Applications for the 2024 Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program are open. The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program is a highly regarded opportunity for aspiring science journalists. The program, specifically for early-career journalists, aims to provide them with valuable experience, mentorship, and resources to advance their careers in science journalism.
The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program 2024
Each year, The Open Notebook selects a small group of fellows for their fellowship program. These fellows are chosen through a competitive application process that is open to individuals who have recently started their careers in science journalism. The program is not restricted to any specific location, therefore journalists from any part of the world can apply.
Selected fellows receive various benefits during their time in the program. They are paired with experienced science journalists who will serve as mentors throughout the fellowship period. Mentors provide guidance, feedback, and support as fellows work on their projects. This mentorship is a valuable aspect of the program as it allows fellows to learn from seasoned professionals and gain insights into the industry.
Benefits of the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program
- A stipend of $6,000 will be made available.
The fellowship is available to early-career science journalists who have limited professional science writing experience, specifically fewer than three years. It’s important to note that:
- Internships and student work do not qualify for this requirement.
- There is a possibility of exceptions for individuals who have over three years of professional science writing experience, but part or all of that experience is not in English.
- Applicants are expected to have received some training and/or have experience in writing for the general public, as this is a requirement for the fellowship.
- International applicants are encouraged to apply, but all application materials, including writing samples and letters of recommendation, must be submitted in English. Translated materials from another language into English are acceptable.
Evaluation Criteria
Applicants will receive special consideration if they can showcase:
- Candidates who have a clear, determined desire to pursue a career specifically in professional science journalism will be given preferential treatment. (Please note: This fellowship is designed for individuals whose primary focus is journalism, rather than other forms of science communication.)
- Some training and/or experience in writing about science for the general public, regardless of its extent, is preferred.
- It is important for applicants to demonstrate an understanding of the science journalism profession, including knowledge of common challenges faced by science journalists and areas for personal growth.
- Familiarity with The Open Notebook and the types of topics covered by the organization is valued.
- Applicants should have the ability to generate high-quality story ideas suitable for The Open Notebook.
- Strong writing skills. They understand that English may not be your native language, so they consider this when evaluating your writing. Although flawless writing is not expected, it is important to possess a reasonably high level of English proficiency for a successful experience in this fellowship.
Application Process For the Fellowship
The application form for this fellowship includes the following:
- Responses to questions about:
- Your motivation for applying to this fellowship and your learning objectives
- Your previous education and/or practical background in writing science stories for a non-specialist audience
- Specific abilities, interests, or viewpoints that you would contribute to this fellowship
- Your overall plans during the fellowship duration (e.g., completing a dissertation, freelancing, job hunting, pursuing other activities)
- Provide brief ideas for two potential features or multimedia stories that you believe would be a good fit for publication in The Open Notebook. These suggestions can include writer interviews exploring the process behind a story, in-depth articles on specific aspects of the science writing craft, panel discussions, or any other creative project that centers around the art of science writing. Please note that these are not detailed pitches but rather concise proposals.
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- One reference letter. This can be obtained from a professor, editor, mentor, supervisor, or any other colleague who can effectively highlight your skills and qualities as they pertain to science journalism and the fellowship opportunity.
- Up to two samples of your work, either in writing or multimedia format, intended for the general public (not academic or scientific writing). If you are including audio or multimedia clips, you can simply provide the URLs within a PDF document for uploading purposes. (All samples should be in English, but translations are acceptable.)
- Optional: Additional information about yourself. We strongly encourage writers from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you belong to a group or community that has historically faced marginalization or underrepresentation in U.S. journalism, we invite you to share this information with us. Please note that disclosing such details is completely optional, and rest assured that any information provided will remain confidential.
- Click here to commence your application
Visit the official website for more details
Application Deadline
October 31, 2023.
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