[American Physical Society](https://www.aps.org)

November 2026 (Full application) | March 2027 (APS-only portal deadline; APS Congressional Science Fellowship)

$91,000 stipend plus relocation, travel, and health insurance allowances; 1-year appointment (Sept–Aug).

Places a physicist in a congressional office for one year to provide scientific expertise and gain policy experience.

--- ## Description The APS Congressional Science Fellowship offers physicists the opportunity to serve as full-time legislative staffers in the U.S. Congress for one year. Fellows provide scientific and technical advice to lawmakers and staff, develop skills in legislative analysis and science communication, and contribute to national policy on science-related issues. The fellowship begins with a two-week orientation in Washington, D.C., followed by interviews for placement on Capitol Hill, and runs from September to August. After the fellowship year, participants are invited to serve on APS policy committees, furthering their engagement in science policy. The program is designed to bridge the gap between science and policy, giving scientists direct experience in the legislative process and ensuring science informs congressional decision-making. --- ## Due Dates - **November 2026:** Full application deadline (all materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET, anticipated) - **March 2027:** Application portal deadline for APS-only program (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Stipend:** $91,000 for the fellowship year - **Additional Support:** Relocation allowance, professional travel allowance, and health insurance allowance - **Duration:** One year (September–August) --- ## Eligibility - **Degree:** Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field, OR a master’s degree plus three years of professional experience in physics or science policy - **Citizenship:** U.S. citizenship required - **Membership:** Must be an APS member at the time of application - **Engagement:** Evidence of active involvement with APS (e.g., meetings, journals, units, advocacy) - **Interest:** Demonstrated interest in science policy through academic, professional, or community work --- ## Application Process 1. **Create a portal account:** [Application portal](https://bit.ly/CongressFellow) 2. **Gather materials:** - Letter of intent (1–2 pages) - Résumé (max 2 pages + optional 1-page publication list) - One letter of reference (requested via portal) 3. **Submit all materials:** Ensure all items show “Received” in the portal by the deadline; incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 4. **Follow-up:** Semi-finalists will be notified and required to provide two additional letters of reference; finalists will be interviewed before final selection. 5. **Placement:** Fellowship term runs September–August. --- ## Additional Information - APS encourages applications from early-career scientists, researchers from non-R1 institutions, and underrepresented groups in science and public service. - Fellows join a network of alumni in government, academia, industry, and nonprofits. - Fellows are invited to serve on APS’s Physics Policy Committee and Panel on Public Affairs after completing the fellowship. --- ## External Links - [APS Congressional Science Fellowship Program Details](https://www.aps.org/funding-recognition/fellowship/congressional-science) - [Application Portal](https://bit.ly/CongressFellow) - [APS Membership Information](https://www.aps.org/membership/join) - [APS Ethics Standards](https://www.aps.org/about/governance/policies-procedures/ethics-standards) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Organization | Email | Phone | |---------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------| | Yewande Lewis | APS Operations Admin | ylewis@aps.org | (301) 209-3200 | | Liz Dart Caron | AIP Chief of Staff (AIP) | lcaron@aip.org | |

Congressional Science Fellowship

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