Science Policy Action Network (SPAN) – Home


The world is grappling with complex challenges, from climate change to public health and the emergence of AI, all of which place scientists at the forefront of the search for solutions. As students and early-career scientists, we question how we can make an impact in these challenges within and outside of our research.

Science Policy Action Network (SPAN), aims to provide a community for early-career scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy! We aim to raise awareness of scientists’ roles for evidence-based policy, highlight relevant careers, train on transferable skills, generate policy recommendations as early-expert researchers, and open doors to a diverse networks of organizations, faculty, and policy-makers.

Ready to learn and to make a difference with your scientific expertise? Join us and be part of a movement to drive impactful change!

We are a student association aimed to bring together Post-docs and PhDs, as well as Masters students and Bachelors students at EPFL. 

To do this, we are composed into three distinct pillars of action and coordination.

Outreach and Education Pillar

  • Workshops on transferable skills 
  • Invited talks and panels discussions with professionals working at the science-policy interface
  • Events held 1-3x each semester

Action Pillar 

  • Authored policy briefs produced and peer-reviewed by members
  • Continuously produced throughout the year

Networking Pillar

  • Community networking events
  • Communication about jobs & external events
  • Professional connections to help inspire and inform potential career paths
  • Events held 1-2x each semester