BiBB - From academia to policy, politics and public administrations by Pim Linnebank

PhD candidates in the natural and technical sciences learn how to analyse complex systems, design systematic research, and turn complicated questions into concrete, workable insights. During their PhD, they develop not only deep subject-specific expertise, but also the ability to conduct rigorous research, deal with uncertainty, identify patterns, and describe complex problems with clarity and precision.

These are exactly the kinds of skills that are valuable in places where difficult societal decisions are made, such as in public administration, policy, and government. Yet, while many PhD candidates do not remain in academia after completing their doctorate, relatively few scientists make the transition into politics, policy, or broader public leadership.

BiBB aims to help change that by encouraging more STEM researchers to find their way into politics and public administration. In this workshop, we explore what those pathways can look like for PhD candidates who want to apply their analytical and research skills in a broader societal context. Through the experiences of speakers who have successfully made this transition themselves, participants will gain insight into the possibilities, as well as practical tools and concrete next steps to explore whether such a move could be right for them.