The MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship offers journalists the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of science, health, technology, and environmental topics. Every year, the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT offers academic-year fellowships to 10 science journalists from around the globe. The Knight Science Journalism staff arranges some activities for the fellowship program, while fellows independently direct others. Fellows are immersed in MIT’s academic environment for an academic year (August-May), engaging in specialized training, and coursework, and developing a project in science journalism. MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship is a long-term 9-month Fellowship Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.
As of 2024, MIT holds the #1 spot globally for engineering and technology (QS World University Rankings). The MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship allows journalists to explore science, technology, and journalism; focus on a science specialty; and study at leading research universities. The program actively recognizes and honors journalists worldwide who demonstrate excellence in their profession and show a strong dedication to their craft. The application deadline is January 15, 2025, with references due by January 21, 2025
University/Institution
- Name: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Place: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Ranking: MIT consistently ranks as one of the top universities globally, particularly in fields like technology, science, and engineering.
- Programs: The fellowship program supports global journalists, with a focus on science, health, technology, and environmental reporting.
- Duration: 9.5 Months (August-May).
Study Areas for the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship
The Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT focuses on enhancing the skills of journalists specializing in science, health, technology, and environmental reporting. Fellows develop expertise through immersive training and access to MIT’s world-renowned resources. Key study areas include:
- Science Journalism: Deepening knowledge and journalistic methods in scientific reporting.
- Health Journalism: Addressing the challenges and advancements in health and medicine.
- Technology Reporting: Covering technological innovations and their societal impacts.
- Environmental Reporting: Investigating critical environmental issues such as climate change and sustainability
MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship Benefits
- Fellows receive an $85,000 stipend paid out in installments over 9.5 months
- A travel and housing stipend paid near the start of the fellowship
- Basic health insurance for each fellow and their family
- Enriched by regular seminars from top researchers and media professionals.
- Field Trips & Skill-Focused Workshops
- Full-time access to MIT’s resources, including seminars and field trips.
- Fellows create an independent research project in science journalism.
- Fellows audit courses at MIT, Harvard, and other colleges and universities in the area.
Benefits Not Included
- Not cover costs associated with family members or dependents.
- Travel expenses beyond program-related field trips may not be covered.
Eligibility MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship
- Full-time journalists, either staff or freelance, are eligible; part-time writers or producers are not.
- Applicants must have at least three years of consecutive experience covering science, health, technology, or the environment.
- Eligible professionals include reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators, filmmakers, and photojournalists working in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, or digital media.
- Applicants cannot apply if they have completed a fellowship lasting four months or more in the past two years.
- International fellowship candidates must secure a valid U.S. visa, typically a J-1 visa for themselves and J-2 visas for dependents (spouse and children). MIT sponsors these visas through its International Scholars Office (ISchO).
- MIT requires all international fellows to prove their English language proficiency.
Expected of the fellows
- Fellows must live full-time in Boston or Cambridge during the academic year (mid-August to May).
- They must complete a research project using local resources.
- Fellows attend all field trips, seminars, and training sessions organized by the program.
- They take at least one science course each semester.
- Fellows avoid paid professional work unless granted permission by the program director.
Required Documents
- Professional Autobiography: Describe, in 500 words or less
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Research Project Proposal: Describe, in 500 words or less,
- Five Work Samples: Please provide five relevant work samples. Choose samples that best illustrate your interest and abilities
- Three Professional References
Application Process for the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Submit Online Application:
- Provide References:
- Selection Process:
- Applications are reviewed for relevance and quality.
- Semifinalists are contacted for interviews, typically in early March.
- Notification of Results:
Tips for a Successful Application
- Craft a compelling, well-thought-out research project that aligns with the fellowship’s resources.
- Submit high-quality, relevant work samples.
- Secure strong professional references that speak to your commitment and expertise in journalism.
Living Expenses for International Fellows
The fellowship offers a stipend to help cover living expenses, but the exact amount is not specified. As MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the cost of living can be high, particularly for housing, transportation, and daily needs. Fellows should budget for a city with a relatively expensive cost of living, often ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per month depending on lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the fellowship?
Full-time journalists with at least three years of experience in science, health, technology, or environmental reporting can apply. - Is there a specific format for the research project?
No, it can be a book proposal, multimedia work, or traditional reporting, but it must be a journalistic project. - What type of visa is required for international fellows?
International fellows need a J-1 visa, typically sponsored by MIT. - Can I work while participating in the fellowship?
Outside paid work is not allowed unless explicitly approved by the fellowship director. - When will I hear about the results?
Fellows are typically announced in April.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For more information, visit the official Knight Science Journalism Fellowship site.