When most people hear the words “science policy,” they picture congressional debates or multi-billion dollar federal agencies. However, science policy is not something that only happens in high-security government buildings — it shapes everything from the quality of the water we drink to the funding available for public and university research. And everybody, not just the high-ranking officials in government departments, can have a voice that influences science policy. Understanding how to track policy, communicate with our representatives, and connect with science organizations is just one of many accessible ways you can play a role in the future of science policies that impact your everyday life.
Step 1: Know who represents you
Science policy decisions are made at many levels: local councils, state legislatures, Congress, and even international agreements. For most federal science issues, like research funding or climate policy, your congressmembers are key.
You are linked to both the district where you study here at UR and the place you call home — lawmakers from each of those areas are meant to speak for you. That means you can reach out to representatives from both places.
You can find out who your representatives are by visiting www.congress.gov/members or using the “Find Your Representative” tool at www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative. To find your senators, go to www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm.
These sites not only give you names, but they also provide contact information, official websites, and social media accounts.
Step 2: See how they vote on science issues
It is one thing to know your representative’s name; it is another to know how they vote. Several nonpartisan websites track this:
- GovTrack.us — Lets you look up bills, see how your representative voted, and track legislation over time.
- Congress.gov — The official site for all federal legislation, with summaries, full text, and voting records.
- BallotReady.org — Helps you see your elected officials’ positions and upcoming elections, tailored to your address.
When it comes to science, pertinent bills may not always have “science” in the title. Funding bills, environmental regulations, public health laws, and technology policy often shape the scientific landscape.
Step 3: Learn your representative’s science policy stance
Members of Congress do not always post detailed science policy platforms, and that is where science organizations can help. Many professional groups publish nonpartisan policy priorities, position statements, and fact sheets.
- American Geophysical Union (AGU) — sciencepolicy.agu.org — Offers policy updates, fact sheets, and opportunities to connect with lawmakers on Earth and space science.
- American Geosciences Institute (AGI) — americangeosciences.org/policy — Tracks geoscience-related legislation and provides educational policy resources.
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) — www.aaas.org — Publishes policy briefs on topics from climate change to STEM education and hosts the annual “Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering” workshop for students.
Reading these resources can help you ask better, more informed questions when you talk to your representatives.
Step 4: Contact your representatives and make it count
Reaching out to your lawmakers is easier than it sounds. You can:
- Call their office — Numbers are on their websites; staffers take notes on every call.
- Email through an online contact form (often the fastest way).
- Attend local events — Town halls, campus visits, and community meetings are chances to speak face-to-face.
When you contact them, keep it simple:
- Introduce yourself (including that you are a student and a constituent).
- State the issue you care about.
- Share why it matters to you personally or to your community.
- Ask them to take a specific action — support a bill, fund a program, oppose a harmful policy.
For example, you could write something like this:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a student at [Your School] in [Your City]. I am concerned about federal funding for scientific research. This funding supports universities like [University Name], where students like me learn about and contribute to solving environmental challenges. I urge Representative [Name] to support full funding for the National Science Foundation in the upcoming budget.”
Step 5: Follow along and stay engaged
Once you have made contact, keep paying attention. Follow your representatives on social media. Subscribe to newsletters from science policy organizations. Sign up for alerts on GovTrack.us or Congress.gov for bills you care about.
Why this matters for students
Science policy decisions today shapes the research opportunities, job markets, and environmental conditions of the future. For example:
- Federal funding levels will determine whether new research labs open on our campuses.
- Climate and environmental regulations will affect the air we breathe and the water we drink.
- STEM education policies will influence the resources available in our classrooms.
By engaging now, we can ensure these decisions reflect the values and priorities of our generation. Science is not separate from politics; it is part of it. The more we understand how science policy works, the more effectively we can advocate for a future where evidence-based decision-making leads the way.
So, find out who represents you. Learn how they vote. See what science organizations say about the issues. And then — most importantly — speak up. Science needs voices from every community, and students are often some of the strongest voices of all.
