Biomedical Sciences Blog

Program Description

The PPFP provides postdoctoral fellows and other junior scientists who are committed to a career in biomedical research with the opportunity to learn about and participate in the public policy and legislative activities of AAI. Up to 10 Fellows may participate annually. This year's inaugural program runs from May 1, 2011 – April 30, 2012.

Program Goals

The primary goals of the program are 1) to help young AAI members better understand the role of the President and Administration, Congress, and the National Institutes of Health on both the advancement of biomedical research and the careers of scientists, and 2) to teach participants how to best advocate for, and impact, the policies that guide their careers. The program also helps to ensure that AAI has within its ranks a cadre of well-informed young scientists who can help lead the organization's public policy efforts in the future.

Program Components

1. Capitol Hill Day: Fellows come to Washington, D.C., for a two-day "Capitol Hill Day," during which time they a) attend a training session with AAI staff, and b) visit their Senators, Congressperson, and/or other key members/staff to advocate for biomedical research and funding for NIH. AAI pays for Fellows' flights, hotels, and other reasonable expenses (per the AAI PPFP Reimbursement Policy).
2. AAI Annual Meeting Program: Fellows are required to attend the AAI Annual Meeting (during their Fellowship year), including any public policy or PPFP sessions requested by AAI. Attendance at the meeting is at the Fellows' expense.
3. Communication with AAI Public Policy Staff: The staff of the AAI Office of Public Policy and Government Affairs is in email and phone contact with the Fellows during their Fellowship year to keep them informed and solicit their views on key topics. Fellows receive, and respond as appropriate, to emails and phone calls from AAI staff and/or other program participants during their participation year, and complete a program evaluation at the end of their Fellowship.

Qualifications

All PPFP Fellows are selected by the AAI Committee on Public Affairs. Applicants are required to:

• have received their Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent within the previous 10 years in immunology or a related field;
• be a member in good standing of AAI;
• be committed to a career in biomedical research;
• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• have an interest in public policy as it relates to biomedical research; and
• submit as a single combined PDF (instructions):
1. the AAI PPFP application;
2. a CV; and
3. two references from AAI members (regular members in good standing) on the PPFP recommendation form

For further information or questions, contact Jacob Schumacher at jschumacher@aai.org or (301) 634-7744