EGU’s Science Journalism Fellowship 2023

The European Geosciences Union (EGU) has begun accepting applications for the 12^th edition of its Science Journalism Fellowship competition. The fellowships enable journalists to report, in any European language, on ongoing research in the Earth, planetary or space sciences, with successful applicants receiving up to €5000 to cover expenses related to their projects. The deadline for applications is 16 June 2023.

Proposals invited from professional, active journalists to report on ongoing research within the Earth, planetary and space sciences. Competitive proposals will: (1) focus on a topic in the geosciences (including planetary and space sciences) with potential broad public appeal and within the remit of EGU’s scientific divisions, (2) outline an original, well-informed approach to the subject, and (3) feature leading Europe-based researchers and/or have European relevance.

EGU Science Journalism Fellowships differ from other science journalism prizes. Rather than awarding a published piece of science reporting, the EGU funds innovative proposals to report on geoscientific research not yet in the public sphere. The award offers journalists the opportunity to follow geoscientists on location to develop an in-depth understanding of their research questions, approaches, findings and motivation. The aim of the fellowship is to promote excellence in geoscience reporting.

The EGU may award single or multiple fellowships, with a total of up to €5000 allocated between the selected candidates. The award is not to function as a salary or to cover applicants’ wages, but rather to fund all or partial expenses related to their projects. The award can, for example, cover travel-related costs, such as flights and accommodation, as well as expenses related to video, audio or photography. Winner(s) will receive part of the award in advance and part upon successful completion of their project(s). In addition, winner(s) will be invited, with travel expenses paid up to €1000, to attend the EGU General Assembly following completion of their projects to discuss their experience following scientists on location.

While volcanoes, climate or earthquake stories often make the headlines, other scientific areas covered by the EGU do not. We strongly encourage applicants to submit proposals to report on new and exciting research areas that the wider public may be less familiar with. In addition, the judges may favour applications with smaller budgets, which allow more than one proposal to be awarded. We also encourage journalists to take gender balance into account in the group of geoscientists they suggest interviewing for their stories.

The winning journalist(s) should publish at least one substantial item reporting on their project(s). Products could include text (such as a feature article in print or electronic media, or a book), radio stories, video/multimedia or photo features, and may be published in any European language. We encourage candidates to choose a combination of traditional publications and social media, blogs and multimedia outlets for their stories. The winning project(s) should be completed within 12 months of the date of the award. This deadline can be extended in cases beyond the control of the fellow, such as when a scientific field trip is postponed.

Applications must be written in English and include the three criteria given above for competitive proposals. Two documents are required:

(a) A proposal (2 pages): a working title, motivation, outline of approach, provisional plan of work, and suggested publication outlets. This document must also include a detailed budget and an outline of the feasibility of completing the project on schedule and with the budget requested.
(b) A summary of experience (1 page): an account of professional affiliations, previous experience, expertise and acclaim.

Documents in file (a) should not include the applicant’s name, gender, contact details, or any other information that identifies the candidate, as this part of the application will be judged anonymously.

To apply, interested journalists must fill in the online form, where applicants can upload the two PDF files (a) and (b), by 16 June 2023. Submissions by this deadline will be evaluated by a committee comprised of practising geoscientists and science communicators. The EGU will inform applicants of the competition outcome in September 2023.

The EGU will not claim revenues from products resulting from the project, but should be given full access to them for further dissemination via its online channels. Further, the winners should make clear in their final products that they were supported through a Science Journalism Fellowship from the European Geosciences Union.

EDITORS NOTE: To show our support for Ukraine and in accordance with current European sanctions, EGU will not provide any payments to applicants from Russian or Belarusian institutions – as a result anyone from a Russian or Belarusian institution is not eligible to apply for this fellowship in 2023.