Zubair Khalid

Virologist/Molecular Biologist | Veterinarian | Bioinformatician

Conventional & Molecular Virology • Vaccine Development • Computational Biology

Dr. Zubair Khalid is a veterinarian and virologist specializing in conventional and molecular virology, vaccine development, and computational biology. Dedicated to advancing animal health through innovative research and multi-omics approaches.

Dr. Zubair Khalid - Veterinarian, Virologist, and Vaccine Development Researcher specializing in Computational Biology, Multi-omics, Animal Health, and Infectious Disease Research

Category: Careers & Education

Science Policy Jobs: How to Influence Research and Regulation

Science policy work sits at the intersection of technical expertise and governance. Professionals in this field apply their scientific training to shape how research is funded, how regulations are written, and how evidence informs public decisions. For students, researchers, and life-science professionals considering this path, the field offers roles across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, scientific societies, and industry. This article explains what science policy jobs involve, where they exist, what skills they require, and how to build a career that connects laboratory knowledge to policy outcomes.

What Science Policy Work Actually Involves

Science policy professionals generally apply their scientific training to ensure that the scientific enterprise advances in a responsible and ethical manner and to solve challenges with broad scientific and societal implications. This definition from the Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology captures the dual nature of the work. On one side, policy professionals help set the conditions under which research happens. On the other side, they help translate research findings into decisions that affect public health, environmental protection, and economic development.

The scope of science policy is broad. It includes decisions about research funding priorities, regulatory approval pathways for new drugs and medical devices, environmental standards based on toxicological data, and public health guidance informed by epidemiological evidence. A scientist working in policy might analyze the burden of a disease to justify research investments, draft language for a funding announcement, or prepare briefing materials for a legislative hearing.

The career path from academic research to science policy is well established. As the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of science for evidence-based policy, more researchers have explored this transition. The path is not a single route but a set of options that depend on your scientific background, your policy interests, and the sector where you want to work.

The Policy Landscape and Why Scientists Are Needed

The gap between scientific training and policy participation is striking. Among the 535 members of the United States Congress, only two are trained research scientists. Yet the greatest threats facing the country and the world require scientific solutions. Climate change, infectious disease, food and water security, loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation, and energy shortages all demand technical understanding. Scientific evidence does not automatically inform the policies and programs that combat these threats. This gap creates demand for professionals who can bridge the two worlds.

The need for science policy expertise extends beyond elected office. Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels employ scientists to review evidence, write regulations, and evaluate programs. Scientific societies employ policy staff to advocate for research funding and communicate the views of their members. Nonprofit organizations employ scientists to analyze policy proposals and educate the public. Industry employs scientists to navigate regulatory requirements and shape the policy environment for their products.

The scale of the science workforce provides context for these opportunities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks employment in life, physical, and social science occupations, which includes many roles that support research and its applications. Healthcare occupations represent an even larger segment of the workforce, and many science policy roles sit at the intersection of health research and health regulation. Understanding where these occupations fit in the broader labor market helps you identify realistic entry points.

Core Skills for Science Policy Careers

Science policy work requires a combination of technical depth and policy competence. The skills that make a successful researcher, such as critical thinking, data analysis, and written communication, transfer directly to policy work. But policy roles also demand skills that are less central to academic research.

Analytical and Technical Skills

The ability to read and interpret scientific literature is foundational. Policy professionals must evaluate the quality of evidence, understand uncertainty, and communicate what is known and what is not known. For example, understanding the global burden of chronic respiratory diseases requires interpreting data on mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years across 204 countries and territories. A policy professional working on respiratory health would need to understand these data to advocate for prevention programs or research funding.

Familiarity with research methods is essential. Whether the topic is clinical trials for new drugs, environmental exposure assessments, or agricultural productivity studies, policy professionals must understand how evidence is generated and where its limitations lie. This understanding allows them to ask the right questions of technical experts and to explain findings to non-specialist audiences.

Communication and Translation Skills

Policy decisions are made by people who are not scientists. A policy professional must translate technical findings into language that legislators, regulators, and the public can understand. This requires writing clearly, speaking concisely, and anticipating the questions that decision-makers will ask.

Written communication takes many forms in policy work. You might draft a one-page summary of a complex study, write a longer white paper analyzing policy options, or prepare testimony for a legislative hearing. Each format requires a different balance of technical detail and accessibility.

Process and Institutional Knowledge

Understanding how policy is made is as important as understanding the science. This includes knowledge of the legislative process, regulatory procedures, and budget cycles. A policy professional working on research funding needs to know how appropriations work. Someone working on drug regulation needs to understand the review process and the legal standards that govern it.

This knowledge is often gained on the job. Fellowships and internships provide structured ways to learn the policy process while contributing your scientific expertise. The National Institutes of Health Office of Intramural Training and Education offers training and career development resources that can help researchers explore policy options.

Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills

Policy work is collaborative. You will work with scientists, lawyers, communications professionals, and policy analysts. You will also interact with stakeholders outside government, including industry representatives, advocacy groups, and academic researchers. Building relationships and finding common ground are essential skills.

Where Science Policy Professionals Work

Science policy careers span multiple sectors. Each sector has its own culture, hiring practices, and career trajectories. Understanding these differences helps you target your job search and prepare for the expectations of each environment.

Federal Government

The federal government is the largest employer of science policy professionals in the United States. Agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture employ scientists in policy and regulatory roles. The Office of Science and Technology Policy coordinates science policy across the executive branch.

Federal roles include program officers who manage research portfolios, regulatory reviewers who evaluate product applications, and policy analysts who develop agency positions. Many federal agencies offer fellowship programs that provide entry points for scientists at different career stages.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers advanced pharmacy practice experiences within the Office of Clinical Pharmacology. Students who complete these rotations gain exposure to drug development and regulatory science. Data from 199 students who participated in these rotations between 2013 and 2025 show that 51 percent later worked in the pharmaceutical industry, 6 percent in government, and 4 percent as consultants. These outcomes suggest that regulatory experience can open doors across sectors.

State and Local Government

State governments employ science policy professionals in environmental agencies, public health departments, and agricultural agencies. These roles often involve implementing federal regulations, setting state-specific standards, and advising state legislators. State positions may offer more direct involvement in policy decisions than federal roles, where the scale of the enterprise can make individual impact less visible.

Scientific Societies and Professional Organizations

Scientific societies employ policy staff to advocate for research funding, monitor legislation and regulation, and communicate policy developments to their members. These organizations play an important role in amplifying the voice of the scientific community. A policy professional at a scientific society might write position statements, organize congressional visits, or analyze the budget implications of proposed legislation.

The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, through its executive director, has emphasized the importance of science advocacy, including increasing science funding and linking evidence-based decision making to policy. This example illustrates how professional organizations engage in policy work on behalf of their fields.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations employ science policy professionals to analyze policy proposals, conduct research, and advocate for specific positions. These organizations range from broad science advocacy groups to issue-specific organizations focused on health, environment, or energy. Nonprofit roles often combine policy analysis with public education and coalition building.

Industry

Pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and other science-based businesses employ policy professionals to navigate regulatory requirements and engage with policymakers. These roles may involve preparing regulatory submissions, monitoring policy developments, or advocating for industry positions. Industry policy roles often offer higher compensation than government or nonprofit positions but may involve different constraints on public advocacy.

International Organizations

Science policy work extends beyond national borders. International organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development employ scientists to support global policy development. These roles may involve coordinating international research efforts, developing global standards, or analyzing policy options for member countries.

Education and Training Pathways

There is no single educational path to a science policy career. Most professionals enter the field with advanced scientific training, typically a PhD or professional degree, combined with policy experience gained through fellowships or on-the-job learning.

Graduate Training in Science

A PhD in a scientific field provides the technical foundation for policy work. The process of designing experiments, analyzing data, and writing papers develops skills that transfer directly to policy analysis. However, graduate training does not typically teach policy process, regulatory law, or legislative advocacy. These skills must be learned through other means.

Some scientists pursue policy training during or after their graduate studies. This might include coursework in public policy, science communication, or regulatory affairs. Some programs offer joint degrees that combine scientific training with a master's degree in public policy or public health.

Professional Degrees

A master's degree in public policy, public administration, or public health can complement scientific training. These programs teach policy analysis, economics, and program evaluation. They also provide structured opportunities to work on policy projects and build professional networks.

For some policy roles, a professional degree is essential. Regulatory affairs positions in the pharmaceutical industry may prefer candidates with training in the specific regulatory framework. Health policy positions may prefer candidates with a public health degree.

Fellowships and Training Programs

Fellowships provide structured entry points into science policy. These programs typically place scientists in government agencies or policy organizations for one to two years. Fellows learn the policy process while contributing their technical expertise to real projects.

The National Institutes of Health Office of Intramural Training and Education provides training and career development resources for researchers at various stages. These resources can help you identify fellowship opportunities and prepare competitive applications.

Alternative Career Paths Within Science

The skills developed through scientific training apply to many careers beyond traditional research. A review of alternative career paths for ophthalmologists identified administrative leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation, product development, healthcare policy, nonprofit organizations, and investing as common options. While this review focused on one medical specialty, the pattern applies broadly. Scientists and clinicians have skills that transfer to many roles where technical judgment matters.

The choice of when and what to pursue is personal. Insights and advice from those who have walked a given path can be invaluable. Before pursuing an alternative career path, it is important to reflect on your motivations and goals.

At a Glance: Science Policy Career Options

Career Path Primary Employers Typical Entry Points Core Activities
Government Policy Analyst Federal agencies, state agencies, congressional offices Fellowships, mid-career transitions, policy internships Drafting regulations, analyzing evidence, briefing decision-makers
Scientific Society Policy Staff Professional associations, disciplinary societies Policy fellowships, advocacy experience, committee service Monitoring legislation, writing position statements, organizing advocacy
Regulatory Affairs Professional Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device companies Advanced pharmacy practice experiences, industry internships, regulatory coursework Preparing submissions, interpreting regulations, interacting with agencies
Nonprofit Policy Researcher Advocacy organizations, think tanks, public interest groups Policy analysis roles, research positions, graduate internships Analyzing policy proposals, publishing reports, educating stakeholders
International Policy Specialist Multilateral organizations, global health agencies, development banks International fellowships, global health training, prior government service Coordinating global standards, supporting treaty negotiations, analyzing cross-border issues

How to Build a Science Policy Career

Building a science policy career requires intentional effort. The path from academic research to policy is not automatic. You must seek out opportunities, develop new skills, and build relationships with people in the policy world.

Assess Your Motivations and Goals

Before pursuing a policy career, reflect on why you want to make this transition. Are you motivated by a specific policy issue, such as climate change or drug pricing? Do you want to influence decisions directly, or are you more interested in analyzing options and informing others? Do you prefer the pace of legislative advocacy or the deliberative process of regulatory review?

Career cartography is a structured approach to envisioning and crafting a career path. This process supports scientific thinking, communicates science, and addresses the uncertainty of a career. It involves determining, directing, evaluating, and communicating your career and its impact. The intentional and ongoing use of career cartography can help you maximize the impact of your chosen career on improvements to health and health policy.

Build Policy Skills Deliberately

Identify the skills you need to develop and seek opportunities to build them. This might include taking a course in policy analysis, volunteering to write a policy brief for a professional society, or serving on a committee that engages with policy issues.

Writing is a core skill for policy work. Practice writing for non-specialist audiences. Learn to distill complex findings into clear, concise summaries. Develop the ability to explain what the evidence shows, what it does not show, and what the implications are for policy.

Seek Experiential Learning

Hands-on experience is the most effective way to learn policy work. Look for internships, fellowships, or volunteer opportunities that place you in a policy environment. These experiences teach you the norms and practices of policy work while building your professional network.

The National Institutes of Health Office of Intramural Training and Education offers resources for researchers exploring career options. These resources can help you identify training opportunities and prepare for the transition to policy work.

Build a Professional Network

Policy work depends on relationships. Attend policy conferences, join professional societies with policy programs, and connect with people who work in the areas that interest you. Informational interviews can help you learn about different roles and organizations.

Professional societies are particularly valuable for networking. They employ policy staff, organize advocacy events, and provide forums for members to engage with policy issues. Serving on a society committee or contributing to a policy working group can build your visibility and credibility.

Consider Geographic Location

Science policy jobs are concentrated in specific locations. Washington, DC, is the center of federal policy work, hosting federal agencies, congressional offices, scientific societies, and advocacy organizations. Many science policy professionals begin their careers in the DC area.

California offers a different set of opportunities. The state has its own policy institutions, including state agencies and legislative offices, as well as a large science-based industry sector. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in California employ regulatory affairs professionals and policy analysts.

Other states offer opportunities in state government, academic institutions, and regional offices of federal agencies. The geographic distribution of science policy jobs reflects the location of policy institutions and science-based industries.

Common Employers for Science Policy Professionals

Understanding the employer landscape helps you target your search and prepare applications. The following categories represent the major employers of science policy professionals.

Federal Agencies

Federal agencies employ science policy professionals across many missions. The National Institutes of Health funds biomedical research and sets research priorities. The Food and Drug Administration regulates drugs, devices, and food products. The Environmental Protection Agency sets environmental standards based on scientific evidence. The Department of Agriculture supports agricultural research and regulates agricultural products.

Each agency has its own hiring processes and career tracks. Some positions are filled through competitive service processes, while others use excepted service authorities. Fellowships provide an alternative entry path that can lead to permanent positions.

Congressional Offices and Committees

Congress employs science policy professionals as staff for members and committees. These roles involve analyzing legislation, preparing briefings, and advising on votes. Congressional staff positions are often demanding but provide direct involvement in policy decisions.

The small number of scientists in Congress creates opportunities for scientifically trained staff to have significant influence. A staff member who understands both the science and the politics of an issue can shape how a member of Congress approaches a vote.

Scientific Societies

Scientific societies employ policy staff to represent their members' interests. These organizations monitor legislation and regulation, communicate with policymakers, and mobilize their members for advocacy. Policy staff at scientific societies often have scientific training combined with policy experience.

Research Universities

Universities employ policy professionals in government relations offices, research administration, and policy research centers. These roles involve advocating for research funding, ensuring compliance with regulations, and analyzing policy issues relevant to higher education.

Industry

Science-based companies employ policy professionals in regulatory affairs, government affairs, and market access roles. These positions require understanding both the science of the company's products and the regulatory framework that governs them.

Skills Matrix for Science Policy Roles

Skill Category Specific Skills How to Develop Roles Where Most Valued
Scientific Analysis Literature evaluation, data interpretation, experimental design Graduate training, postdoctoral research, peer review All policy roles
Policy Process Legislative procedure, regulatory review, budget analysis Fellowships, coursework, on-the-job training Government, congressional staff
Writing Policy briefs, regulatory comments, position statements Practice, writing workshops, policy internships All policy roles
Communication Public speaking, media engagement, stakeholder outreach Advocacy experience, conference presentations, media training Scientific societies, nonprofits
Project Management Coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts, meeting deadlines Committee service, fellowship projects, volunteer leadership All policy roles
Legal and Regulatory Knowledge Understanding statutes, regulations, and agency guidance Coursework, regulatory affairs training, on-the-job learning Regulatory affairs, government

Practical Steps to Enter the Field

The transition from research to policy requires deliberate action. The following steps provide a framework for exploring and entering science policy careers.

Step 1: Explore the Field

Learn about the range of science policy roles and organizations. Read about the experiences of scientists who have made the transition. The perspective of a senior policy advisor in the Office of Science and Technology Policy illustrates how scientific training can be applied to policy and international diplomacy. Understanding these career narratives helps you envision your own path.

Step 2: Identify Your Policy Interests

Determine which policy issues matter most to you. This could be a specific issue, such as climate change or antimicrobial resistance, or a cross-cutting concern, such as research funding or science education. Your policy interests will guide your job search and help you target organizations that align with your values.

Step 3: Build Relevant Experience

Seek opportunities to develop policy skills and demonstrate your interest. This might include volunteering for a professional society's policy committee, writing policy-related articles, or completing a policy internship. Experience does not need to be paid to be valuable, but it should be substantive and documented.

Step 4: Develop Your Application Materials

Tailor your resume or CV to highlight policy-relevant skills and experience. Emphasize your ability to analyze evidence, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively. Include examples of policy-related work, even if it was part of a broader role.

Step 5: Apply Strategically

Target organizations and positions that match your skills and interests. Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances of success. Be prepared for a competitive process that may involve multiple rounds of interviews and writing samples.

Step 6: Learn From Each Application

Treat each application as a learning opportunity. If you are not selected, seek feedback when possible. Use what you learn to strengthen your next application.

Records and Measurements for Career Development

Tracking your career development helps you make informed decisions and demonstrate your progress to employers. The following records are useful for science policy professionals.

Skills Inventory

Maintain a current inventory of your skills, including scientific techniques, policy competencies, and communication abilities. Update this inventory regularly as you develop new capabilities. Use it to identify gaps and target your professional development.

Experience Log

Document your policy-related experiences, including internships, fellowships, volunteer roles, and committee service. For each experience, note the skills you developed, the projects you completed, and the outcomes you achieved. This log will be valuable when you update your resume or prepare for interviews.

Professional Network

Keep a record of your professional contacts, including their roles, organizations, and areas of expertise. Note where you met each contact and what you discussed. Regular contact with your network helps you stay informed about opportunities and maintain relationships.

Application Tracker

Track your job applications, including the positions you have applied for, the dates of your applications, and the outcomes. This record helps you identify patterns in your job search and adjust your approach.

Common Failure Patterns in Science Policy Career Transitions

Understanding common mistakes helps you avoid them. The following patterns appear frequently among scientists transitioning to policy work.

Overvaluing Technical Depth

Scientists often assume that technical expertise is the primary qualification for policy work. While technical depth is necessary, it is not sufficient. Policy employers also value communication skills, political judgment, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Candidates who emphasize only their technical credentials may struggle in the hiring process.

Underestimating the Importance of Networking

Policy work depends on relationships. Candidates who rely solely on formal application processes may miss opportunities that are filled through networks. Building relationships with people in the policy world is essential for learning about opportunities and getting referrals.

Failing to Translate Skills

Scientists often describe their experience in technical terms that policy employers do not understand. A candidate who says they "characterized the binding kinetics of a novel inhibitor" may not convey the analytical and problem-solving skills that a policy employer values. Learning to translate your experience into the language of policy work is essential.

Ignoring Geographic Constraints

Science policy jobs are concentrated in specific locations. Candidates who are unwilling to relocate may limit their options significantly. If you are geographically constrained, consider how to build policy experience in your current location or explore remote and hybrid opportunities.

Expecting Immediate Impact

Policy work is often slow and incremental. Scientists who are used to the pace of research may be frustrated by the time required to move a policy idea through the process. Managing your expectations and finding satisfaction in incremental progress is important for long-term success.

Limitations and Realistic Expectations

Science policy careers offer meaningful work, but they also have limitations that you should understand before making the transition.

Compensation

Policy salaries vary widely by sector and role. Government and nonprofit positions typically pay less than industry roles. However, they may offer other benefits, such as loan forgiveness programs, stable employment, and the opportunity to work on issues you care about.

Job Security

Policy jobs can be affected by political changes. Federal positions may be subject to hiring freezes or budget cuts. Nonprofit positions may depend on grant funding. Understanding the stability of different roles helps you make informed decisions.

Career Progression

Career ladders in policy are less defined than in academia or industry. Advancement may depend on moving between organizations or sectors instead of climbing a single ladder. Flexibility and adaptability are important for long-term career success.

Work Environment

Policy work involves meetings, deadlines, and political pressures that differ from the research environment. Some scientists find this change refreshing, while others miss the focus and autonomy of research. Spending time in policy environments before committing to a career change can help you assess your fit.

Welfare and Ethical Considerations

Science policy work carries ethical responsibilities. Policy professionals must balance scientific evidence with other considerations, including economic impacts, social values, and political feasibility. Maintaining integrity in this balance is essential.

Evidence-Based Decision Making

Policy professionals have a responsibility to represent evidence accurately, including its limitations and uncertainties. This responsibility is particularly important when evidence is contested or when decisions have significant consequences. The emphasis on linking evidence-based decision making to policy, as highlighted by the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, reflects this professional norm.

Transparency and Accountability

Policy professionals should be transparent about their roles, their sources of information, and their potential conflicts of interest. This transparency builds trust with decision-makers and the public. It also protects the credibility of the scientific enterprise.

Balancing Competing Interests

Policy decisions often involve trade-offs between competing interests. A policy professional must understand these trade-offs and help decision-makers weigh them. This requires listening to diverse perspectives and communicating honestly about the implications of different choices.

Professional Escalation Criteria

Knowing when to escalate concerns is important in policy work. The following situations warrant escalation to supervisors, ethics officers, or other appropriate authorities.

Misrepresentation of Evidence

If you observe evidence being misrepresented in policy deliberations, you should raise your concerns. This might involve correcting factual errors, clarifying the limitations of a study, or challenging the selective use of data. Escalation is appropriate when initial efforts to correct the record are unsuccessful.

Conflicts of Interest

If you become aware of a conflict of interest that is not being disclosed, you should report it. This might involve a colleague with a financial interest in a policy outcome or a supervisor who is advocating for a position that benefits a personal connection.

Legal or Regulatory Violations

If you observe actions that violate laws or regulations, you should report them through appropriate channels. This might include improper use of funds, unauthorized disclosure of information, or failure to follow required procedures.

Threats to Public Health or Safety

If you become aware of a policy decision that poses a serious threat to public health or safety, you should escalate your concerns. This might involve a product approval that ignores evidence of harm or a regulation that fails to protect vulnerable populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between science policy and science advocacy?

Science policy involves analyzing options, developing recommendations, and supporting decision-making processes. Science advocacy involves actively promoting a specific position or outcome. Many professionals do both, but the roles are distinct. Policy analysts focus on providing objective information to decision-makers, while advocates work to persuade decision-makers to adopt particular positions.

Do I need a PhD to work in science policy?

A PhD is common but not required. Many policy roles value advanced scientific training, but some positions are open to candidates with master's degrees or bachelor's degrees combined with relevant experience. The educational requirements vary by employer and role. Research-oriented policy positions, such as those analyzing clinical trial data or environmental exposure assessments, typically prefer advanced degrees.

How do I find science policy jobs in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, hosts the largest concentration of science policy employers. Federal agency websites list job openings, and fellowship programs provide structured entry points. Professional societies and policy organizations post job listings on their websites. Networking through conferences and professional associations is also important for learning about unadvertised opportunities.

What science policy opportunities exist in California?

California offers policy opportunities at the state level, including positions in state agencies and legislative offices. The state also hosts a large science-based industry sector, particularly in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, which employs regulatory affairs and policy professionals. Academic institutions in California employ policy researchers and government relations staff.

How long does it take to transition from research to policy?

The transition timeline varies widely. Some scientists move into policy through fellowships that begin within a year of applying. Others spend several years building policy experience through volunteer roles, part-time work, or additional education. The timeline depends on your starting point, your target roles, and the competitiveness of the job market.

What is the earning potential in science policy careers?

Earnings vary by sector, role, and experience. Industry regulatory affairs positions typically pay more than government or nonprofit roles. Government positions offer structured pay scales that are publicly available. Nonprofit salaries depend on the organization's budget and mission. Research current salary data for specific roles and locations to inform your decisions.

Can I work in science policy without leaving research entirely?

Some professionals combine research and policy work. This might involve serving on advisory committees, writing policy analyses as part of a research role, or working part-time in policy while maintaining a research program. The feasibility of this combination depends on your employer and your field.

What are the most important skills for a science policy career?

The most important skills are analytical thinking, clear writing, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Technical depth in a scientific field provides the foundation, but communication and collaboration skills distinguish successful policy professionals. Understanding the policy process, including how legislation and regulation work, is also essential.

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References and Further Reading

This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.