TLDR: Read and sign our public comment on a proposed rule to restrict international students, get involved through our SciPol Hackathon or SciPol course, sign up for Stance on Science to see where candidates stand on scientific issues

Multidisciplinary Writing

ACTION ITEM: The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a rule that would limit the amount of time that international students can spend in the United States to four years. This would apply to both undergraduate and graduate students. The rule would also restrict options for post-graduate visas by reclassifying Optional Practical Training (OPT). SNAP has written a response in opposition to the proposed rule which will be posted as a public comment to the federal register. Read the comment and sign on here by September 24th.

SNAP Visits

As Congress has resumed session on Capitol Hill, SNAP’s Congressional District Visits are winding down. Through these visits, scientists across 29 states met with over 55 Congressional offices, sharing stories about their science and the value of research! We are inspired by each scientist who dedicated time to learn, prepare, and engage with lawmakers to support public science funding. We are evaluating the impact of these visits, so stay tuned for a report on initiative impact in a future newsletter!

SciPol Hackathon

SNAP is organizing a Science Policy Hackathon event to take place during the Spring semester! Small groups will tackle policy issues related to science and society, STEM professional formation, and bolstering the STEM workforce. Completed policy solutions will be showcased by SNAP. Are you a graduate student at a university with a science policy group? Or don’t have a science policy grad group, but are interested in forming one? Email us for more info!

SciPol Course

SNAP is developing a modular science policy curriculum covering topics such as: What is Science Policy?, How Government Works, Science Communication, and more. These resources can be used to educate students at our home institutions and encourage the creation of new university science policy groups. More intensive course development is underway now, email us if you’re interested in getting involved or if you want to make sure we send you the course materials once they’re finalized!

Stance on Science

SNAP will be asking science policy-related questions of candidates running in local, state, and national races during the 2026 elections. We’ll share their responses on our website so voters can better understand where candidates stand on science issues. Interested in helping in your state? Fill out this sign-up form, and we will be in touch with more information. Stay tuned for more details as 2026 approaches!

McClintock Letters

This initiative is a nationwide science communication project in which hundreds of scientists wrote to their local hometown papers to convey the value of federally funded research to a diverse audience. So far we have had over 200 pieces published across at least 44 states! We are now examining the impact of this initiative.

AAAS 2026

Members of SNAP will be attending the AAAS conference in February 2026. Stay tuned for the events we’ll be participating in! If you are interested in presenting your research at AAAS, the abstract submission portal has opened.

✨SNAPper Highlights and Achievements ✨

Check out these recent works by SNAP members and works mentioning SNAP members or initiatives!