About

The Science Policy Hill Day is a student-led, nonpartisan program that prepares Yale trainees to participate effectively in policy conversations. Through workshops, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meetings with congressional offices in Washington, D.C., participants learn to communicate scientific evidence clearly and connect their expertise to actionable policy priorities.

The program began with its first Hill Day in 2025, launched by Maxwell Zhu as a pilot program. What began as a pilot has since grown into an established annual program, completing two successful Hill Days while remaining led by graduate and professional students from across Yale.

Why science policy engagement matters

Decisions about research funding, public health, emerging technologies, education, the environment, and many other issues depend on the thoughtful use of scientific evidence. Scientists can make valuable contributions to these conversations, but effective policy engagement requires more than subject-matter expertise.

Researchers must also be able to explain complex ideas to non-specialist audiences, understand the policy landscape surrounding an issue, identify a focused and achievable request, and communicate respectfully with people who may approach the topic from different perspectives.

Who the program is for

The program is designed primarily for graduate and professional students, and other trainees interested in learning how their expertise can contribute to public policy.

Our fall workshops are open to the entire Yale community, regardless of previous policy experience. Participants interested in continuing with the program may apply to join the spring Washington, D.C., cohort, where they work in interdisciplinary teams to prepare for meetings with congressional offices.

Build communication skills

In the fall, we offer two workshops open to the entire Yale community. These workshops introduce effective science communication and explore how scientists can adapt their messages for policymakers and other non-specialist audiences.
Join a team

Participants apply to join the spring Washington, D.C., cohort. Selected participants are organized into small teams centered on specific science-policy topics.
Develop policy asks

During three spring workshops, teams learn about the federal policymaking process, examine the policy landscape surrounding their topic, develop a focused policy ask, prepare supporting materials, and practice for congressional meetings.
Engage with congressional offices

The program culminates in a visit to Washington, D.C., where teams meet with congressional staff to discuss their topics, communicate relevant scientific evidence, and advocate for evidence-informed policy approaches.

What participants gain

Confidence communicating with policymakers

Participants practice explaining complex scientific topics clearly, concisely, and in language appropriate for non-specialist audiences.

Practical policy and advocacy skills

Teams learn how to define an actionable policy request, develop persuasive supporting materials, prepare for meetings, and respond effectively to questions.

Understanding the federal policy process

Participants become more familiar with how congressional offices operate, how policy priorities are shaped, and where scientific expertise can contribute to decision-making.

Interdisciplinary relationships across Yale

The program brings together participants from different schools, disciplines, and stages of training to work toward shared policy goals.

Yale Science Policy Hill Day is grounded in nonpartisan civic engagement. The program does not support political parties or candidates, and participants do not represent or speak on behalf of Yale University. They engage as individual scientists and trainees, sharing their own perspectives and relevant evidence. We emphasize accuracy, transparency about uncertainty, respectful dialogue, and engagement across the political spectrum.