About SciPol.org

SciPol.org was a non-partisan, public website dedicated to tracking and analyzing science and technology policy across a range of fields: Energy, Genomics, Nanotechnology, Neuroscience, and Robotics / Artificial Intelligence. We additionally offer resources to help individuals better engage with or find employment in science policy. We focused primarily on science policy from the United States federal government; we occasionally covered state or international policy in addition to voluntary policies or policy suggestions offered by industry, academic, and nonprofit entities.

SciPol.org provided timely and quality information to a broad audience of academics, policymakers, businesses, journalists, nonprofits, and general members of the public. We delivered thorough, comprehensive, and accurate explanations of the latest science policy to better inform society about such policies that may eventually impact their daily lives. We do not offer policy suggestions, nor do we endorse or oppose any specific policy we discuss on the site.

SciPol.org and the Duke Bioethics & Science Policy Masters Program

The Duke Master of Arts in Bioethics & Science Policy is unlike any other bioethics graduate program in the country. Our students are trained to identify and analyze complex issues in science and technology with an emphasis on how to apply their knowledge to affect change in our society. SciPol.org provides a channel to exercise what is learned in the classroom resulting in publishing opportunities and immediate real-world impact.

Today’s world of rapid progress in the sciences has seen an increased demand for professionals with expertise in the ethical and policy implications inherent in new discoveries. SciPol.org contributes to a broader education, opens more opportunities after graduation, and better equips our students to meet an ever-growing need in society.

Duke Undergrad and Grad Students

Duke students gained hands-on experience learning about, writing about, and analyzing current developments in science and technology policy by contributing to SciPol.org. Previous contributors have helped out by writing original science policy briefs or explainers, serving as peer editors for fellow contributors, or maintaining engagement resources on the website, among other opportunities. Contributors collaborate with a team of supervising editors to ensure the quality of published content. Contributors received authorship credit for their work and are encouraged to cite these publications as valuable experience on their resumes or CV.

Duke Faculty and Researchers

A core function of SciPol.org was to accurately assess the relevant science affecting science and technology policy decisions. Participation from Duke University experts was integral to this effort.

Contributors had the opportunity to position themselves as relevant experts in SciPol.org’s original policy briefs, leading to new opportunities to connect with policymakers, journalists, and other key players who are driving changes in science and technology legislation and regulation.