Fully Funded: The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship Program 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 Early-Career Fellowship Program by The Open Notebook (TON).

This fully funded fellowship is designed to support emerging science journalists with fewer than three years of professional experience. Through mentorship, training, and hands-on writing opportunities, fellows will strengthen their skills while publishing feature stories for The Open Notebook’s global audience.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

Stipend: US $6,600 paid over 12 months
Mentorship: Weekly one-on-one guidance from experienced science journalists
Writing Portfolio: Opportunity to produce four feature stories (1,500–2,000 words each) for The Open Notebook
Professional Growth: Feedback on pitching, reporting, and writing skills
Networking: Access to an active Slack community of peers, mentors, and past fellows for ongoing collaboration

This fellowship offers not only financial support but also the chance to build credibility and connections in the world of science journalism.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to:

Early-career science journalists worldwide with less than 3 years of professional experience (excluding internships and student roles)
Applicants with prior training or experience in communicating science to general audiences
Candidates who can commit 5–7 hours per week to mentorship, assignments, and community participation
Applicants able to submit all application materials in English (translated work samples are accepted)

Key Details