The Open Notebook (TON) Invites Applications for the 2026 Early-Career Fellowship Program for Science Journalists ($4,000 Stipend)

Posted: September 25, 2025
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Organizer: The Open Notebook (TON)

About the Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 2026 Open Notebook (TON) Early-Career Fellowship Program, a one-year, part-time paid fellowship designed for early-career science journalists. Fellows receive a $4,000 stipend and the opportunity to work with experienced mentors to report, write, and publish stories at The Open Notebook.

The program also offers fellows a chance to sharpen their reporting and writing skills, develop their careers, and engage in a supportive, diverse community of current and past fellows.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is open to early-career science journalists worldwide who meet the following criteria:

Fewer than three years of regular professional science writing experience (internships and student work not included).
Applicants outside the U.S. are welcome to apply.
Must have some training and/or experience in writing for the general public.
Applications, writing samples, and letters of recommendation must be in English (translations are accepted).
Exceptions may be considered if the applicant’s professional writing experience has primarily been in languages other than English.

Selection Criteria

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate:

A strong commitment to working primarily as a professional science journalist.
Some experience writing about science for general audiences.
A good understanding of the science journalism profession and the challenges it presents.
Familiarity with The Open Notebook and its editorial style.
An ability to generate strong, story-worthy ideas.
Solid writing skills and the ability to meet deadlines.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following:

Completed application form with responses about motivation, experience, skills, and career goals.
Short proposals (100 words each) for two TON-style features or multimedia stories.
Resume or CV.
One letter of reference (from a professor, editor, mentor, or supervisor).
Up to two writing or multimedia samples aimed at the general public (not academic writing).
Optional: Additional personal information, especially from applicants from underrepresented groups in journalism.

Fellowship Benefits

$4,000 stipend for the fellowship year.
One-on-one mentorship from senior science journalists.
Hands-on editorial experience with The Open Notebook.
Networking within a diverse and supportive fellowship community.
Opportunities to develop professional science reporting and storytelling skills.