The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for its 2025 edition. This unique program is designed for early-career science journalists looking to enhance their skills and gain valuable experience.
Fellowship Overview
- Name: Open Notebook Fellowship
- Stipend: $6,600
- Eligibility: Open to early-career science journalists worldwide
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2024
- Mentorship: Weekly support meetings
- Article Requirement: Four published articles
- Funded By: Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Fellowship Experience
The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program is a one-year, part-time initiative tailored for aspiring science journalists. Fellows will engage in close collaboration with seasoned mentors, report compelling stories, and publish articles on The Open Notebook.
Supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund since 2012, this fellowship fosters a supportive community of past and present fellows and mentors, creating an enriching environment for growth.
What Fellows Will Gain
Fellows are expected to produce four articles that blend interviews and features, delving into the narratives behind science reporting. Regular meetings with mentors will aid fellows in refining their ideas, improving writing skills, and receiving career guidance. Articles will undergo thorough editing, including annotations for fact-checking and diversity tracking. Additionally, fellows will participate in community activities through a dedicated Slack group, promoting interaction with fellow journalists and editors.
Stipend Details
Each fellow will receive a stipend of $6,600, distributed in four installments throughout the program.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program, applicants must:
- Be early-career science journalists.
- Be willing to apply from outside the United States.
- Have some training or experience in public science writing.
- Possess fewer than three years of regular professional science writing experience.
- Understand that internships and student work do not count towards the three-year experience limit.
- Applicants with more than three years of experience may apply if part of their work was not in English.
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated based on:
- A strong intention to pursue a career in science journalism.
- Relevant writing experience about science for a general audience.
- Understanding of the science journalism profession and personal growth aspirations.
- Familiarity with The Open Notebook and its content style.
- Ability to generate compelling story ideas.
- Commitment to high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
- Strong writing skills, regardless of English proficiency.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit the following:
- Responses detailing interest in the fellowship and personal goals.
- Information about prior science writing experience for the public.
- Plans for the fellowship period.
- Short proposals for two feature or multimedia stories suitable for The Open Notebook.
- A resume or CV.
- One reference letter from someone familiar with the applicant’s work.
- Up to two writing or multimedia samples aimed at a general audience.
- Optionally, background information or group affiliations.
Applications can be submitted through the Open Notebook Fellowship Application Page.
For more information about the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program, please visit the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Information Page.
Conclusion
The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring science journalists to advance their skills, build a professional network, and gain invaluable experience in the field. With the support of dedicated mentors and the chance to publish impactful articles, fellows will be well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to science journalism.
If you’re an early-career journalist eager to explore the stories behind science and connect with a vibrant community, don’t miss your chance to apply. Submit your application by October 31, 2024, and take the next step in your journalism journey!
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