How does the training of a physics PhD equip you to weigh in on consequential public policy issues?

After completing my PhD in experimental physics and postdoc in observational cosmology, I took a leap and began working at a nongovernmental organization that works to advance equitable science-based solutions to pressing problems, including climate change, nuclear weapons, and threats to democratic governance. My work in the global security program has focused on producing technical analyses, developing and advocating policy recommendations, and educating the public and policymakers on issues like outer space security, missile defense, and nuclear weapons policy. There’s an important role for technically-trained people in making the world safer and healthier, I’ll talk about what this work is like, what types of jobs there are (academic, governmental, think tanks), and what kinds of skills are the most helpful.