Science Policy Training

Graduate and professional students, postdoctoral fellows, employees and administrators at University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University, as well as those interested from governments and businesses and other state science policy fellows, are invited to participate in the ISTPF. This engagement will cultivate opportunities to learn about science policy, enhance technical skills through ISTPF orientation and professional development seminars and expand science policy networks. 

Professional Development Seminars

ISTP fellows are required to participate in monthly professional development seminars. Most professional development seminars are open to broader audiences. Seminar topics have included benefit-cost analysis, science policy communication and post-fellowship career trajectories. For questions, please email istpf@uidaho.edu.

ISTPF Orientation

Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship (ISTPF) orientation is held the week before Labor Day. Orientation brings together local and national experts in science policy, government, law and more. It is an opportunity to learn about science policy, the history of science and technology policy in the U.S., how science policy works in federal and state government, public policy analysis, the three branches of government in Idaho, science policy communications and more. Elements of the five-day orientation are often offered online.  

Aug. 26 - Aug. 29 orientation week schedule

Monday, August 26, 2024

1:30-4 p.m.
Science and Technology Policy — History and Organization
Dr. Anna Quider, Principal, The Quider Group
Overview of the history, organization and uses of science and technology policy in the United States, including the role of the White House, Congress, and federal agencies, as well as connection to Idaho.
Register for this session.

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

8:30-10 a.m.
Idaho’s Political History 
Dr. Sarah Robey, Associate Professor of History, Idaho State University
Dr. Stephanie Witt, Professor, Public Policy & Administration and Professor, Political Science, School of Public Service, Boise State University
Introduction to Idaho’s geography and development, connecting to politics in Idaho from the historical perspective, touching on the three branches of government, important influencers, pivotal moments, local-state/state-federal dynamics and more.
Register for this session.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

3:30-5 p.m.
Panel — Political Savviness
State and federal science and technology policy fellows and alumni fellows
Transitioning from your lab or office to an agency office may be a culture shift. State and federal science and technology policy fellows and alumni fellows will share insights in how to navigate agency and government hierarchies, understand quickly the policy process, ask for help in your new environment and office and agency life.
Register for this session.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

10:30 a.m. to noon
Panel — How to Successfully Brief
State and federal science and technology policy fellows and alumni fellows
How do you successfully write talking points for yourself and others? What does it mean to brief your boss? How does an oral briefing connect to a written brief? Panelists will share insights and best practices.
Register for this session.

3-4:30 p.m.
Emerging Topics in Science and Technology Policy
Panelists from a range of Idaho state agencies
New areas of science and technology and relationships with policy, ranging from agriculture to financial technology.
Register for this session.