JSPG, we’re excited about the incredible opportunities for engineering biology to grow the bioeconomy. Engineering biology and biotechnologies can revolutionize our approaches to tackling global food shortages, mitigating the climate crisis sustainably and responsibly, and ensuring that even the most remote or resource-limited environments have access to life-saving materials and medicines. With the U.S. election and the start of a new Administration and Congress, this is a great time to highlight the research issues that matter, share impactful policy ideas, and make the voices of the next generation of leaders heard,” said India Hook-Barnard, Executive Director, Engineering Biology Research Consortium.

The goals of the 2024 Special Topics Issue are to generate new ideas that may provide policymakers with leading-edge perspectives and analyses demonstrating how engineering biology and emerging biotechnology are poised to provide sustainable solutions and re-invent products and processes across all societal sectors, compiled in a special issue on Advancing Science & Technology Policy for the Next-Generation Bioeconomy. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the Engineering Biology Research Consortium for this Special Issue, which will provide a platform for early-career professionals, fellows, and students to offer innovative insights on the future of the bioeconomy. As we face unprecedented global challenges, engineering biology holds tremendous potential to drive sustainable solutions and transform industries across all sectors. Our collaboration will showcase a range of forward-thinking policy ideas and analyses for practical use by leading policymakers to help navigate this rapidly evolving landscape,” said Julianne McCall, JSPG CEO & Managing Publisher.

As part of this partnership, JSPG and EBRC will organize a series of events to help prospective authors improve their submissions to the Special Topics Issue. Following peer review, accepted articles will be entered into a policy paper competition, where a committee of experts in biotechnology and bioeconomy policy will select the top three articles. First-, second- and third-place article winners will be awarded registration and travel support to the 2025 EBRC Annual Meeting (up to $800) and an opportunity to present their published work at the event.​

ABOUT JSPG
The Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG) is an international, open-access peer-reviewed publication managed by and for students, policy fellows, and young scholars in science, technology, and innovation policy. JSPG publishes high-quality articles covering the widest range of topics in formats that are accessible to policymakers. Since 2011, JSPG has served as a vehicle for students and early career researchers to bolster their research and writing credentials in science policy. Visit https://www.sciencepolicyjournal.org/ and follow on X @SciPolJournal to learn more.

​ABOUT EBRC
EBRC is a non-profit, public-private partnership dedicated to bringing together an inclusive community committed to advancing engineering biology to address national and global needs. We showcase cutting-edge research in engineering biology, identify pressing challenges and opportunities in research and application, and articulate compelling research roadmaps and programs to address these challenges and opportunities. Our four focus areas, driven by member-led working groups, are Research Roadmapping, Education, Security, and Policy & International Engagement. Visit https://ebrc.org/ and follow on Linkedin to learn more. ​

“With 17 articles, this is our second largest issue ever, and it provides a terrific showcase for the urgent and wide-ranging challenges facing society today. These publications highlight how thoroughly science intersects with policy, with topics like genetic testing databases used by law enforcement, the influence of misinformation on clean energy transitions, and more. We’re thrilled to continue growing the international network of JSPG, with subjects and authors representing Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, and beyond” said Andy Sanchez, JSPG Editor-in-Chief.

The winter standard issue includes seventeen articles addressing topics that range from deep sea mining and hydraulic fracking, clean energy production, invasive plants, maternal morbidity, PFAS-based fish consumption, and plastic consumption.

“The near-record-breaking number of submissions for this issue is a testament to the growing interest in science and technology policy and governance among students, fellows, and early career researchers and professionals,” said Julianne McCall, JSPG CEO & Managing Publisher. “A glance at any news headline reminds us of the enormity of the challenges facing societies worldwide, and we are proud to attract this cohort of authors for timely recommendations, awareness, and solutions.”​

We invite students, postdocs, policy fellows, early career researchers, and early-stage professionals in science and technology policy to submit articles in all formats published by JSPG to the Summer Standard Issue. Following peer review by the JSPG Editorial Board, published authors will have the opportunity to participate in networking events, media engagement, and other programs. Submission deadline: May 26, 2024.

The 2024 Summer Standard Issue aims to generate and amplify the next generation's policy ideas and put them into action. This issue encourages submissions that highlight policy opportunities and audiences that center on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Leading up to the submission deadline, JSPG and NSPN will organize a series of events to help prospective authors improve their submissions to the Summer Standard Issue, including one writing workshop and two virtual expert panels. See event details on the JSPG-NSPN Summer Standard Issue Events Webpage.​
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ABOUT JSPG
The Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG) is an international, open-access peer-reviewed publication managed by and for students, policy fellows, and young scholars in science, technology, and innovation policy. JSPG publishes high-quality articles covering the widest range of topics in formats that are accessible to policymakers. Since 2011, JSPG has served as a vehicle for students and early career researchers to bolster their research and writing credentials in science policy. Visit https://www.sciencepolicyjournal.org/ and follow on Twitter @SciPolJournal to learn more.

​ABOUT NSPN
The National Science Policy Network (NSPN) is a non-profit representing early career science policy, advocacy, and diplomacy groups distributed across the country, focused on providing a platform for sharing resources, building relationships, and training the next generation of scientists and engineers to be pivotal voices in all levels of policy making.. Visit scipolnetwork.org and follow on Twitter @scipolnetwork to learn more.​

“It is energizing to see the civic science ideas advanced by the emerging leaders contributing to this issue—part of a new generation lighting paths toward a future where science, communities,
philanthropy, and policy better connect to expand benefits for all,” said Elizabeth Christopherson, President and CEO of the Rita Allen Foundation. “We’re pleased to collaborate with Sigma Xi and JSPG to present this opportunity for sharing insights from these pilot programs, systems analyses, and calls for policy change, sparking inspiration for new innovation.”

In the seven published articles, authors in this special issue of JSPG highlight novel funding mechanisms to increase community engagement, support for evidence synthesis and access to preprints, ways to utilize cross-department structures to facilitate transdisciplinary stewardship models, a blueprint for inserting relational infrastructure to grow community engagement, the need for increasing diversity of congressional staffers in the United States, and how funding announcement language can encourage deeper connections to local communities.  

‘JSPG is thrilled to help our authors contribute to the ongoing debate and definition of civic science. These articles, collectively, make an undeniable argument for the mutual exchange necessary for meaningful civic science. Further, our authors highlight and challenge the many institutional barriers preventing such a reciprocal, equitable dynamic between science and the public. It’s inspiring to see our authors expand ongoing debates in energy transition, clinical trials, and more with the utility and impact of civic science,” said Andy Sanchez, JSPG Editor-in-Chief.

Published articles were entered into a competition judged by an external review committee. The journal and the special issue partners are proud to provide first-, second-, and third-place winners with monetary awards. 

The winners of the JSPG, Sigma XI, and Rita Allen Foundation competition for the Special Topics Issue are as follows:

First Place: 
Promoting Transparent, Fair, and Inclusive Practices in Grantmaking: Lessons from the Open and Equitable Model Funding Program — (Eunice Mercado-Lara, Greg Tananbaum, Erin C. McKiernan)

Second Place: 
Community-Driven Civic Science: Relationship Building to Prioritize Public Needs — (Kristine Lu, Colleen O’Brien, Grace Wickerson)
Rethinking Civic Science Funding to Better Support Community Engagement — (Andrea Isabel López, Mónica I. Feliú Mójer)

Third Place:
From Intent to Impact: Enabling Transdisciplinary Research for   Responsible Scientific Stewardship — (Wilson R. Sinclair)

We thank competition reviewers for their efforts and greatly appreciate their input towards selecting the winners: Karen Akerlof (George Mason University), Melissa Varga (Union of Concerned Scientists), Russ Campbell (Burroughs Wellcome Fund), Hallie Thompson (Radicle), Elena Denia (Tufts University), and Christian Ross (Civic Science Consultant).

“The seven articles competitively selected for this issue demonstrate a wide range of timely topics significant to the evolution of the field of civic science,” said Julianne McCall, JSPG CEO & Managing Publisher. “Stretching research from the vacuum of laboratories into real-world settings has not only compelled academics to apply and develop more sophisticated methods of studying and drawing insights but also enhanced our ability as a society to work collectively to tackle the most pressing and pervasive challenges. For our first issue of 2024, during a time of difficulty and uncertainty, we could not have partnered with more meaningful organizations as Sigma Xi and the Rita Allen Foundation to deliver these messages of brilliant, structural, and hopeful solutions.”

This Special Issue is supported in kind by outreach partners from Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS), the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), Engineers and Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL), and the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST).

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About JSPG
The Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG) is an international, open-access peer-reviewed publication managed by and for students, policy fellows, and young scholars in science, technology, and innovation policy. JSPG publishes high-quality articles covering the widest range of topics in formats that are accessible to policymakers. Since 2011, JSPG has served as a vehicle for students and early career researchers to bolster their research and writing credentials in science policy. Visit https://www.sciencepolicyjournal.org/ and follow on Twitter @SciPolJournal to learn more.

About Sigma Xi
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, founded in 1886, is the world’s largest multidisciplinary honor society exclusively for scientists and engineers. The Society’s mission is to enhance the health of the research enterprise, foster integrity in science and engineering, and promote the public understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition. Over 500 Sigma Xi chapters can be found wherever scientific research is undertaken at colleges, universities, government laboratories, and industry research centers worldwide. Among our 100,000 inductees, more than 200 are Nobel Prize winners. The Society is based in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Visit https://www.sigmaxi.org/ and follow on Twitter @SigmaXiSociety to learn more. 

About Rita Allen Foundation
The Rita Allen Foundation is a venture philanthropy organization that invests in transformative ideas in their earliest stages to leverage their growth and promote breakthrough solutions to significant problems. The Foundation is developing new investments, research, and coalitions to strengthen civic science as a growing field of study and area of practice committed to ensuring that all people shape and benefit from science, technology, and innovation. In addition, the Foundation invests in early-career biomedical scholars to do pioneering research, seeds innovative approaches to fostering informed civic engagement, and develops knowledge and networks to build the effectiveness of the philanthropic sector. We embrace learning through experimentation, network-weaving, bridge-building, and knowledge-sharing to advance the civic potential of diverse communities; philanthropy; science, and technology for the public good. Visit https://ritaallen.org/ and https://civicsciencefellows.org or follow on LinkedIn to learn more.

About ARIS 
The Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) works with U.S. and international scientists and engagement practitioners to build capacity, advance scholarship, grow partnerships and provide resources to help them engage with and demonstrate the impact of research in their communities and society. The work of the center is beneficial to researchers who increase knowledge and discovery, to practitioners who collaborate with researchers and community stakeholders, and to the public who benefit from research and education advancements. ARIS is home to a thriving community of practice including more than 1,000 members. Visit https://researchinsociety.org/ and follow on Twitter @arisimpacts to learn more.

About UCS
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a national nonprofit organization founded more than 50 years ago by scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Its mission is to use rigorous, independent science to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. Visit ucsusa.org and follow on Twitter @UCSUSA to learn more.

About ESAL
Engineers and Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL) is a national organization dedicated to increasing local civic engagement by people with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Visit https://esal.us/  and follow on Twitter @ESAL_us to learn more.

About CCST
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature in 1988. We engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers, ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation. Visit https://ccst.us/ and follow on Twitter @CCSTorg to learn more.​

Washington, DC (October 23, 2023) – The Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG) is pleased to release Volume 23, Issue 01, the 2023 standard summer issue of the journal.​

The Governing Board of the Journal of Science Policy & Governance named Julianne McCall, PhD, as the new chief executive officer and managing publisher, effective September 18, 2023. McCall succeeds Adriana Bankston who served as CEO since 2021 and transitioned to a Strategic Advisor role last month. Read Bankston’s farewell message.
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McCall serves the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research as Director of Precision Medicine. She joined the staff of JSPG in February 2022 as Director of Programs and Events and brings publishing experience as a member of the Editorial Board of the California Journal of Politics and Policy, past Editor of the German Fulbright Association annual publication, The FRANKly, and author of several science policy reports, including the first-ever California Surgeon General’s Report, the California Senate Report “Optimizing Public Benefits of State-Funded Research,” and “Science Policy: A Career Guide to Policy Careers for Scientists”.

Following 16 years of conducting neuroscience research, most recently at Heidelberg University in Germany, McCall assumed roles in science policy beginning in 2016, including a fellowship with the California Council on Science and Technology and leading public health and research policy for the California Senate Office of Research. In the community, McCall has held numerous posts in science outreach, STEM education, and community engagement, including as founder of neuroscience olympiads, Director of the International Brain Bee World Championship, and co-founder of TEDxFulbright. She also teaches graduate courses and professional science and technology policy programs, including at the University of California Davis, the University of California Riverside, and the Japan-US Science Communications and Policy Fellowship Program.

“Like the three extraordinary CEOs before me who built and led the journal to its current international standing, I feel fortunate to be joined in this effort by a team of dedicated and stunningly talented staff and editors in carrying forward the journal’s significant work to elevate science and technology policy solutions for local to global challenges,” said McCall. “The world is changing before our eyes, and scientists and engineers have never been more needed in decision-making spaces to anchor and guide societal advances with evidence and equity at the forefront. I’m excited to help shepherd policy concepts, particularly from early career STEM professionals and students, which not only apply data-driven insights but also acknowledge and account for the complexities of diverse communities in which public investments take shape and impact lives.”

The full JSPG leadership team will be engaged over the months ahead in developing a strategic plan to expand the journal’s presence internationally, foster additional capabilities for published authors to bridge the divide between policy research and policy change, and continue to build upon world-class partnerships to generate and drive solutions to our era’s most pressing challenges.​

Washington, DC (July 6, 2023) – JSPG CEO Adriana Bankston was recently named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. In addition to her role with JSPG, Bankston is Founder & CEO of Bankston Policy Consulting, a consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. that empowers students and early career researchers to impact policy at all levels of government. 

NSBA is the nation’s oldest small business advocacy organization, and operates on a staunchly nonpartisan basis. As a recognized leader in science policy and advocacy, and more recently among the small business community, Bankston joins the NSBA Leadership Council alongside other advocates from across the country to promote the interests of small businesses to policymakers in Washington, D.C.

The NSBA Leadership Council engages with Congress, the administration, state and local government and the media, and provides valuable networking opportunities. “I look forward to showcasing the role that small businesses play in fostering future scientific and technological innovations driven by the next generation and building a robust workforce to help maintain our nation’s economic growth and competitiveness,” said Bankston.

Bankston joined the NSBA Leadership Council as part of her efforts to tackle critical issues facing small businesses. These include the need for improving workforce access, training and skills development, addressing the labor shortage and reforming the U.S. immigration system to enable small businesses nationwide to continue innovating across sectors. 

“I am proud to have Adriana Bankston as part of our Leadership Council,” NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken said. “She came to us highly recommended and I look forward to our coordinated efforts for years to come.”

Bankston Policy Consulting provides a variety of services to stakeholders and individuals invested in and working towards building the next generation STEM workforce through policy change across a number of industries within the science, technology and innovation ecosystem. Click here to learn more about the firm.

For more on the NSBA, please visit www.nsba.biz.