Science Policy Boot Camp

Join us for a four-day deep dive into state-level policy making with practitioners, leading experts in science policy, communication, and engagement. The boot camp includes open participation, hands-on learning activities, and signature events including a science policy hack-a-thon. REGISTER HERE!

Session Types:

Plenary: 60-minute session with 45 minutes for presentation and 15 minutes Q&A

Panel: 3-4 people will participate on a panel of professionals where we will provide 10 minutes for individual introductions, 30 minutes of facilitated discussions, and 15 minutes of Q&A with the participants

Working Sessions: 90-minute workshop that consists of 30 minutes of plenary, 30 minutes of activity or deep dive, 30 minutes of reflection and discussion on how to execute ideas in your community.

Hack-a-thon: Final day where participants form teams and put their new tools and knowledge into action by developing and presenting a real world science policy solution.

Awards:

First place—$500
Second place—$250
Third place—$150
People's Choice—$150

Location:

The Science Policy Boot Camp will take place at multiple locations around North Carolina’s Triangle area, including Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle Park (RTP). Event spaces will aim to orient participants to policymaking environments and connect people in unique settings. Exact locations will be provided closer to the event.

Questions?

Email programs@sigmaxi.org if you have questions or would like to learn more about Science Policy Boot Camp.

Register to Attend

Cost:

General Attendance
Early-bird (before June 25th): $200
Regular registration: $250
Student: $85

Sigma Xi Members
Early-bird (before June 25th): $125
Regular registration: $150
Student: $75

Schedule

(All times EDT; Details subject to change)

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

"Introduction to Policy and North Carolina Government"

Goals:

Level set and introduce the policy landscape (in NC)
Explore the different cultures of research and policy making
Foster connections among participants

1:00 p.m.— Check-in

1:15 p.m.— Opening Remarks/What to expect

Jamie Vernon, Executive Director and CEO, Sigma Xi; Publisher, American Scientist
John Fear, Deputy Director, North Carolina Sea Grant

2:00 p.m.— Science Policymaking in Practice

Greer Arthur, Research Director, University of North Carolina

3:15 p.m.— Break

3:30 p.m.— Introduction to North Carolina State Government

Chris Cooper, Professor and Dept. Head of Political Science and Public Affairs, Western Carolina University

4:30 p.m.—Achieving Policy Outcomes

Former Fellows: Kamya Bates, Mariely V Gomez, Natalie Schulte

5:15 p.m.— Happy Hour at Boxyard

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

"Exploring the Branches of State Government and Policy Making"

Goals:

Understand the levers of government and policy making
Explore the role of science in policy making
Tour of Government Buildings

8:00 a.m.— Engaging with the Executive Branch as a Science Advisor or Expert

John Hardin, Executive Director, NC Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, NCDOC

9:00 a.m.— Tools and Platforms for Advancing Science Policy: How to Use Technology to Track, Train, Engage, and Create for Policy

Ricky Leung, Head of Product, UpState

10:00 a.m.— Break

10:30 a.m.— Knowledge Intermediaries and Evidence Use in Policymaking: Topic Modeling and Analysis of Two Consequential Policy Areas

Sheril Kirshenbaum, Scientist and Professor, Office of Research and Innovation, Michigan State University

11:30 a.m.— Science and the Legal System Panel

Nancy Hardison, Of Counsel, Brooks Pierce
Boz Zellinger, Section Head—Special Prosecutions and Law Enforcement, North Carolina Attorney General

12:30 p.m.— Lunch

2:30 p.m.— Guided Tour of the Legislative Building

4:30 p.m.— Happy Hour at Morgan Street Food Hall

Thursday, July 30, 2026

"Innovative ways to engage in policy"

Facilitator: Debbie Stine, Founder and Chief Instructor, Science & Technology Policy Academy

Goals:

Identify personal motivations and biases of policy engagement
Understand role of non-governmental organizations
Explore tools for engaging with the policy process

9:00 a.m.— Policy Memo Preparation, Writing and Delivery to a Legislator

10:30 a.m.— Break

10:45 a.m.— Policy Memo Preparation, Writing and Delivery to a Legislator

12:00 p.m.— Lunch

1:00 p.m.— Policy Memo Preparation, Writing and Delivery to a Legislator

2:30 p.m.— Break

2:45 p.m.— Policy Memo Preparation, Writing and Delivery to Legislators

Friday, July 31, 2026

"Science Policy Hack-a-thon"

Hosted by:

Jamie Vernon, Executive Director and CEO, Sigma Xi; Publisher, American Scientist

Goals:

Create a policy relevant product
Apply learnings and tools from previous days
Make new connections

Details: Join us on the last day of the boot camp for the Science Policy Hack-a-thon to apply what you learned towards a practical application in policy! We will assist you with developing your idea in science policy and create a tangible policy-relevant product. We will share an example of a successful pitch that you can emulate, as well as provide help in the form of coaching, team building and resources to help develop your idea. Finally, we will assemble a committee to judge the submissions. Winners will receive cash prizes, have their ideas showcased on the Sigma Xi website and highlighted in a subsequent blog post detailing the bootcamp outcomes.

Cash prizes:
$500 first place
$250 second place
$150 third place
$150 People's Choice

9:00 a.m.— Introduction of Policy Challenge Opportunities (NC Project Portal)

9:15 a.m.— Team Formation and Overview of Resources Available for the Challenge, including Data, Software Engineering Support, Pitch Coaching, etc.

9:30 a.m.— Hacking and Preparing for the Submission

12:00 p.m.— Lunch

1:00 p.m.— Pitch Presentation Preview

4:00 p.m.— Final Presentation and Prize Announcements

5:00 p.m.— Reception and Happy Hour

SciPol Bootcamp

Science Policy Boot Camp

Session Types:

Awards:

Location:

Questions?

Cost:

Schedule

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

"Introduction to Policy and North Carolina Government"

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

"Exploring the Branches of State Government and Policy Making"

Thursday, July 30, 2026

"Innovative ways to engage in policy"

Friday, July 31, 2026

"Science Policy Hack-a-thon"

About

Programs

Chapters

Meetings & Events

Members

News

Publications