SPI – MIT's Science Policy Initiative
Who are we?
The MIT Science Policy Initiative (SPI) is changing how scientists and engineers at MIT engage with policy-makers and the public. We:
- educate scientists and engineers in the policies governing science research and innovation
- explore how science and engineering can inform policy decisions
- support and facilitate direct engagement in the science policy arena for MIT students and researchers
How can you get involved?
- Get started by joining our mailing list!
- Take part in a monthly lunch - learn from science policy experts in an informal setting
- Chat with us about policy news - join our monthly meeting to discuss a science policy topic in the news
- Participate in a science communication workshop - hone your skills to improve dialogue between scientists and the general public
- Attend Science Policy Bootcamp - take our introductory science policy course during IAP
- Advocate for science funding on Capitol Hill - visit Congressional offices in Washington, D.C., as a member of our annual Congressional Visits Days delegation
Learn about our key activities and past programs here.
Recent website updates
Ever wondered what a career in policy really looks like? Take a look at our brand-new and growing directory of MIT alumni involved in policy careers under our new Career Resources tab!
Stand With Science is still in the news! Most recently our initiative has been highlighted by the Chronicle of Higher Education.
SPI urges Mitt Romney's presidential campaign to speak up on health and research issues (read more here).
Our new Agency Visits program makes MIT headlines!
An extensive list of science policy-related courses at MIT is now available here!
Check out our new Facebook page!
We were featured on the Nature Network Boston Blog!
Get to know the new SPI leadership and some of our members!
Learn about our new Science Writing Workshop.
Read about students' experiences at 2011 Congressional Visits Day.
Thank you
SPI gratefully acknowledges support from our generous donors:
- Dean of Engineering
Dean Ian Waitz Dean of Science
Dean Marc Kastner- Dean of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Dean Deborah Fitzgerald MIT Public Service Center
- VP for Research & Associate Provost
Professor Claude Canizares Dean of Graduate Education
Graduate Student Life Grant
Dean Christine Ortiz- Department of Political Science
Professor Richard Locke, Head Dean for Student Life
Dean Chris Colombo- Dean for Undergraduate Education
Dean Daniel Hastings MIT Graduate Student Council
- Student Activities Office
SPI is a non-partisan organization. All advocacy projects are evaluated on a case-by-case basis predicated upon alignment of the project's goals with the mission of SPI.
Last updated on: April 24, 2012Upcoming Events
Updated May 07, 2012
May 14, 2012
Lunch with AAAS Fellow Michael Simon
12-1 pm
RSVP to jennyr at mit.edu for location.
Quick Links
- Reports & Proposals
- Bootcamp on OpenCourseWare
- Congressional Visits Day (SET)
- NEWScience Policy Blog (edited by the assistant director of MIT's DC office)
- SPI on LinkedIn
- SPI Facebook page
- SPI Google Calendar
- SPI Wiki
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
