Christine Mirzayan Internship Program

National Academies

The Christine Mirzayan Internship Program of the National Academies is designed to engage graduate and postdoctoral science, engineering, medical, veterinary, business, and law students in science and technology policy and to familiarize them with the interactions between science, technology, and government. As a result, students develop essential skills different from those attained in academia and make the transition from being a graduate student to a professional.

There are two sessions each year: January ( 12 weeks) and June (10 weeks).

To apply, candidates should submit the application and reference forms available on-line at national-academies.org/internship. The deadline for receipt of materials is November 1 for the January program and March 1 for the June program.

Details are on our website: http://www.national-academies.org/internship.

Additional questions should be directed to: internship@nas.edu.

Here is what four former interns said about the program:

"This is an important career building opportunity for people interested in the scientific community outside academia. Even if you plan to pursue a traditional academic track, seeing science from a policy perspective is very enlightening. There is something valuable in this experience for first year grad students to recent PhD's. Come with an open mind and expect to learn more than you bargained for."

"The National Academies Internship has been one of the most valuable life experiences I have had thus far. The scope of the influence of the Academies in helping shape science, medical and engineering related policy is amazing to witness. Through this internship, I have learned more about my work as a social scientist than I imagined, and I have a better sense of how my research can relate to public policy."

"The Internship program provides an exceptional opportunity for scientists to explore various facets of scholarly research and policymaking. As an intern, you will work with an eclectic mix of highly educated, diverse intellectuals who help advance the future of science. You will leave not only armed with important and influential contacts but also with invaluable skills and experiences."

"This program will open your mind to a world rarely envisioned from the confines of laboratory bench work. I learned an immeasurable amount about the policy and politics behind science and after the internship opens your mind, it opens career doors."