• A researcher works with equipment

        • About Us

          URA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) academic consortium composed of over 94 premier research universities across the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan headquartered in Washington, D.C. supporting government lab management and operation in the national interest.

        • A grassy area is located next to a column-lined outdoor walkway at a college campus

        • Member Universities

          URA fosters valuable university research partnerships through membership. URA presents members with research opportunities at national engineering and physics labs, engagement with laboratory leadership and management, and recognition of academic achievements.

        • Lab Management

          Since 1965 URA has been an integral part of the management of Fermilab, overseeing the management and operations of the lab and bringing the expertise of our 94 member universities to bear on the challenges facing the Fermilab.  URA supports scholars and interns doing research at Fermilab and recognizes outstanding contributions.  In 2007 URA became part of the organization that manages and operates Sandia National Laboratories and since then has worked to support the scientific and technical demands of Sandia by supporting external calibration of science, technology and engineering (ST&E) programs; aid in ST&E programs’ strategic planning; and assist in development of university partnerships and diverse workforce talent.

        • Science & Research Policy

          URA strives to engender an awareness of the current national science policy issues among its members and early career scientists. This is achieved through a variety of platforms at URA, including science policy and communication training, connecting scientists and policymakers, and policy town halls and workshops. URA’s goal is to facilitate effective science communication to promote the public’s understanding of scientific discoveries, foster trust in scientific institutions, and facilitate informed decision-making by policymakers and the public.

  • Events
  • News
  • Contact Us

URA-NREL Science Communication Opportunity for Projects in Energy Fellowship

Home | Science & Research Policy | URA-NREL Science Communication Opportunity for Projects in Energy Fellowship

Our Science Communication Fellowship Opportunity for Summer 2025 is OPEN!

Objectives

The Science Communication Opportunity for Projects in Energy (SCOPE) Fellowship for current or recent graduate students in STEM, social sciences, and other energy-related majors offers an experience in energy research and enhancement of science communication skills. SCOPE is a collaboration between the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Universities Research Association (URA), and is powered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).  We have partnered to achieve the goal of strengthening the dialogue between early career scientists and the public on issues related to energy technology and policy.

Program Description

This program provides science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), science communication, and policy analysis experiences that support innovative energy solutions. Fellows will participate in research projects that tackle energy innovation, implementation, and associated policies, and conduct research that supports the goals of NREL mentors and technical staff.  Analysis of the impact of existing initiatives, technologies, and policies will gather evidence-based information and identify best practices in achieving a clean energy economy. Fellows will be included in tours and events sponsored by the NREL Student Intern Program. In conjunction with research, fellows will have the unique opportunity to receive professional development in science communication facilitated by URA. URA’s science policy & communication training curriculum will train fellows to write and publish op-eds on their research findings, draft memos of the science and policy benefits of their work, and conduct meetings with various stakeholders in Washington D.C.

Outcomes & Benefits
  • Gain insight into a national laboratory’s ecosystem of energy policy research 
  • Develop competencies needed to launch careers in the science policy arena
  • Establish a network of researchers and advocates in energy technology and policy
  • Earn a stipend to support 11 weeks of research and professional development in the summer
  • Showcase policy analysis, communication, and critical thinking skills in a three-day Science Communication Summit in Washington, DC 

Application & Selection Process

  • Applicants must be full-time masters or doctoral graduate students, or recent graduates within one year of the start of the fellowship.

  • The online application includes a 2-page resume, short response to a prompt, transcript, and two professional references, one of which must be from  a research mentor. 

  • All applications must be made through the “Apply to SCOPE“ link on this page.

  • Students may select one or more research projects for which their graduate program and interests are a good match. These include Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support, Community Energy Transitions, Grid Planning and Analysis, Residential Buildings Solutions and Scaling, and Strategic Energy Analysis.

  • Applications must be submitted by January 13, 2025.

  • Applications will be reviewed by URA and the hosting NREL office, with anticipated notification of the students selected by April, 2025.

  • A successful applicant will have a research background, strong writing skills, and the ability to synthesize information. Preference will be given to applicants motivated to contribute to energy, equity, and environmental justice solutions.

Stipend and Dislocation Travel Allowance

The stipend will be based on participation for 11 weeks, 40 hours/week. Medical or other employment benefits are not provided. Hotel, and per diems will be provided for Fellows’ participation in the Science Policy Summit in Washington D.C. at the end of the fellowship. 

Appointment Dates

Selected Summer Fellows should begin on dates negotiated with the NREL mentors starting May 2025 and ending August 2025 to encompass 11 fellowship weeks.

Submit applications no later than January 31st, 2025, 11:59 pm MT.