Minnesota Sea Grant Science and Policy Fellowship

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The fellowship application is now open for the inaugural cohort of the Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) Science and Policy Fellowship Program. This program seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy development and help equip a new generation of scientists with the skills to successfully work at the interface of science and policy.

“Minnesota faces significant water resource challenges, from mitigating severe weather impacts to improving water quality and managing invasive species,” said MNSG Research and Fellowship Coordinator Alex Frie. “Sea Grant’s Science and Policy Fellowship program is designed to prepare scientists to tackle these complex issues by working directly with state, county, or local agencies, tribal organizations, and nonprofits.”

About the Fellowship Program. The MNSG Science and Policy Fellowship is a one-year, full-time, paid program for current and recent graduate students. Fellows will be placed with host organizations, including state agencies, legislative committees, tribal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Through mentorship and training, fellows will support host organizations on projects related to water resource science and policy.

The program provides fellows an opportunity to gain real-world experience, while host organizations benefit from the expertise of highly trained scientists.

“Our Science and Policy Fellowship program is a key initiative in fulfilling MNSG’s mission to support a sustainable and resilient future for Minnesota’s environment and communities,” said MNSG Director John A. Downing.

Program Details.

Application deadline: February 27, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. CT
Fellowship Period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Stipend: $55,000 Professional Development Funds: $2,500
Eligibility: Open to current and recent graduate students (graduated after July 1, 2023) who are U.S. citizens. Preference will be given to Minnesota residents or those who attended a Minnesota-based graduate program.
2025-2026 fellowship position descriptions:
St. Louis County: Facilitating Stream Restoration
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Water Resources Sustainability
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Aquatic Invasive Species
Application Information. Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are now open and must be submitted through Minnesota Sea Grant's web portal eSeaGrant by 11:59 p.m. CT on February 27, 2025. Application details on the Minnesota Sea Grant Science and Policy Fellowship webpage.

Webinar. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on the Minnesota Sea Grant Science and Policy Fellowship on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Register.

Questions? Submit the Minnesota Sea Grant Fellowship Interest Form to get more information and to ask questions.

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

Minnesota Sea Grant is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Great Lakes and coastal states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, outreach, communication, education and technology transfer.

CONTACTS:
Alex Frie, research and fellowship coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, afrie@umn.edu.
John A. Downing, director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, downing@d.umn.edu.
Marie Thoms, communications director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth. methoms@d.umn.edu.