Several organisations offer fellowships that help scientists communicate research findings to the public through journalism, writing, videos, digital media, public engagement and science education.

For the 2027 fellowship cycle, opportunities include programmes in the United States and international remote fellowships. Some provide stipends, professional training and mentorship, while others offer practical experience working with media organisations and research institutions.

Importantly, not all science communication fellowships are open to every applicant. Some require applicants to be science students or researchers, while others target professional science journalists or members of specific scientific associations.

Below are opportunities with published 2027 application information, including their benefits, eligibility requirements and official application pages.

Science Communication Fellowships 2027: Summary of Opportunities

Important: These opportunities have different eligibility rules. The AAAS programme requires US citizenship or an existing visa permitting paid summer work.

MIT’s two fellowships are particularly relevant to experienced science journalists, including eligible African journalists. ARVO requires qualifying membership.

Science Communication Fellowships 2027

1. Knight Science Journalism Fellowship 2027–2028 at MIT, USA

The Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an international fellowship designed for experienced journalists who want to deepen their understanding of science, technology, health and environmental reporting.

The programme brings together science journalists from different countries for an academic-year experience at MIT and other leading institutions in the Boston and Cambridge area.

Selected fellows have the opportunity to attend seminars, participate in workshops, take university courses and develop independent journalism research projects.

What the fellowship covers

Successful applicants receive:

• $87,500 stipend paid over 9.5 months.

• Additional $5,000 travel and housing stipend.

• Health insurance for fellows and accompanying family members.

• Childcare subsidy of $500–$750 per month for eligible fellows.

• Access to university learning resources, seminars and professional networking opportunities.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Be full-time journalists, either employed or freelance.

• Have at least three consecutive years of experience covering science, health, technology or environmental issues.

• Work as reporters, writers, editors, producers, filmmakers, illustrators, photojournalists or book authors.

• Be able to obtain a visa to reside in the United States during the fellowship.

International journalists are welcome to apply, provided they meet the eligibility and visa requirements.

Required application documents

• Statement of purpose (maximum 500 words).

• Career summary (maximum 200 words).

• 30-second video introduction.

• Resume or CV.

• Research project proposal (maximum 500 words).

• Three relevant work samples.

• Three professional references.

Application dates

• Opening: 15 November 2026.

• Deadline: 9 January 2027.

• Fellowship period: August 2027 to May 2028.

Official application page: Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT.

2. Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East 2027 – MIT

The Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East is offered by the Knight Science Journalism programme at MIT in partnership with Springer Nature.

The fellowship was established in honour of Egyptian science journalist Mohammed Yahia.

It aims to strengthen science, health and environmental journalism in Africa and the Middle East by providing professional training and academic opportunities for experienced journalists.

This is particularly relevant to African journalists who want to improve their ability to report scientific developments and communicate research findings to the public.

What the fellowship covers

Selected fellows receive:

• $40,000 stipend paid over 4.5 months.

• $5,000 travel and housing stipend.

• Health insurance for the fellow and accompanying family members.

• Childcare subsidy of $500–$750 per month for eligible fellows.

• Access to academic seminars, workshops, field trips and professional networking.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Be journalists based in Africa or the Middle East.

• Have at least three years of experience reporting on science, health or environmental issues in the region.

• Work as reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators, filmmakers or photojournalists.

• Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English.

• Be able to secure a US visa for the fellowship period.

The programme is suitable for journalists working in newspapers, magazines, television, radio and digital media.

Required documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Statement of purpose (maximum 500 words).

• 30-second video introduction.

• Resume or CV.

• Three relevant work samples.

• At least one professional reference letter.

Freelance journalists should also provide a record of their freelance assignments from the previous 12 months.

Application dates

• Opening: 15 November 2026.

• Deadline: 9 January 2027.

• Fellowship period: Fall 2027 semester.

Important application warning: MIT requires applicants to write their applications themselves. AI may only be used for minor editing, such as grammar and spelling corrections, and such use must be disclosed. Applications written using AI will be disqualified.

Official application page: Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East.

3. AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellowship 2027, USA

The AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellowship is a professional development opportunity offered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The programme allows science, engineering and mathematics students and postdoctoral researchers to work with media organisations and learn how scientific information is communicated to the public.

During the 10-week summer fellowship, participants work with journalists and media professionals to research, write and report science-related news.

What the fellowship covers

Successful fellows receive:

• $10,000 summer stipend.

• Travel expenses to and from AAAS-related activities.

• Travel expenses to and from their media placement locations.

• Practical journalism and science communication experience.

• Professional networking opportunities.

The fellowship does not provide housing or a housing stipend.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an upper-level undergraduate or graduate programme, be a postdoctoral trainee, or have completed one of these programmes within the previous year.

• Study life sciences, physical sciences, health sciences, engineering, computer science, behavioural or social sciences, mathematics or related technical disciplines.

• Be a US citizen or already hold a visa that permits paid summer work in the United States.

Applicants studying journalism, English or other non-technical communication fields are not eligible under the standard Mass Media Fellowship requirements.

Can international students apply?

International students may apply only if they already have the legal authorisation required to receive payment for summer work in the United States. AAAS does not assist applicants with obtaining or retaining visas.

This means the programme is not generally open to applicants who would need AAAS to sponsor their work authorisation.

Application dates

• Opening: 1 October 2026.

• Deadline: 4 January 2027.

• Fellowship dates: 9 June – 24 August 2027.

• Media placement period: 14 June – 20 August 2027.

Official application page: AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship.

4. ARVO Science Communication Training Fellowship 2027

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) offers the Science Communication Training Fellowship to early-career researchers interested in improving their ability to communicate scientific findings and advocate for scientific research.

The one-year programme focuses particularly on eye and vision science.

It helps researchers explain complex scientific information to different audiences, including the public, policymakers, legislators and other stakeholders.

The programme accepts 20 fellows annually.

What fellows receive

Participants benefit from:

• Science communication training.

• Webinars and practical assignments.

• Interactive sessions with communication experts.

• Professional networking opportunities.

• An in-person gathering at the ARVO Annual Meeting.

• Opportunities to participate in advocacy and public outreach activities.

International fellows can participate in the programme. Attendance at the Washington, DC Advocacy Day is optional for international participants.

ARVO does not publish a general cash stipend for this fellowship, so applicants should not assume that it provides a salary or fully funded travel.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Be ARVO Members-in-Training.

• Have maintained ARVO membership for at least one year.

• Be interested in science communication, science advocacy or the role of research in society.

• Demonstrate an interest in communicating eye and vision research.

Required application documents

• Letter of intent.

• Resume or CV.

• Letter of recommendation.

• Letter from the funding source confirming support for attendance at the ARVO Annual Meeting.

US applicants also need funding confirmation for the February 2028 Advocacy Day.

Application dates

• Opening: 1 December 2026.

• Deadline: 31 January 2027.

• Fellowship period: March 2027 – February 2028.

Official application page: ARVO Science Communication Training Fellowship.

Other Science Communication Fellowships to Watch in 2027

The following opportunities also relate to science communication, journalism and public engagement. However, their 2027 application cycles have already closed or have eligibility restrictions worth understanding.

5. BOLD Science Communication Fellowship 2027

The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship is a remote, part-time opportunity for researchers working in children’s learning and development.

The programme offers mentorship and training to help scientists communicate research findings to caregivers and educators.

Benefits include:

• CHF 5,000 stipend.

• Writing workshops.

• Science communication video training.

• Monthly writing club.

• Professional mentorship.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be active researchers studying children’s learning and development and must be no more than 10 years post-PhD. A PhD is not compulsory.

The programme is open to applicants worldwide.

Application status: Closed on 31 October 2026.

Fellowship dates: 4 January – 30 June 2027.

Official website: BOLD Science Communication Fellowship.

6. The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship 2027

The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship is a paid, remote fellowship for aspiring and early-career science journalists.

The one-year programme provides mentorship and practical experience in science writing, reporting and editorial work.

Benefits include:

• US$6,600 stipend.

• One-on-one mentorship with an experienced science journalist.

• Professional editing and reporting experience.

• Opportunities to publish science articles.

• Networking with other science journalists.

Eligibility:

The fellowship is open to applicants worldwide, including those living outside the United States.

Applicants should:

• Have fewer than three years of regular professional science-writing experience, subject to stated exceptions.

• Have some training or experience writing about science for general audiences.

• Demonstrate strong writing skills.

• Be interested in pursuing a career in science journalism.

Application status: Closed on 31 October 2026.

Fellowship begins: 9 February 2027.

Official programme information: The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship.

7. Nautilus Science Communication Fellowship 2027

The Ocean Exploration Trust offers the Nautilus Science Communication Fellowship for educators interested in communicating ocean exploration and STEM research.

Selected fellows join the exploration team aboard a deep-sea oceanographic expedition and communicate scientific discoveries to students and public audiences.

Benefits include:

• Three to five weeks aboard an oceanographic expedition.

• Paid travel to and from the expedition.

• Substitute or stipend support during the at-sea experience.

• Stipend for classroom or community STEAM outreach.

• Professional development and collaboration with researchers and educators.

Eligibility:

The programme welcomes formal and informal educators, including:

• Primary and secondary school teachers.

• Museum and aquarium educators.

• Community educators.

• Youth-service nonprofit educators.

• Traditional storytellers.

Applicants from different educational disciplines can apply.

Application status: Closed for 2027.

Official website: Nautilus Science Communication Fellowship.

How to Apply for Science Communication Fellowships in 2027

Although each fellowship has its own application process, most programmes require applicants to demonstrate their ability to communicate scientific information clearly.

Here are some steps to improve your application.

1. Identify a suitable fellowship

Start by checking the eligibility requirements. Some opportunities are designed for university students, while others are exclusively for researchers, professional journalists or educators.

2. Prepare your CV

Your CV should highlight relevant academic qualifications, professional experience, publications, research activities and communication skills.

3. Build a writing portfolio

Science communication fellowships often require applicants to demonstrate their writing abilities.

Prepare samples such as:

• Science articles.

• Research summaries.

• Educational content.

• Published interviews.

• Science-related blog posts.

• Video presentations or public engagement projects.

4. Write a strong personal statement

Explain why you want to become a science communicator, what you hope to learn and how the fellowship will support your professional goals.

5. Prepare your references

Some fellowships require recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, editors or professional mentors.

Contact your referees early so they have enough time to prepare their letters.

6. Submit before the deadline

Check the official application page for submission instructions, document requirements and time zones. Do not wait until the final day.

FAQs

1. What are science communication fellowships?

Science communication fellowships are professional development programmes that train scientists, researchers, journalists and educators to communicate scientific information to the public.

They may include writing, journalism, media training, public engagement, research communication and mentorship.

2. Can international students apply for science communication fellowships in 2027?

Yes. Some programmes welcome international applicants, including the MIT Knight Science Journalism fellowships and BOLD Science Communication Fellowship.

However, other programmes have citizenship, visa or professional membership restrictions. Always check the eligibility conditions before applying.

3. Are there fully funded science communication fellowships in 2027?

Some fellowships provide substantial financial support. For example, the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship offers an $87,500 stipend and additional travel and housing support.

The MIT Africa and Middle East Fellowship offers a $40,000 stipend and additional support.

However, applicants should review each award’s financial conditions rather than assume every fellowship covers all expenses.

4. Can I apply without a science degree?

It depends on the fellowship.

Some programmes require a background in science, engineering or research, while journalism fellowships may accept professional journalists with relevant reporting experience.

The Nautilus fellowship, for example, welcomes educators from different academic disciplines.

5. What is the difference between science communication and science journalism?

Science communication involves explaining scientific information to different audiences through writing, videos, education and public engagement.

Science journalism focuses more specifically on researching, investigating and reporting scientific developments through news articles, interviews and other journalistic formats.

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Stanford McCoy Family Center General Ethics and Interdisciplinary Ethics Fellowships 2027-2028

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