2025 Nova Institute USA Media Fellowship ($60,000 Grant) Deadline: May 19, 2025

Description

Are you a journalist passionate about health, the environment, and equity? The Nova Institute for Health is inviting applications for its 2025 Media Fellowship Program, offering $60,000 in funding for journalists pursuing impactful stories at the intersection of public health, nature, social justice, and community well-being.

This prestigious fellowship is designed to support reporters, writers, and broadcasters who want to tell deeper, science-based stories on how our environments — social, political, and natural — affect our health.

Degree Level

Nova Institute USA Media Fellowship 2025 ($60,000 Grant) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at Nova Institute.

Available Subjects

Project Themes for 2025–2026

In this cycle, Nova is particularly interested in story proposals that explore:

1. Health of Children and Adolescents: Mental health, chronic illness, social determinants of health, and family support systems
2. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being: The mental health crisis, loneliness, environmental trauma, and post-pandemic impacts
3. Health Inequities and Vulnerable Populations: Systemic barriers, racial and economic disparities, and environmental justice
4. Transdisciplinary and Intersectional Health Approaches: Connections between personal, community, and planetary well-being

All projects must aim for public dissemination and incorporate scientific accuracy, data-driven insights, and inclusive engagement strategies.

Benefits

1. Stipend: $60,000 disbursed over 12 months
2. Additional Expense Reimbursement: Up to $7,500 for travel and professional costs
3. In-Person Meeting Support: Full costs covered for required Nova-hosted gatherings

Selected fellows will join a dynamic community of scholars, researchers, and media professionals committed to reshaping how we talk about health and its many determinants.

Eligible Nationalities

This fellowship is open to domestic students only.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Should Apply?

Nova Media Fellowships are open to:

1. U.S.-based full-time journalists with a demonstrated track record in local, regional, or national media
2. Nonprofit, student-led, or community-based newsrooms with an editorial lead
3. Reporters working across print, digital, and broadcast journalism
4. Individuals with a commitment to science-driven, solutions-focused storytelling

Note: Applicants must reside in the U.S. for the full 12-month duration of the fellowship. International travel may be part of a proposed project, but fellows must remain U.S.-based.

A Commitment to Diversity and Equity

The Nova Institute welcomes and strongly encourages applications from:

1. People of color
2. Women
3. LGBTQ+ individuals
4. Indigenous journalists
5. People with disabilities
6. Those from historically marginalized or underrepresented communities

Nova is actively working to counter systemic injustice and promote inclusive, transformative storytelling.

Application Procedure

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. A written project proposal outlining topic, goals, format, audience, and publication plans
2. A current résumé or CV
3. Work samples from prior journalism (published or aired)
4. Newsrooms must also submit a description of their editorial structure and priorities
5. Finalists will be asked to provide 1–2 letters of recommendation

All applications must be submitted by May 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.

Timeline at a Glance

1. Media Fellowship Announced: April 7, 2025
2. Informational Zoom Q&A: April 30 at 3 PM ET
3. Applications Due: May 19, 2025
4. Finalist Interviews: Mid-July 2025
5. Fellowship Term Begins: September 2, 2025 (flexible)
6. In-Person Fellows Meeting: October 12–15, 2025, Baltimore, MD

Note: All dates are subject to change, except the final application deadline.

How to Apply

Applications and full guidelines are available on the Nova Institute’s website:

visit the OFFICIAL LINK & APPLY