The Missouri Science & Technology (MOST) Legislative Policy Fellowship transforms PhD scientists into influential policy professionals. Fellows serve as independent, nonpartisan advisors to the Missouri General Assembly, providing scientific research to legislators as bills are drafted and perfected. Fellows gain the specialized training and network required for a career in science policy while making a tangible impact on state governance.
Legislative Fellows must hold a terminal degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in natural sciences (e.g., biology, physics, earth), social sciences (e.g., economics, education, political science), engineering, technology, or a related discipline. (Degrees must be conferred by September 1 at the start of the fellowship year, but are not required at the time of application.)
The fellowship begins with a foundational one-year term, with the opportunity to advance to a senior fellowship year based on your impact and program funding. This two-year trajectory allows you to deepen your policy expertise and take on leadership roles, including mentoring the incoming cohort of fellows.
We welcome applicants from across the nation and within Missouri to join our community. To fully immerse yourself in the legislative process, Fellows live and work in the heart of the state. Making your home in Central Missouri puts you at the crossroads of the legislative action in Jefferson City and the academic energy of Columbia, a vibrant research hub anchored by the University of Missouri and a diverse range of higher education institutions.
Your fellowship year follows the dynamic rhythm of Missouri state government. The experience begins with specialized training from September to December, leading into the high-energy legislative session from January to May. During the summer interim, the pace shifts to allow for deep-dive research and advanced professional development.
Upon joining MOST, Fellows participate in two weeks of in-depth training on science policy reading and writing, communication strategies, and legislative processes. During the training, Fellows travel throughout the state of Missouri to meet the communities and stakeholders served by the legislature, and to gain familiarity with the resources and challenges present in the state.
Throughout the fellowship, Fellows continue to attend events and network with experts and stakeholders within their respective disciplines, providing them with relationships and skills that will prepare them to function as honest brokers of scientific information.
Fellows begin working on Science Notes in advance of the regular legislative session, which begins in January. Outside of the legislative sessions, Science Notes typically provide lawmakers with research about broad policy areas of interest, enabling them to craft legislative proposals that incorporate accurate, up-to-date information. During the prefiling period, which begins on December 1, Science Notes may provide more detailed research pertaining to specific policy proposals.
During the regular legislative session, MOST Policy Fellows will assist in adding scientific information into policy conversations through the following activities:
Outside of the regular legislative session, Fellows continue to provide research resources for the General Assembly. In particular, they may be asked to support the the work of interim committees, or respond to research requests related to topics addressed during special legislative sessions.
Beyond these activities, Fellows have a chance to support evidence-based policymaking in the state by hosting informational workshops, engaging in policy discussions with stakeholders, and connecting researchers to issues related to their expertise.
The MOST Legislative Policy Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of foundations and individual donors who value science-informed decision making. We maintain strict nonpartisan standards to ensure our research remains a trusted, independent resource for all Missourians.
