Applications are currently ongoing for the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT 2024-2025. Each year, the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT provides academic-year fellowships to 10 science journalists from various parts of the world.
This program offers them a unique opportunity to go deep into the realms of science, technology, and journalism. Fellows have the chance to focus on a specific area within the field of science while studying at renowned research universities worldwide.
During their time in Cambridge, fellows are expected to undertake a research project that makes the most of the abundant resources and connections available to them at MIT and in the surrounding Boston area.
Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT 2024-2025 (Up To $85,000 stipend)
The research project must be directly related to journalism. Previous fellows have utilized this time to engage in activities such as conducting research for comprehensive narratives or series, developing multimedia projects involving video and audio reporting, working on book proposals, and acquiring in-depth knowledge in new scientific domains, among other endeavors. Regular meetings are held to offer guidance and assistance with these projects.
At the end of the academic year, fellows present formal presentations outlining their projects. Many of these projects eventually get published as magazine articles, books, videos, or podcasts after the fellowship concludes.
What is expected of the fellows?
If an applicant is selected to take part in the KSJ Fellowship program at MIT, the following expectations must be met:
- Applicants must reside in the Boston/Cambridge area for the duration of the MIT academic year, which begins in mid-August and concludes in May.
- Applicants must attend field trips, seminars, and mandatory training sessions arranged by the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship Program.
- An academic plan of study should be developed, which includes enrolling for a minimum of one science course per semester.
- Unless authorized by the director in writing, applicants must refrain from engaging in any paid professional work outside the Fellowship.
- Within the academic year, fellows must produce an extensively researched project.
Benefits
- Fellows are provided with a stipend of $85,000 which is disbursed in regular installments over a period of 9.5 months.
- A relocation allowance is given to assist with the costs associated with moving.
- Basic health insurance coverage is also offered to each fellow as well as their family members.
Eligibility criteria
The program aims to acknowledge journalists worldwide who exhibit a remarkable level of professional excellence and achievement, coupled with a longstanding commitment to their craft. Journalists from all nations are encouraged to apply on an equal footing.
To qualify for a KSJ Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a full-time position as a journalist, either as a staff member or freelancer. Individuals working part-time as writers or producers are not eligible.
- Possess a minimum of three consecutive years of experience in covering science, health, technology, or environmental reporting.
- Work in roles such as reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators, filmmakers, or photojournalists. This includes journalistic contributions to newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and digital media.
- Prospective fellows should not have participated in another fellowship lasting four months or more within the two years before applying for the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship.
How To Apply For The Program
Each individual applying for the program must submit the following documents:
- Professional Autobiography: In 500 words or less, explain why you wish to participate in the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship Program and how it aligns with your professional goals.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Provide a brief summary of your education, employment history, and any professional achievements. Freelancers should include a list of freelance projects completed within the past year, specifying each story, publication or broadcast venue, and corresponding date.
- Research Project Proposal: Describe, in 500 words or less, a project you plan to develop during your fellowship year. The objective is for fellows to create a project that capitalizes on their time and experiences at MIT, utilizing the available resources and connections. While the research project should be centered around journalism, there is room for it to expand beyond traditional boundaries and take various formats such as long-form writing, multimedia, video, audio, or installation. Although the research project can be a book proposal, fellows are not allowed to sell the proposal or arrive with a book-writing contract during the fellowship year.
- Five Work Samples: Submit five relevant work samples that best showcase your interests and abilities. If any of the work samples are not in English, please provide a translation.
- Three Professional References: Furnish three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with your work. These references should assess your skills and dedication to journalism. During the application process, you will need to provide the names and contact details of your recommenders, and the request for letters will be sent to them automatically.
- To commence your application, click here.
For more information on this program, please visit KSJ@MIT Fellowship’s official website.
Application Deadline
January 15, 2024.
