PhD students can apply before Feb.13 to participate in the annual AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science) CASE (Catalyzing Advocacy in Science & Engineering) Workshop on site in Washington D.C. It is a selective program facilitated through a Graduate School partnership with the Cornell Office of Federal Relations and Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences.Read about the experiences of previous CASE attendees on this page. Please only apply if you are available for all dates of the trek including travel (April 12-15, 2026).

About the AAAS CASE Workshop

Participation in the AAAS CASE Workshop is open to full-time enrolled PhD students in STEM and social sciences fields who have limited prior experience and knowledge of science policy and advocacy who want to learn more about the role of science in policy-making. The program introduces you to the federal policy-making process, and empowers you with ways to become a voice for basic research throughout your career. You’ll learn about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations processes, tools for effective science communication and civil engagement. In addition, you’ll participate in interactive seminars about policy-making and communication. Cornell participants then put into practice what was learned by engaging in meetings with elected Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and current policy fellows. These meetings are organized by representatives from the Cornell Office of Federal Relations.

Departure is early morning April 12 with a return late on April 15.

Annual Timeline

• Call for Applications: Late January (Priority consideration provided to advanced Ph.D. candidates and to those who have not had prior opportunities to engage in federal advocacy efforts.)
• Application Due Date: February 13 
• Selection Decisions Released: mid- to late-February
• Once selected, participants must fill complete the full student registration form by Thursday, February 26.
• Details with additional logistics information and the agenda communicated in late March/early April.
• AAAS Catalyzing Advocacy in Science & Engineering Workshop D.C. travel and workshop: April 12-15, 2026

2026 Logistics

NOTES: Application cycle is now open. Applicants must be available for the full program offered, including travel dates, unless they are already in the Washington, D.C. area.

AAAS CASE Workshop Dates: April 12-15, 2026
Location: Hyatt Regency, Bethesda.
Travel Dates: April 12 & 15 (3 overnights)
Eligibility: Full time Cornell doctoral STEM & Social Sciences students from the Ithaca, Geneva and Cornell Tech campuses.

Preview of the Application

To make sure you have the required information on hand prior to applying, here’s a short checklist:

• Indicate your reasons for interest in participating in the AAAS CASE Workshop
• Provide a list of funding sources from undergrad and graduate financial aid and fellowships
• Look up your congressional representative from your voting address; if not voting eligible, use your local address
• Provide a summary of any previous experience participating in federal advocacy, if any
• Synopsis of your research <250 words in broadly understandable terms
• List of research funding sources
• Brief bio <250 words
• Head shot to share with the Office of Federal Relations and media outreach
• Answer the following questions: prior communication and leadership experience, what you hope to get out of the experience, any ADA requirements or dietary restrictions

Apply now before Feb. 13

Use this qualtrics link to apply

Eligibility

Doctoral students from the Ithaca, Geneva, and Cornell Tech campuses are eligible to apply. Weill Medical applicants will apply through WMC contacts.

Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a Cornell doctoral graduate degree program in one of the following fields: biological, physical, or earth sciences; computational sciences and mathematics; engineering disciplines; medical and health sciences; and social and behavioral sciences. Students from foreign countries are eligible if they are studying here in the U.S.

Support

Support for participation in the AAAS CASE Workshop comes from Cornell’s Graduate School, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and the Cornell Office of Federal Relations. There will be no cost to selected participants for travel or accommodations.

Questions?

Please contact Susi Varvayanis via email with any questions or expressions of interest in these opportunities. She will coordinate the application process and Cornell sponsorship.