The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program is now open for applications for the 2025 edition.
This program is a unique opportunity for early-career science journalists to learn, grow, and develop their skills.
The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program offers a $6,600 stipend and an enriching experience in science journalism.
Fellowship Overview for Early-Career Science Journalists
The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program 2025 is a one-year part-time program for those interested in science journalism.
It provides fellows with the chance to work closely with experienced mentors, report stories, and publish articles at The Open Notebook.
This fellowship is supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, which has helped this program grow since 2012.
Fellows will become part of a talented and supportive community, including past and present fellows and mentors.
Fellowship Experience at The Open Notebook
As part of the fellowship, each fellow will produce four articles for publication on The Open Notebook.
These articles will include a mix of interviews and features, exploring the stories behind science reporting.
Weekly meetings with mentors will help fellows develop ideas, improve their writing, and receive guidance on their career.
Articles go through several rounds of editing, and fellows will also annotate their stories for fact-checking and diversity tracking.
Fellows will engage in community activities through a Slack group, interacting with other fellows and editors.
Fellowship Stipend
Each fellow will receive a stipend of $6,600, paid in four installments throughout the program.
Eligibility Requirements for the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program
To apply for the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an early-career science journalist.
- Applicants living outside the United States are welcome to apply.
- Some training or experience in writing for the general public is required.
- No need for extensive experience, but some familiarity with science writing is essential.
- Must have fewer than three years of regular professional science writing experience.
- Internships and student work do not count towards the three-year experience limit.
- Applicants with over three years of experience may still apply if some work was not in English.
Selection Criteria for the Fellowship
Applicants will be chosen based on the following:
- Strong intention to work as a science journalist.
- Experience in writing about science for the general public.
- Understanding of the science journalism profession and personal growth goals.
- Familiarity with The Open Notebook and its style of content.
- Ability to generate good story ideas suitable for The Open Notebook.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
- Strong writing skills, even if English is not the first language.
Application Process for the Fellowship
To apply, the following details must be provided:
- Responses explaining why you are interested in the fellowship and your goals.
- Details about your prior experience in writing about science for the public.
- Information on your plans during the fellowship period.
- Short proposals for two features or multimedia stories suitable for The Open Notebook.
- A resume or CV.
- One letter of reference from a relevant person who knows your work.
- Up to two writing or multimedia samples of work aimed at the general public.
- Optionally, information about your background or any group affiliation.
Applications are to be submitted through the Open Notebook Fellowship Application Page.
The application deadline is 31st October 2024.
More Information on the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program
For additional information about the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program, visit the Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Information Page.