Programs & Initiatives

AAAS works every day to increase public understanding of science and technology, and to enhance communication among scientists, engineers, and the public. As one of the AAAS' immersive fellowships, the AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship aims to strengthen the community of scientists who are well-versed in communicating complex ideas to a general audience and to bring accurate science stories to the public.

Fellows use their academic training as they research, write, and report today's headlines, sharpening their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues to the public.

Application window: October 1, 2022-January 2, 2023
Fellowship: June 7, 2023-August 22, 2023

Eligibility:

1. Applicants must a) be enrolled as students (upper level undergraduate or graduate), b) be a postdoctoral trainee, or c) apply within one year of the completion of a) or b). Applicants must be in the life, physical, health, engineering, computer, or social sciences, mathematics or related fields. If you have questions about your eligibility, email mmfellowship@aaas.org.
2. Students enrolled in English, journalism, science journalism, or other non-technical fields are not enrolled for the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship, though these students may be eligible for the Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Internship.
3. Applicants must be US citizens or already hold visas that allow them to receive payment for work during the summer. AAAS cannot assist in obtaining/retaining visas. The fellowship is also open to US citizens studying abroad, as long as they can pay their way back into the US for the fellowship. Employment taxes may be higher for non-citizens.
4. Successful applicants are required to attend an orientation at AAAS headquarters early June and wrap-up session mid-August. They will prepare reports on the progress of their fellowships throughout their placement.

The Patent Assessment Internship is a part-time experiential education and professional development program. It is available to students pursuing advanced degrees in Law (Intellectual Property concentration) or Biomedical Sciences as an opportunity to obtain practical experience before embarking on a career path. Interns will gain exposure to the process of intellectual property management and commercialization in a university setting, commonly referred to as technology transfer. Jefferson Innovation is responsible for technology transfer activities at Jefferson, including management of the University’s intellectual property estate, out-licensing technology to commercial partners, and supporting the launch of associated start-up companies. Patentability assessment is a critical element of this function as Jefferson Innovation determines appropriate strategies for patent filings and corresponding business activity.

Internship Duties

Interns will be tasked with performing evaluations with respect to a wide range of emerging technologies and commercialization opportunities arising from Jefferson innovations, spanning the areas of biotechnology, medical devices, advanced materials, and healthcare information technology. Specific responsibilities will include:

• Completing training for prior art search (patent and scientific literature)
• Conducting comprehensive prior art searches
• Documenting results and preparing detailed reports
• Communicating findings with office staff and Jefferson inventors
• Attending regular team meetings and networking events

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an advanced degree in law, science or engineering
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more life sciences discipline (at least a Bachelor’s degree)
• Ability to clearly communicate complex scientific ideas, orally and in writing
• Effective time-management skills

Commitment

General structure: One semester @ 10 hours/week or Full year @ 6.5 hours/week.

Student interns may receive course credit with performance-based evaluation. Course credit (or compensation) is not guaranteed and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students and Fellows will be required to show support from their faculty advisor.

To apply, please submit a résumé and brief cover letter to Jefferson Innovation via email to Innovation@jefferson.edu.