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Library

Topic: Early-career journalists
Article

What Makes Heat So Hard To Cover?

"For journalists, the most urgent climate disaster is also the trickiest to report on." This CJR article offers tips on how to report on heat events by visualizing "a chronic, invisible crisis," along with ideas for images, adding context and more.
Article

When Scientist Sources Are Reluctant To Speak With Reporters

"As many U.S. scientists face research funding cuts and tightening press policies from their institutions, stakes can be high for those considering going on the record. SciLine has compiled some steps to take when a scientist declines an interview, including other avenues for finding an expert source and alternative ways to source evidence."
Article

Finding the Most Valuable Stories in the Heart of Science Papers

"Research papers are at the forefront of the scientific process, and science writers are vital in bridging the gap between researchers and a wider audience. On 26th June, at the ABSW Science and Technology Journalism Summer School 2025, ABSW Chair Andy Extance held a workshop inviting Emma Stoye (Senior News Editor, Nature), Sarah Wild (Freelance Science Journalist), Dalmeet Singh Chawla (Freelance Science Journalist) to discuss how science journalists can navigate the science publishing landscape to find the most valuable stories within academic papers, using meaningful examples."
Video

Videos on Science Writing

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing

  • Some advice is timeless. Check out David Perlman’s advice for science writers in this video interview from 2009.
  • CASW’s YouTube channel includes presentations from the 2017 World Conference of Science Journalists, ScienceWriters conferences, Patrusky Lectures,  online webinars and much more.
Training program

Covering Climate Now Training Initiative: The Climate Newsroom

"Covering Climate Now is expanding its newsroom training initiatives to enhance climate coverage through local media across the US. The project, called The Climate Newsroom, builds on the success of The Climate Station local TV training program and our work with more than 500 media partners worldwide to offer free, customized training designed to help your outlet cover climate stories more effectively. The training program is available in English and Spanish, spans four sessions over eight weeks, followed by six months of ongoing support and feedback."
Article

Eight Tips From Environmental Reporters in Covering Climate Crisis

"Eight environmental reporters across the U.S. described how they cover the climate crisis in these days where the media space is overloaded with unverified information and social distrust is growing. Some of these journalists have been working on the beat for just a few years, others for 25 years. The reporters gave advice for those who have just entered or may be thinking of entering into this growing field of climate journalism."
Organizations

Trans Journalists Association

"The Trans Journalists Association is a professional membership organization that promotes accurate, nuanced coverage of trans rights and communities in the media and fosters the careers of gender-expansive journalists. The TJA offers a number of programs and resources to support journalists. Some are limited to active TJA members; others are open to all applicants or participants." The Trans Journalists Association is offering Summer 2025 professional development stipends to any journalist who qualifies for membership. Deadline: August 11.
Organization

Science Writers and Communicators of Canada

Science Writers and Communicators of Canada

"Science Writers & Communicators of Canada (SWCC) was founded in 1970 as the Canadian Science Writers’ Association by a small group of science and medical reporters who recognized their role in helping other Canadians better understand rapid changes occurring in our world." You'll find resources for members and nonmembers for starting or expanding a career in science communication, an annual book awards contest (last deadline was November 1, 2024) and annual conference. The 2025 SWCC Annual Conference took place June 12-13 at the Wu Conference Centre on the University of New Brunswick Campus.
Article

Advice for Future Science Journalists — From Knight Science Journalism @MIT Alumni

"The Knight Science Journalism Program has been around for over 40 years, so we have a large community of alumni. KSJ reached out to this global group of esteemed science reporters and asked them, 'What advice do you have for future science journalists?' Or perhaps, 'What would you say to your younger self?' Messages rolled in with thoughtful advice and astute reflections on the field itself. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for decades, this one is worth a read."

Newsletter

Your First Byline

"You want to get an entry-level job in journalism but you don't know where to start. We're here to help." Find tips and advice, and read stories about those who've gone before and how they forged a career in journalism, by Ryan Teague Beckwith, a Substack publication with thousands of subscribers.
Academic program

Science Writing I: Online Class at UCLA Extension

"Learn what it takes to translate scientific concepts and discoveries into prose that readers can understand and enjoy." Amber Dance, an award-winning freelance science writer based in Southern California, teaches an introduction to science writing at UCLA Extension — evenings PT. Next class will be Winter 2026. Email to receive notification when the class goes live.
Resource Database / Guide

Resource Center – Global Investigative Journalism Network

Global Investigative Journalism Network

"GIJN’s Resource Center is here to help journalists expand their knowledge and skills. The Center holds more than 2,000 items in 14 languages – from tip sheets and guides to instructional videos. Use the menu on the right to navigate it or the search box below to find topics you’re interested in."

Awards

CASW Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for Young Science Journalists

CASW

"The award is intended to encourage young science writers by recognizing outstanding reporting and writing in any field of science. The award is given in memory of Ev Clark, a veteran journalist at Business Week, The New York Times and Newsweek, and Seth Payne, his long-time friend and colleague at Business Week and a founder of the award. It is designed to carry on the work of both men, who offered friendship and advice to generations of young journalists." Winners receive a cash prize and expenses paid to attend the NASW/CASW Science Writers conference, where the award is presented. Applications are due June 30.
Resource Database / Guide

U.S. Graduate Program Financial Aid Information for International Students

The Open Notebook

"As part of our effort to support international students and applicants, The Open Notebook has gathered information about financial aid options that exist for international students attending graduate science journalism and science communications programs in the U.S. "The information below was collected in the fall of 2024 via an email questionnaire sent to program directors and/or admissions officers at several dozen universities."
Fellowships & Grants

Health Journalism Fellowship

Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS)

"With generous support from The Commonwealth Fund, the Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) is pleased to offer a unique opportunity to early career women journalists and journalists new to the health beat, who have an interest in and passion for upping their health care reporting skills." The fellowship will "train and support" eight journalists who are early-career or new to the health beat as they complete intensive projects. Potential topics include health equity, cost and quality of care, women's health, delivery system reform, and Medicare/Medicaid. The 2025 application deadline is December 6, 2024.
Fellowships & Grants

Maria Leptin/EMBO Science Journalism Fellowships

European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)

"Maria Leptin | EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) Science Journalism Fellowships support science journalists and life scientists entering careers as science journalists covering life science research. Fellows receive stipends for a duration of three to twelve months to fund their stays in media outlets of any type, editorial offices, or research institutions that make the fellows advance in their careers as science journalists." To be eligible, applicants must reside in one of the 31 EMBO member states and must be applying for internships or volunteer positions in science journalism. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Fellowships & Grants

The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship

The Open Notebook

"The Open Notebook offers a paid, part-time fellowship program for early-career science journalists. During the course of this fellowship, fellows work with a mentor to plan, report, and write articles for publication at The Open Notebook and become part of the TON editorial team. This one-year program offers fellows the opportunity to explore their career interests and passions and to sharpen their skills as part of a talented, supportive, diverse community of past and present fellows and mentors. This fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, which has supported this program since 2012." For the 2025 cohort, the remote, part-time fellowship will begin on February 24, 2025, and includes a stipend of $6,600. Applications are due October 31, 2024.
Workshop

EurekAlert! webinars for journalists

EurekAlert!, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

EurekAlert!, the science press release service from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), is offering a new webinar series for students and early-career science journalists to help these EurekAlert! members make the most of the service. The first webinar, focused on embargoes, took place on August 30 and will repeat monthly after that.
Article

Science journalism internships for early career scientists

"Ever wondered what it’s like to swap a pipette for a pen? Imagine turning yours and other’s discoveries and passion for science into compelling stories that captivate a wider audience. Welcome to the thrilling world of science journalism, where your knack for curiosity and love for storytelling can take you from bench to byline." "I’ve collected a list of internships, mostly three-month or summer positions, that you should consider. If the opportunity doesn’t indicate that it will open for summer 2025, keep the website in your bookmarks in case the program runs every two years."
Article

How to build a science writing portfolio when you have no experience

"Putting a portfolio together is not complicated once you have a few assignments under your belt. But it's a different story for newbies, and I can't count how many first-time writers have asked me how they can get a portfolio when no one will give them a chance to start." In this article, communicator Joachim Eeckhout shares recommendations for building a portfolio, including creating a blog, guest posting, and using social media.
Fellowships & Grants

Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellowship

STAT News, KSJ at MIT

"STAT, the leading health and science news publication, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are accepting applications for the Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellowship, which has the goal of diversifying the ranks of science and health journalists and fostering better coverage of science that is relevant to all people. It combines a paid reporting position at STAT with an educational component through MIT’s prestigious Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) program. The one-year fellowship is intended for early-career U.S. journalists from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the profession and will prepare them for a successful career in science journalism." The deadline for the 2024-25 fellowship is April 26.
Newsletter

The Seedling

Uproot Project

"The Uproot Project produces a biweekly newsletter called The Seedling, which is dedicated to keeping members up to date on all things Uproot. In each issue of The Seedling, one of our members writes to our subscribers about an impactful topic or story that is relevant for the Uproot community. Past issues have touched on topics ranging from extreme heat, to climate fiction, to Bad Bunny lyrics. We also use the newsletter to share job opportunities, fellowships and grants, upcoming Uproot events, and amplifying the work of our members."
Fellowships & Grants

IJNR field reporting grants

Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources (IJNR)

"Annually, IJNR invites proposals for grants to help defray the costs of reporting projects that focus on natural resources, the environment, energy, development, agriculture, environmental justice, and public health." Grant opportunities for 2024 are focused on wildlife, conservation, public health impacts, Indigenous reporting, and environmental justice. Reporting projects must be based in or directly related to North America. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2024.
Workshop

2024 Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists

Metcalf Institute, University of Rhode Island

"Metcalf Institute’s Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists is for full-time journalists working in any medium who want learn more about research and topics relating to climate change science, impacts, adaptation, and justice. It’s designed to bolster your understanding of the methods, norms, and culture of science, with hands-on activities, field trips, and opportunities to develop relationships with scientific experts and with your other fellows! We welcome journalists of all beats, such as arts & culture, business, technology, policy, and politics, as climate change shapes all of these fields with ever-increasing urgency." The 2024 workshop will have a special focus on water issues and climate change. It will take place in person at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI. on June 3-8, and applications are due by February 12, 2024.
Video

SciCommers Mentor Chat Series

Boston University

SciCommers is a free network for scientists and engineers to improve their science communication skills and connect with science writing opportunities, hosted by Boston University. In the network's monthly Mentor Chats, communication experts video-chat with SciCommers about topics including how to start a podcast, science outreach, freelance science writing, and more. Past Mentor Chats are posted on the SciCommers YouTube channel.