Knight Science Journalism Fellowship 2026–27: Apply Now for a Transformative Year at MIT (Deadline: 9 January, 2026)
The Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) Fellowship at MIT offers an unparalleled opportunity for science journalists worldwide to immerse themselves in science, technology, and storytelling. Each year, 10 exceptional journalists are selected to spend nine months in Cambridge, Massachusetts, developing in-depth projects while learning at some of the world’s top research institutions.
Knight Science Journalism Fellowship Summary
| Host Country | USA |
| Host University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Ranking | #1 in QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Eligible Nationalities | All |
| Fellowship Duration | 9 Months |
| Deadline | 9 January 2026 |
What the Fellowship Offers
1. Pursue a Passion Project
Fellows dedicate the academic year to a journalism-focused research project. Past projects have included:
- Long-form narrative or story series
- Multimedia, video, and audio reporting projects
- Research for book proposals
- Deep exploration of a new scientific area
Projects are supported with regular mentorship, and fellows present their work at the end of the year. Many projects lead to publications in magazines, podcasts, books, or documentaries.
2. Rich Learning Opportunities
KSJ fellows enjoy a combination of staff-organized programming and self-directed learning:
- Seminars: Interactive sessions with top researchers and media professionals
- Field Trips: Visits to institutions like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Marine Biological Laboratory, Harvard Forest, and more
- Skill-Focused Workshops: Hands-on workshops in mobile video, data journalism, podcasting, photography, and digital editing
- Course Auditing: Fellows can audit courses at MIT, Harvard, and other local universities, with flexibility to choose topics while taking at least one science course per semester
3. Community & Networking
Life in Cambridge comes with social events, welcome gatherings, and holiday celebrations, fostering strong connections among fellows.
Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: $85,000 over 9.5 months
- Travel & Housing Stipend at the start of the fellowship
- Health Insurance for fellows and their familiesWho Can Apply?
Eligible candidates must:
- Be full-time journalists (staff or freelance)
- Have at least three consecutive years of science, health, technology, or environmental reporting
- Be a reporter, writer, editor, producer, illustrator, filmmaker, or photojournalist
- Not have completed a fellowship of four months or longer in the past two years
International applicants are welcome and must obtain a J-1 visa, sponsored by MIT. English proficiency may be verified via interview or optional tests (IELTS/TOEFL).
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- Professional Autobiography (≤500 words) – Explain why you want the fellowship and your professional goals
- Resume/CV – Include education, work history, and honors
- Research Project Proposal (≤500 words) – Describe a journalism project leveraging MIT resources
- Five Work Samples – Include English translations if necessary
- Three Professional References – Letters submitted directly by your recommenders
AI Use Policy: AI tools may only be used for minor editing (grammar/spelling) and must be disclosed.
Timeline
- Mid-November: Applications open
- January 9, 2026: Application closes
- January–March: Review by panel of science journalists
- Early March: Semifinalists notified for interviews
- April: Final fellowship recipients announced
Living in Cambridge
- Housing is the largest expense; monthly rent ranges from $2,000 to $5,000
- Fellows secure their own apartments but receive guidance and stipends
- The fellowship covers moving expenses and travel
Notable Past Projects
Previous fellows have explored:
- Misinformation and disinformation research
- AI’s evolving role in journalism
- Public health impacts of coal ash pollution
- Topics leading to podcasts, articles, and books on infectious disease, female anatomy, and urban ecology
The KSJ Fellowship at MIT is more than a residency, it’s a career-transforming experience for science journalists ready to push boundaries in reporting, multimedia storytelling, and investigative research. Apply now and join a global network of innovators in science journalism!
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