FRONTIERS launches an inspiring residency program for early-career science journalists, providing them with opportunities to collaborate with top EU research institutions and develop high-quality journalism. Application deadline: May 6, 2025.
In a move to support emerging science journalists, FRONTIERS has announced a call for applications for its Science Journalism in Residency Programme. Funded by the European Research Council (ERC), this initiative is dedicated exclusively to early-career journalists, offering them invaluable opportunities to delve into frontier science topics in collaboration with leading researchers across the European Union.
Journalists with up to five years of professional experience are invited to apply for residencies at research institutions of their choosing within EU Member States or in countries associated with the EU’s Horizon Europe Programme. The program, which runs from three to five months, aims to nurture independent, high-quality science journalism.
The application window will remain open until May 6, 2025, at 17:00 CEST.
Emerging science journalists often face significant challenges like precarious employment conditions and intense deadline pressures, which hinder their ability to produce in-depth reports on complex scientific issues. FRONTIERS seeks to address these issues by providing immersive, supportive environments where journalists can flourish.
Since its inception, the FRONTIERS program has awarded residencies to seventeen journalists. As the initial seven residents conclude their projects, 10 new fellows from the second round have just begun their residencies at various European research institutions.
Looking ahead, FRONTIERS plans to launch a fourth round of applications later this year, which will be open to science journalists at all career levels.
How to Apply
Early-career journalists must identify a host institution and submit their application using this form. Each application should include a journalistic proposal focused on ongoing frontier research projects and commitment letters from both the applicant and the host institution.
For more details regarding eligibility criteria, financial support and a comprehensive set of tips on writing a successful project proposal, check the FRONTIERS website here.
Research institutions interested in hosting science journalists are encouraged to join the FRONTIERS database, which future applicants will use to find potential host sites.