The Science to Policy Accelerator (S2PA)

Are you an early-career researcher looking to make an impact beyond the lab?

What is S2PA?

The Science to Policy Accelerator (S2PA) is a unique training program designed to equip early-career researchers across Canada with the skills, knowledge, and networks to engage effectively with public policy.

Through expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, S2PA provides the tools you need to translate research into action and become a leader at the science-policy interface.

Why Apply?

As science increasingly influences policy on issues like climate change, public health, and technology, researchers need to be ready to engage with decision-makers. However, navigating the policy world requires specialized skills and strategies. That’s where S2PA comes in.

By participating, you will:

Who Can Apply?

The Science to Policy Accelerator (S2PA) is designed for early-career researchers (ECRs) in Canada who are eager to engage with policymaking but have limited experience in doing so.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be currently living in Canada
Have no or limited experience engaging in policy-making processes
Have completed a PhD within the past five years or a Master’s degree within the past three years

Please note: Undergraduate and graduate students who have not yet completed their degrees are not eligible for this program

This program is offered at no cost to participants. Applications are currently closed.

Program Details

Program Dates: May 2025 (specific dates TBA)
Format: Virtual sessions held over five weeks
Topics Covered: Science policy, science communication, engaging with elected officials, writing for policymakers, and more

As a member of the inaugural cohort of the S2PA program, it was exciting to connect with so many amazing early-career researchers and dive into the exciting world of science policy! I learned about new concepts and valuable knowledge which I know I can implement in my day-to-day and throughout my career. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interesting in learning more about how to use their background in science to help make a change!

Loved my experience with the S2PA program! E4D did a great job of presenting the theory behind science policy and teaching practical skills such as writing briefing notes. Highly recommend it to all Ph.D. graduates!

The S2PA program was so empowering! We dived into different aspects of SciPol which gave me a better understanding of how it works and how to get involved. The invited experts shared lots of great tips and we had inspiring conversations. I'm looking forward to put these advice into use.

The S2PA helped to refine my knowledge in certain areas of policy I had a basic understanding of and to really learn about other areas crucial to policy work such as delivering short verbal briefs and pre-budget planning.

The S2PA program offers a unique opportunity to learn how to engage with policy makers and network with them. I am very happy to have attended this program. I learned tools I did not know I needed.

I learned so much in this program. Thinking about policy, I wouldn't have even known where to start. Now, I have an idea of how policy is implemented in Canada, and where and how experts can weigh in. I also have access to a network of folks who I could reach out to for help!