Provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions
The Jefferson Science Fellows program is designed to leverage the expertise of the U.S. academic community in science, technology, engineering, and medicine to inform and enhance U.S. government policy and international development efforts. The program selects tenured or similarly ranked faculty from U.S. higher education institutions who, after obtaining a security clearance, spend a year advising the U.S. Department of State or USAID on foreign policy or international development issues. These assignments are customized to align with both the hosting office's needs and the Fellows' areas of expertise. After the fellowship year, Fellows return to their academic positions but continue to serve as consultants to the U.S. government for short-term projects.