The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship 2027: $6,600 Stipend for Science Journalists Worldwide
The Open Notebook is inviting applications for its 2027 Early-Career Fellowship Program, a paid, remote opportunity designed to help emerging science journalists strengthen their reporting, writing and storytelling skills. The 12-month fellowship offers an opportunity to work with an experienced science journalist, publish feature articles and join a supportive international community of writers, editors and mentors.
Applicants from outside the United States are welcome to apply, making this an opportunity worth considering for eligible science writers in Africa and other regions. Successful fellows will receive a total stipend of $6,600, paid in instalments, throughout the fellowship period.
Applications close on 31 October 2026.
The Open Notebook Fellowship 2027: Key Details
- Programme: Early-Career Fellowship Program
- Host organisation: The Open Notebook
- Fellowship period: 12 months, part-time
- Start date: 9 February 2027
- Location: Remote
- Stipend: $6,600 total, paid in instalments
- Eligible applicants: Early-career science journalists worldwide
- Application deadline: 31 October 2026
- Reference letter deadline: 7 November 2026
About the Fellowship
The Open Notebook is an organisation dedicated to strengthening science journalism by equipping writers with the skills, editorial support and professional community needed to produce high-quality science stories for the public.
The fellowship gives early-career journalists practical experience in developing, researching and writing articles for publication. Fellows become part of The Open Notebook’s editorial team and work closely with experienced mentors throughout the programme.
Supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the fellowship has been helping develop science journalism talent since 2013.
Participants will produce a combination of reported features and interviews exploring the process behind science writing. The programme is designed for people who want to build a career primarily in journalism rather than pursue science communication in a broader sense.
Fellowship Benefits
1. $6,600 stipend
Selected fellows receive a total stipend of $6,600, paid in instalments over the fellowship period. Applicants should note that this is the total programme stipend, not a monthly salary.
2. Professional mentorship
Each fellow is paired with an experienced science journalist who provides guidance on story development, interviewing, reporting, writing and editing. Weekly phone or video meetings allow participants to receive feedback and discuss their professional development.
3. Publication opportunities
Fellows pitch, report and write four articles of approximately 1,500–2,000 words for publication at The Open Notebook. This provides practical experience in producing carefully researched, professionally edited journalism.
4. Editorial and writing development
Participants learn to refine story ideas, strengthen their reporting techniques, revise drafts, prepare articles for fact-checking and meet publication deadlines.
5. International professional network
Fellows participate in discussions and cohort activities through Slack, connecting with other participants, alumni, mentors and editors. Access to this community continues after the fellowship ends.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to early-career science journalists, including applicants who live outside the United States.
Applicants must have some prior training or experience in writing about science for a general audience. Relevant experience may include coursework, journalism training, internships, employment, freelance reporting or student media.
Candidates must generally have fewer than three years of regular professional experience writing about science for the public. Internships and student work do not count towards this limit. Exceptions may be considered for applicants with more extensive experience when some or all of that experience is in a language other than English.
Important: This is not an introductory programme for people with no experience writing about science for the public. Applicants whose experience consists entirely of academic writing are not eligible.
Applications, references and writing samples must be submitted in English. Work originally written in another language may be translated into English.
Time Commitment
Although the fellowship is part-time and remote, participants should be prepared to commit approximately five to seven hours per week on average.
Responsibilities include attending weekly mentor meetings, conducting interviews, participating in editorial discussions, revising articles and completing fact-checking requirements.
Some weeks may require additional time, particularly during reporting, editing and revision stages. Applicants should also consider that interviews with sources ordinarily take place during US daytime hours.
Required Application Materials
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Application form: Responses explaining their interest in the fellowship, previous experience, skills, perspectives and plans for the fellowship period.
- Two story proposals: Brief proposals of approximately 100 words each for features or multimedia stories suitable for The Open Notebook.
- CV or résumé: A summary of relevant education, experience and skills.
- One reference letter: From a professor, editor, mentor, supervisor or colleague who can speak to the applicant’s suitability.
- Two writing or multimedia samples: Examples of work intended for a general audience, rather than academic or scientific publications. Translated work is acceptable if submitted in English.
Applicants should familiarise themselves with The Open Notebook’s published stories before developing their proposals. Story ideas should demonstrate an understanding of the publication’s focus on science journalism and the craft of reporting.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship offers an opportunity for emerging science journalists to develop their professional skills through structured mentorship, practical reporting and publication experience. Its remote format and international eligibility make it particularly relevant to writers seeking to build their journalism careers without relocating to the United States.
Candidates should ensure they meet the experience requirements, can manage the weekly workload and have strong public-facing writing samples before applying.
If you are an early-career science journalist with a commitment to explaining science clearly and accurately, consider preparing your application before the October deadline.
