The Gulf Research Program Science Policy Fellowship

The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship program helps scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand experience as they spend one year on the staff of federal, state, local, or non-governmental environmental, natural resource, oil and gas, and public health agencies in the Gulf of Mexico region.

Stipend and Benefits

Fellows who have completed an MA, MS, or MPH/MSPH degree or who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program will receive an annual stipend of $58,000. Fellows who have completed a PhD, ScD, EngD, MD, DrPH, or DVM will receive an annual stipend of $63,000. The GRP has increased the stipend amounts to account for cost of living increases.

In addition to the stipend, each fellow will receive an annual health allowance of $5,500, which will be added to the stipend package. The annual health allowance is intended to offset the cost of health insurance and/or to offset the cost of healthcare-related needs during the term of the fellowship. The stipend package will be paid directly to the fellow in monthly disbursements.

Fellows will also receive a $1,500 one-time payment prior to or at the beginning of the fellowship term to defray costs associated with relocation. No other relocation costs will be reimbursed.

Professional development

Fellows will receive up to $5,000 in additional support as reimbursement for tuition and/or fees for professional development courses and activities or for professional travel related to their host office duties.

Additional funding

All fellows will attend an orientation in Washington, D.C.  Fellows may be required to attend one or more conferences/events during their fellowship term. Travel expenses for these events will be covered by the Gulf Research Program; they are in addition to the fellowship stipend and professional development support.