[USA] Knight Science Journalism Fellowships - MIT

The Fellowships are designed for self-motivated journalists who hope to improve their coverage of science, technology, medicine or the environment. We are part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The nine-month program is divided between individually-chosen activities and twice-weekly Knight seminars arranged by the director. A Fellow’s work usually includes courses audited at MIT and Harvard, attendance at departmental colloquia, field trips, lab visits, interviews, reading and writing. Each Fellow designs his or her own course of study in discussion with the director. Some Fellows audit three or four courses. Others choose to spend time in a lab.

Our twice-a-week seminars, laboratory visits and field trips bring Fellows up-to-date on current research and broaden their exposure to various fields of science. A number of seminars are devoted to the craft of science writing and issues involving interactions between science and society. Knight Fellows also gain automatic admission to our highly competitive week-long Boot Camps.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is the principal sponsor of the Fellowships.

Eligibility:
We award 10 to 12 fellowships each year. To be eligible for a Knight Fellowship, you must have at least three years of full-time experience covering science, technology, medicine or the environment. We also consider journalists who wish to gain expertise in these fields and who have at least five years of full-time experience. This experience must be in the years immediately prior to applying.

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of journalistic excellence and accomplishment, as well as a long-term commitment to their craft. Applicants may be reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators or photographers. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television, radio or the web. We also consider full-time freelance journalists. There are no educational prerequisites. Professionals working in public information, public relations, the trade press, government or academia are not eligible.

Journalists from all countries compete on an equal basis. Our $60,000 stipend is awarded to all Fellows, regardless of nationality. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are chosen for a fellowship, your fellowship is contingent upon receiving a J-1 visa from the U.S. State Department.

Unless self-employed, applicants must obtain a leave of absence from their employer. Knight Fellowships require full-time residence in the Boston/Cambridge area for the academic year—August through May. Fellows are required to participate in our twice-weekly seminars, field trips and Boot Camps. Fellows must refrain from professional work during their fellowship year.

Selection Process:
Applicants are selected each spring by a panel of leading journalists and MIT faculty. All application materials must be received by March 2. Finalists are chosen in mid-April. U.S. finalists are brought to Cambridge for interviews in late April. International finalists are interviewed by telephone. Winners are announced by early May.

How to Apply: Check here http://web.mit.edu/knight-science/fellowships/howtoapply.html

All application materials must be received by March 2, 2009

Please do not put materials in folders or notebooks.
All materials must be sent to one of the following addresses:
Contact:
For general mail sent via the US Postal Service:
Knight Science Journalism Fellowships
MIT E19-623
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307

For DHL, UPS, FedEx, and other couriers:
Knight Science Journalism Fellowships
MIT E19-623
400 Main Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
Source: http://web.mit.edu/knight-science/index.html