Beyond the Lab: Connecting Research and Policy

By Michael Bekele – PharmD/MS in Regulatory Science Dual Degree Student, Class of 2027

Bekele is president of the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) chapter at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. His interests include regulatory affairs, biomedical innovation, and science policy. Photo L-R: Sarah Mandell, Assistant Director of AIMBE, and Michael Bekele.

In late October, I attended the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Public Policy Institute for Rising Leaders in Washington, DC. This program brings together students and professionals from medicine, engineering, and health sciences to explore how public policy shapes the future of research and innovation.

As a dual degree pharmacy student at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP), I sought to understand how decisions made in Washington influence the work conducted in our labs and classrooms. AIMBE offered that opportunity. For two days, I joined early-career scientists in listening to leaders from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine discuss the constant intersection of science and policy.

Understanding Policy as Part of Research

Before attending AIMBE, I often thought of research and policy as two separate worlds. This experience showed me how closely they are connected. Every new discovery relies on the policies that fund research, protect integrity, and guide how evidence becomes practice.

Speakers at the Institute explained that sound policy and stable support systems are crucial for translating ideas from the lab to patient care. At UMSOP, students are taught that research does not end once results are published – it continues through communication, collaboration, and the thoughtful use of evidence in decision-making.

Dawn Beraud, Executive Director of AIMBE, giving a presentation during the conference.

Scientific Integrity and Responsibility

One session that stood out to me focused on the importance of scientific integrity. We discussed why transparency, peer review, and open communication are central to public trust in science. The session reinforced a principle I encounter often in regulatory science: innovation only matters when it is guided by integrity and accountability.

At UMSOP, these same values shape how we learn to evaluate evidence and communicate results. The training emphasizes that credibility is built not just on data, but on honesty and responsibility in how that data is used.

Advocacy and the Role of Scientists

Another major theme was the importance of advocacy. AIMBE presenters reminded us that advocacy is not politics – it is part of being a professional scientist. Only a small number of policymakers have formal backgrounds in science or engineering. Because of that, researchers have a responsibility to explain our work clearly and show how it benefits the public.

I learned practical ways to get involved, such as joining professional societies, writing public comments, or simply sharing knowledge with community groups. The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) encourages these same habits by supporting mentorship and interdisciplinary engagement across its seven schools. That support helps students stay connected and feel confident, even as national research priorities continue to evolve.

The AIMBE Message: A Call to Action

A statement from one of the speakers captured the spirit of the entire institute. “Science advances when its voice is at the table; otherwise, it’s on the menu.”

That message has stayed with me. It reminded me that science can only serve society when it participates in shaping conversations that guide policy. If scientists are not present in those discussions, others will make decisions without the benefit of evidence.

At UMSOP, I see this call to action reflected in how students are taught to think beyond technical results. We learn to engage, collaborate, and communicate so that our work has a voice where it matters most.

The University’s Role in Supporting Student Voices

Across campus, UMB continues to strengthen its research and training programs, which help students adapt to a changing landscape. Faculty mentors encourage us to share ideas, ask questions, and stay engaged in national conversations about science and innovation.

That environment allows students like me to grow not only as researchers but also as informed participants in the broader scientific community. We are learning that advocacy can take many forms, from presenting data with clarity to joining discussions that influence public health.

Why UMSOP

I chose the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy for my pharmacy and regulator science education because it cultivates both scientific excellence and civic awareness. Here, students are guided to explore every dimension of their professional development, including research, regulation, leadership, and public service.

Mentorship from faculty like Dr. Audra Stinchcomb has shown me how to connect classroom learning to national opportunities such as AIMBE. The School encourages students to use their voices, seek collaboration, and help shape how science advances responsibly.

Looking Forward

Attending AIMBE expanded my perspective on what it means to be a scientist. It taught me that progress depends not only on discovery, but also on communication and integrity. I am grateful for the mentorship and institutional support that make these experiences possible.

I encourage other students to seek opportunities that connect research with policy. When science has a voice at the table, discovery can truly serve the public good.

Graduate trainees who participated in AIMBE’s Public Policy Institute. Photo courtesy Sarah Mandell.