CIVIC SCIENCE CLINIC
STEM PhD programs often focus on developing technical expertise, leaving students with few opportunities to gain the skills necessary for engaging with the public, communicating complex scientific concepts, or informing policy decisions. Meanwhile, society increasingly needs input from the scientific community to address pressing challenges, such as climate change, public health, and technological innovation. The Civic Science Clinic (CSC), developed by the Scientific Citizenship Initiative (SCi) at Harvard University, was designed to fill this gap by providing PhD students with practical experience applying their scientific expertise to real-world problems through public service.
PROVEN MODEL
In the summer of 2023, SCi piloted the Civic Science Clinic (CSC) with students from Harvard and MIT. The CSC is a 10-week part-time fellowship that allows STEM PhD students to engage in public service while maintaining their academic responsibilities. Fellows are placed with either the Massachusetts State House or Boston-based community organizations, where they collaborate with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders. The part-time nature of the program ensures that students can continue fulfilling their research and academic duties while gaining valuable career development experience. During the summer program, fellows work on projects that align with their interests and expertise, in areas such as public health, environmental sustainability, climate change, and technology regulation.
IMPACT
The pilot year of the Civic Science Clinic (CSC) enabled five PhD students to make meaningful contributions to both policy and community efforts. Fellows worked with organizations such as Fenway Health—a healthcare organization dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community and those affected by HIV/AIDS—and Eastie Farm, a nonprofit focused on climate action and food justice through urban farming. At Fenway Health, one fellow conducted a literature review and data analysis to assess the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations. Another fellow, working at Eastie Farm, contributed to grant writing and designed educational workshops on climate and energy policy. In the Massachusetts State House, fellows researched healthcare policy and privacy legislation, providing valuable insights for legislative efforts. These experiences not only supported the work of their host organizations but also equipped fellows with critical skills in policy analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
OPPORTUNITY: SPONSOR A FELLOW
The Civic Science Clinic offers universities an opportunity to provide their STEM PhD students with crucial professional development, preparing them for a diverse range of careers while maintaining academic progress. As the CSC continues to grow, universities and other funders can play a vital role by sponsoring their students to participate in this transformative program. By engaging directly with real-world policy and community issues, students gain practical skills and broaden their career prospects, all while using their scientific expertise to make meaningful contributions to society.