When microbiology student Sadie Harley sat down to write an op-ed about the importance of federal research funding, she wasn’t just sharing her perspective—she was joining over 200 early-career scientists across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico doing the same through the McClintock Letters initiative. Launched by the Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP) in 2025, this grassroots movement is redefining what it means to be a scientist in public life. At a time when trust in institutions wavers and science policy grows increasingly complex, SNAP is proving that early-career researchers aren’t waiting for permission—they’re building the infrastructure to lead.
For decades, scientists have been trained to excel in labs and publish in journals, but rarely to speak to policymakers or engage their communities. SNAP confronts this gap head-on. As the network’s founders write in a 2026 BioScience special report, “civic engagement is not an 'add-on' but a core part of scientific practice.” That belief has powered a wave of initiatives designed to make science policy accessible, local, and inclusive. The McClintock Letters, named in honor of Nobel laureate Barbara McClintock, have turned hometown newspapers into platforms for scientific advocacy, with researchers sharing personal stories about how public funding shaped their careers.
Equally transformative has been SNAP’s expansion of congressional engagement beyond Washington, D.C. Inspired by the AIBS Congressional District Visits, SNAP coordinated 54 district office meetings across 29 states—bringing scientists directly to their representatives’ doorsteps. These local visits lowered logistical and financial barriers, enabling broader participation from graduate students and postdocs who might otherwise be excluded. The network’s momentum continues with Stance on Science, a new effort to track political candidates’ positions on science issues, and a free, open-access Science Policy 101 curriculum designed to equip researchers with foundational knowledge. Later this year, a Science Policy Hackathon will challenge teams to develop innovative tools for public engagement.
The impact extends beyond individual actions. SNAP’s founders are calling for systemic change—urging universities and funding agencies to recognize civic engagement as a core scientific competency. When scientists are empowered to participate in public discourse, they don’t just inform policy; they strengthen democracy. As the report puts it, “They can help ensure that science serves the public good.” With over 200 op-eds published, 54 congressional visits completed, and a growing suite of open resources, SNAP is proving that the next generation of scientists isn’t just watching history—they’re writing it.
And they’re just getting started.