| The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2021 Jefferson Science Fellows (JSF) program. Established by the Secretary of State in 2003, this fellowship program serves as an innovative model for engaging the American academic science, technology, engineering, and medical communities in U.S. foreign policy and international development through on-site work at the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The JSF program is open to tenured, or similarly ranked, faculty from U.S. institutions of higher learning who are U.S. citizens. For 2021, up to ten fellowships will be available at the U.S. Department of State and up to five fellowships will be available at USAID. The JSF program is a means for providing the U.S. Department of State access to additional high-level science and technology expertise. This resource can be especially helpful at a time when the Department has given a high priority to science, technology, and engineering in meeting our global diplomacy and development challenges. The Fellows bring a broad range of scientific and technical expertise in areas such as physics, chemistry, information technology, life sciences, engineering, environment, agriculture, health, and social sciences. The JSF program provides both functional and regional bureaus in the Department with access to scientific and technical expertise and allows the Department to leverage these senior leaders’ broad scientific and professional networks. Universities across the United States in turn benefit from the insights in foreign policy and diplomacy gained by their senior faculty and from new international linkages vital for success in a rapidly globalizing education and research enterprise. USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. USAID works in over 100 countries to promote global health, support global stability, provide humanitarian assistance, catalyze innovation and partnership, and empower women and girls. USAID benefits from the innovative ideas, energy, and state-of-the-art technical knowledge that Fellows bring, and Fellows enhance their knowledge of government and global issues and obtain valuable professional experience that enriches their careers and the organizations to which they return. After successfully obtaining a security clearance, Fellows are on-boarded at the U.S. Department of State or USAID for one year, after which, and upon mutual agreement, they remain available as experienced consultants to their host office or bureau. The JSF program is a partnership that is mutually beneficial to both the government and participating universities. The deadline for applications is October 16, 2020 at 5 PM ET. To learn more about the JSF program and to apply, visit www.nas.edu/jsf. |
