Embassy Science Fellows Program

The Embassy Science Fellows Program provides U.S. embassies access to the expertise of U.S. government officers in science and technology fields.

• U.S. embassies and consulates request Fellows to assist on science, technology, environment, health, or innovation issues. They recommend projects that will have significant positive impact on the national security and economic prosperity of the United States, and strengthen international cooperation with partners to preserve American dominance in key sectors of interest.
• The work of Embassy Science Fellows has contributed to policy development and collaboration with host governments, universities and other organizations.
• The Program is active throughout the world, and in 2018 received 127 technical proposals from 70 U.S. embassies and consulates.
• Eighteen U.S. Government science agencies participate and, on average, the Embassy Science Fellow Program places 50 scientists per year.  Almost 550 Fellows have participated in the program since its inception in 2001.

The work of the program has included managing dry lands in Africa, developing regional drinking water systems in Latin America, researching climate change mitigation efforts in Europe and the Caribbean, and preparing for disaster response in East Asia.  The Embassy Science Fellows program leverages the expertise of U.S. government scientists to build relationships and partnerships that advance American foreign policy and scientific priorities, further our understanding of worldwide science trends, promote U.S. scientific norms, and advance American foreign policy interests.