JSPG and NSPN Release 2021 International Policy Memo Competition and Special Topics Issue on Intersectional Science Policy

WASHINGTON, DC (September 27, 2021) - The Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG) and the National Science Policy Network (NSPN) are pleased to release the 2021 International Science Policy Memo Competition and Special Topics Issue focused on Intersectional Science Policy.

​This special issue raises awareness of science policy topics that directly affect marginalized scientists and communities, and provides possible solutions by which to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in science policy as laid out by the next generation of leaders in the field. 

Read the Full Issue >>

“Strong policy memos represent fundamental communication skills for early career scientists who want to engage in policy and advocacy work – brevity, discernment and persuasiveness. The Intersectional Science Policy competition and special topics issue create an opportunity for early career scientists to practice these skills while evaluating solutions to issues facing disadvantaged communities,” said Caitlin Warlick-Short, NSPN Director of Communications.

“The rewards and successes of scientific discovery have been limited by a failure to consider science’s intersection with diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. To progress in science, we must represent all intersections of diversity in scientific effort and knowledge, evaluate research structures with an equitable and inclusive lens, and advance research in support of social and environmental justice,” said Emily Pinckney, Executive Director, 500 Women Scientists; Tiffany G. Harrison, Director, Public Policy Special Interest Group, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) & Pamela A. Padilla, President, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) in the cover memo for this issue.

Read the Cover Memo >>

To advance their ideas and policy solutions, all published authors will be provided with the opportunity to access policy engagement and outreach funds. In addition to the publication, winning policy memos were selected to receive cash prizes.

Winning memos are as follows:

• First place - Bridging The Gap: Demanding 1-1 Representation of Dark-Light Skin Tones Within Medical Lectures/Resources
• Second place- Algorithm Transparency through the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• Third place (tie) - Addressing Racial Disparities in NIH Funding & Motor Vehicle Crash Testing Regulations for More Inclusive Populations

Honorable mentions:

• Expanding Access to and Ensuring Equity in the Benefits of Remote Work Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Period Poverty: A risk factor for people who menstruate in STEM
• Decolonization of STEM in the Public Education System in Québec, Canada

“This special issue addresses important societal problems in education, work, health, the environment, and other areas, and provides policy solutions centered on diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. We hope this issue will encourage early career scientists from backgrounds traditionally excluded from science policy conversations, to bring their ideas forward and contribute to international policy debates,” says Adriana Bankston, CEO of JSPG.
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This special issue is also supported in-kind by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), 500 Women Scientists and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). JSPG and NSPN partnered with these organizations in a series of writing workshops to provide prospective authors with the skills needed to write effective policy memos on DEI topics. 

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​About JSPG
The Journal of Science Policy & Governance is a nonprofit organization and 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 sciencepolicyjournal.org and follow on Twitter @SciPolJournal to learn more.

​About NSPN
The National Science Policy Network (NSPN) is a grassroots, member-based organization that catalyzes the engagement of early career scientists and engineers in policy making by fostering an inclusive community, training new generations of diverse leaders, and empowering advocates for the role of science in society. In addition to the policy memo competition in collaboration with JSPG, NSPN supports a variety of other activities, including grants, internships, externships and their annual National Science Policy Symposium. Visit scipolnetwork.org and follow on Twitter @SciPolNetwork to learn more.
 
About SACNAS
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers and positions of leadership in STEM. Visit sacnas.org and follow on Twitter @sacnas to learn more.
 
About 500 Women Scientists
500 Women Scientists is a grassroots organization committed to speaking up for science and for marginalized communities in science, as well as confronting the shameful history of science being used to harm people - and the participation of the scientific community in this harm. More than 20,000 women of STEM and supporters from more than 100 countries have signed in support of 500 Women Scientists, pledging to build an inclusive scientific community dedicated to training a more diverse group of future leaders in science and to use the language of science to bridge divides and enhance global diplomacy. Visit 500womenscientists.org and follow on Twitter @500womensci to learn more.
 
About NSBE
With more than 700 chapters and more than 21,000 active members in the U.S. and abroad, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States. NSBE, founded in 1975, supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology. NSBE’s mission is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” Visit nsbe.org and follow on Twitter @NSBE to learn more.