The Open Notebook Fellowship 2027 is a paid, part-time opportunity for early-career science journalists who want to improve their reporting and writing skills. The fellowship is remote and runs for one year.
During the programme, fellows work with experienced mentors. They also develop and write stories for publication at The Open Notebook. In addition, they join a community of current and former fellows and editors.
The programme is open to applicants living outside the United States. Therefore, eligible applicants from Africa and other regions can apply.
Who is eligible for the Open Notebook Fellowship 2027
The fellowship is designed for early-career science journalists and aspiring science journalists.
Applicants should:
- Have some training or experience writing for the general public.
- Have fewer than three years of regular professional science-writing experience.
- Be interested in developing a career primarily in science journalism.
- Be able to submit application materials in English.
- Be willing to complete the fellowship responsibilities and meet deadlines.
Importantly, internships and student work do not count toward the three-year professional experience limit.
What country or region is eligible for the Open Notebook Fellowship 2027?
The programme is not limited to applicants living in the United States.
Applicants who live outside the U.S. are welcome to apply. Therefore, international applicants, including eligible African applicants, can apply.
However, applicants should make sure they meet all the other requirements before submitting an application.
What does it cover?
The fellowship is a paid opportunity.
According to the current official Open Notebook page, the 2027 fellowship provides a $6,600 stipend. It is also a 12-month, part-time, remote programme.
In addition, fellows receive:
- Regular mentorship.
- Reporting and writing guidance.
- Editorial feedback.
- Opportunities to publish articles.
- Access to a Slack community.
- Participation in cohort activities.
- Career-development support.
As a result, participants can gain both practical writing experience and professional connections.
What are the academic requirements for the Open Notebook Fellowship 2027?
There is no specific university degree requirement stated in the fellowship information provided.
Instead, the programme focuses on training and/or experience in writing about science for a general audience.
Applicants do not need extensive professional experience. However, they must have some relevant training or experience.
Therefore, applicants should focus on showing their writing ability, science interests, and commitment to science journalism.
What documents are required?
Applicants should prepare several materials before starting the application.
The application requires:
- Responses to questions about your interest in the fellowship.
- Information about your previous science-writing experience.
- Your relevant skills, interests, and perspectives.
- Your plans during the fellowship period.
- Two short proposals for suitable TON features or multimedia stories.
- A resume or CV.
- One letter of reference.
- Up to two writing or multimedia samples.
The writing or multimedia samples should be aimed at the general public rather than being academic or scientific papers. Materials must be in English, although translated materials are accepted.
When is the deadline for the Open Notebook Fellowship 2027?
The application deadline is:
October 31, 2026.
How do I apply?
First, review the fellowship requirements carefully.
Next, prepare your CV, writing samples, reference information, and responses to the application questions.
Then, develop two short story proposals. Each proposal should be suitable for The Open Notebook and should demonstrate your understanding of science journalism.
After that, complete the online application and submit it before the deadline.
Because the fellowship focuses strongly on science journalism, applicants should also become familiar with the type of stories published by The Open Notebook.
Where is the official application?
The official fellowship information and application are available through The Open Notebook.
What are the benefits?
The Open Notebook Fellowship 2027 offers several professional development benefits.
Paid Fellowship
The programme provides a $6,600 stipend for the 2027 fellowship period.
Remote Work
The fellowship is conducted remotely, making it accessible to eligible applicants outside the United States.
Professional Mentorship
Each fellow works with an experienced science journalist who provides guidance on story ideas, reporting, writing, editing, and career development.
Publication Experience
Fellows pitch, report, and write articles for publication at The Open Notebook. This can help them build practical journalism experience.
Editorial Community
Fellows join a Slack community with current and former fellows, mentors, and TON editors. They also participate in cohort activities.
For more opportunities, regularly check OpportunityLab for fellowships, grants, internships, scholarships, and other opportunities for African youth.
