Background

MSSPG was formed to serve as a platform to connect young researchers who are passionate about science policy, increase science awareness throughout the local community, and train science researchers on policy planning and analysis and provide inputs to policymakers. The group also strives to explore the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues that arise from biomedical progress, advocate for science-informed policymaking, and communicate science to the public through OpEds and public talks.

Current Leadership

• President: Piyush Kumar, Postdoctoral Fellow
• Co-Director of Content and Communications: Mira Liu, Postdoctoral Fellow

Newsletters

October/November 2023 newsletter is online now: October MSSPG Newsletter.pdf

Recent Events

Save the Date: Dec 4, 2023, 12 noon

MSSPG Webinar with JSPG on identifying policy topics and writing a memo.

Policy Writing Workshop

Our team partnered with NYSST and Dr. Deborah Stine (Science and Technology Policy Academy) to offer a series of writing workshops to help attendees gain skills in writing policy briefs and memos.

Science Policy Resources

Journal of Science Policy & Governance (JSPG)
 
JSPG seeks to elevate the visibility and enhance the skills of students and early career researchers in science policy and governance. JSPG invites Mount Sinai’s members to submit policy pieces in the open calls. You can subscribe to their mailing list here.

National Science Policy Network (NSPN)

The NSPN is an association of civically engaged individuals and local chapters committed to strengthening the role of science in society. Founded and led by early-career scientists, we provide education and training in Science Policy, Communication, Advocacy, Diplomacy, Equity, and Inclusion.

Opportunities

We welcome New York State graduate students and postdocs to get more involved with New York State Science and Technology (NYSST) Policy Network, cofounded by Piyush, an MSSPG member. Through working with NYSST, one can gain experience in policy research and hone networking, organizational and leadership skills.

Getting Involved with MSSPG

MSSPG is looking for volunteers.

MSSPG membership is open to everyone from Mount Sinai. However, the leadership positions can be held by GSBS grad students and postdocs only. Honorary and affiliate membership can be awarded to policy groups from other universities and institutes.

Currently, as of February 2022, All positions are open (initially one person for each position. When the group grows, 2 co-presidents, separate secretary and treasurers can be elected democratically). 

Structure

Working title and major responsibilities

1. President/Co-presidents: Overall leadership, interaction with authorities/Mt Sinai leadership/ GSBS/OPA, forging collaborations with other Policy groups and organizations, fundraising
2. Director, Communications and Content
3. Secretary/treasurers: Meeting minutes, reminders to fellows and members, keeping track of funds, liasoning with Grad School and Office of postdoc affairs 
4. Coordinators: Project Coordinators-Lead and coordinate specific events; Outreach Coordinators– social media, website, Liasons: Postdoc liason and Grad student liason

Slack Channel

Mount Sinai students and trainees can join by clicking this weblink: https://join.slack.com/t/mountsinaisci-qkv7099/shared_invite/zt-13ozyiede-t~0XkJDehv~YyptMWX6xDQ

Past Leadership and activities

MSSPG thanks outgoing leader Allison Kahn who recently graduated and is now a postdoc. Some of the past events and activities of the group include:

1. Voter registration drives
2. Participated in the March For Science, organized a table for education on vaccines, climate change, genome editing, open access policies, environmental regulations, etc.
3. Op-ed writing 
4. Science policy symposium → hosted speakers from the Alan Alda Center for Science Communication, NYS EPA, etc.

Contact:

For any queries, please email Piyush: <piyush.kumar@mssm.edu> or Mira Liu