The Open Notebook Fellowship 2027 is a paid, part-time, remote programme for early-career science journalists. Fellows receive one-on-one mentoring while they pitch, report, and write articles for publication.
However, the 12-month programme starts on February 9, 2027. It welcomes eligible applicants from around the world, not only those based in the United States.
Open Notebook Fellowship 2027 benefits
Successful Fellows will receive:
- A $6,600 stipend.
- One year of remote, part-time training.
- Weekly mentoring from an experienced science journalist.
- Editorial guidance on reporting and writing.
- Experience producing articles for The Open Notebook.
- Access to a Slack community of Fellows, mentors, editors, and alumni.
- Career advice and professional connections.
- Continued membership in the fellowship community after the programme ends.
In addition, Fellows will build a stronger portfolio through four published or publication-ready stories.
Open Notebook Fellowship 2027 Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Be early-career science journalists or aspiring science journalists.
- Have some training or experience writing science for the general public.
- Have fewer than three years of regular professional science-writing experience.
- Submit application materials in English.
- Show a strong interest in a professional science journalism career.
- Be ready to complete the required weekly work.
Furthermore, Internships and student work do not count toward the three-year experience limit. Also, applicants with more experience may still qualify when some or all of that work was not in English.
Open Notebook Fellowship commitment
The fellowship requires about five to seven hours per week on average. Fellows will pitch, report, and write four articles of about 1,500 to 2,000 words.
In addition, they will also join weekly mentor meetings, editorial discussions, Slack activities, interviews, fact-checking, and revision rounds. Therefore, applicants should ensure they can meet deadlines throughout the year.
Application requirements for the Open Notebook Fellowship
Applicants should prepare:
- A résumé or CV.
- Answers about their science-writing background and career goals.
- Two short, 100-word story proposals.
- One reference letter.
- Up to two public-facing writing or multimedia samples.
- Optional information about lived experience or background.
The programme accepts translated samples. However, the submitted materials must be in English.
Applicants can also explore other fellowship opportunities on OpportunityLab.
How to apply for the Open Notebook Fellowship 2027
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Central Time on October 31, 2026. Reference letters are due by November 7, 2026. Applicants should contact their referee early to allow enough time for a strong letter.
