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Applications are currently being accepted for the Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East.
This new fellowship, lasting one semester, is hosted by the Knight Science Journalism Program (KSJ) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It was inspired by the life and career of Egyptian science journalist Mohammed Yahia. The fellowship, created in collaboration with Springer Nature, the publisher of Nature Middle East, aims to enhance the training of a journalist from Africa or the Middle East. The goal is to empower them to contribute to a culture of high-quality science and health journalism in those regions, while also increasing awareness of regional advances globally.
Scheduled for the fall semester of the academic year starting in 2024, the fellowship will take place at MIT, where the fellow will join other KSJ fellows in a comprehensive program of study. This includes participation in seminars, training workshops, and field trips throughout the semester, providing valuable insights and experiences.
You must be journalists located in Africa and/or the Middle East, possessing a minimum of three years of experience in reporting on science, health, or environmental issues within the region. This includes individuals engaged in roles such as reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators, filmmakers, or photojournalists, encompassing work for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and digital media.
Live in the Boston-Cambridge area full-time for MIT from August 16, 2024, to mid-December 2024.
Participate in field trips, seminars, and mandatory training sessions organized by KSJ. Design a curriculum that incorporates at least one science course. Fellows can audit courses at MIT, Harvard, and other local universities. Avoid engaging in external paid professional work during The Fellowship, unless explicit written permission is obtained from the director.
Each fellowship applicant must submit the following documents:
Purpose Statement: In 500 words or fewer, explain why you wish to participate in the Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East and how it aligns with your professional aspirations.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae: Offer a concise overview of your education, work history, and professional accolades. Freelancers should include a list of completed freelance assignments in the past 12 months, specifying each story, venue, and the date of publication or broadcast.
Three Work Samples: Submit three relevant work samples that best showcase your interests and capabilities. If the work is not in English, include translations.
Professional Reference Letter: Furnish at least one letter of recommendation, though additional letters are welcome. The letter should originate from someone familiar with your work, commenting on your abilities and dedication to journalism. Applicants will provide recommender names and email addresses in the application, triggering automatic letter requests.
The following timeline is an outline of the application process, timing is subject to change:
Fellowship Application Process:
February 1, 2024: Applications Open
March 1, 2024: Applications close at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. It is strongly recommended that references meet this deadline, but they are allowed a grace period until March 4th to upload their recommendation letters. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Early March: A panel of distinguished science journalists will review applications, and semi-finalists will be chosen for video interviews.
Mid-March: The fellowship recipient will be selected, and applicants not chosen will be notified by this time.
Mid-March to April: The recipient of the fellowship will be announced publicly.
Beginning in mid-March, KSJ and MIT will collaborate with the recipient on the visa sponsorship process for the period starting on August 16, 2024, and concluding on December 31, 2024.
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