Call for Hosts: Minnesota Sea Grant Science & Policy Fellowship

Host Program Summary

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) invites state, municipal, and county agencies, legislative committees, tribal agencies, and nonprofit organizations within Minnesota to apply to become hosts for the new MNSG Science and Policy Fellowship Program. This program places current and recent graduate students with hosts for full- time, one-year paid fellowships. The MNSG Science and Policy Fellowship Program aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy development and implementation by placing fellows in host organizations where they can use their expertise to help the host to tackle water resource issues critical to Minnesotans. This program seeks to help meet Minnesota’s science-policy workforce needs, support a pipeline of professionals ready to address complex environmental challenges, and contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the state’s water resources.

  Position descriptions for the 2026-2027 cohort can be found on the S&P Fellows webpage
 News release: Minnesota Sea Grant Announces Science & Policy Fellowship Program Hosts (12/29/25). 
  News release: Minnesota Sea Grant Science and Policy Fellowship Applications Open (12/3/25). 
  News release: Call for Hosts 2026-2027 (08/21/25).

Host Program Details

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Host Program Details

Timeline

  • September 16, 2025, 11 a.m. CT: Informational webinar #1 for prospective hosts. Registration required.  
  • October 8, 2025, 2 p.m. CT: Informational webinar #2 for prospective hosts. Registration required.
  • November 6, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CT: Host applications are due via eSeaGrant.
  • December 2025: Hosts are notified of selection decisions and fellowship applications open
  • February 1, 2026: Fellowship applications due
  • March or April 2026: Host and fellow matching workshop, in person, Duluth, MN.
  • July 1, 2026: Fellowships begin
  • June 30, 2027: Fellowships conclude

Funding Sources

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

Program Staff

Alex Frie headshot

Alexander Frie

Research and Fellowship Coordinator

Angela Douglass

2026-27 MNSG Science & Policy Fellow
Jared Langer smiling in front of a forested background.

Jared Langer

2026-27 MNSG Science & Policy Fellow

Anu Li

2026-27 MNSG Science & Policy Fellow

Cassandra (Casey) Wouters

2026-27 MNSG Science & Policy Fellow

Program News

Aerial view of a university campus at sunrise with the sun low on the horizon of Lake Superior, casting warm light over buildings, trees, and a large body of water.

Science Meets Public Service with New Minnesota Sea Grant Fellows

Four early-career scientists have been selected for Minnesota Sea Grant’s 2026–2027 Science and Policy Fellowship, which partners with state and local agencies to address critical natural resource

Three photos of three people.

You’re Invited: Minnesota Sea Grant Fellowship Showcase, June 3

Twin Ports Freshwater Folk invites you to a special event on June 3, 2026, from 11:30 a.m.

A promotional banner for the Minnesota Sea Grant announcing the 2026 Science & Policy Fellowship Program Hosts. The banner features a dark blue background with plant and fish silhouettes and a colorful circular emblem in the center.

Minnesota Sea Grant Announces 2026 Science & Policy Fellowship Program Hosts

Minnesota Sea Grant thanks the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and Anoka County for their commitment to devel

Surfer on Lake Superior approaches an illustrated fellowship badge layover

Minnesota Sea Grant Science and Policy Fellowship Applications Open

The application period is open, and the application deadline is February 5, 2026.

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