The Poynter Institute created this fellowship with funding from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. It brings 30 journalists to St. Petersburg for opening and closing convenings, with monthly virtual workshops and coaching in between.
Participants learn to assess brain-health and scientific research, interview expert sources and translate complex findings for public audiences. Each fellow develops original reporting through quarterly work and a final fellowship project.
Benefits & funding
- The program covers all fellowship costs, including travel and lodging for the in-person convenings.
- Fellows who complete the program, attend every in-person and virtual event, produce quarterly reporting and finish a fellowship project receive a $3,000 stipend.
- Fellows receive monthly two-hour virtual workshops from January through November 2027, individualized coaching, expert access and peer support.
Eligibility
- The fellowship is designed for journalists working across platforms and experience levels.
- It includes reporters covering health, science, public affairs or social issues, as well as journalists seeking to expand into brain-health and scientific-research reporting.
- The official pages state no degree, age, nationality or residency requirement.
Can you apply?
Open to all applicants
No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.
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Application process
- 1Open the application form on the official program page.
- 2Prepare details about professional experience, the proposed research or reporting project, one reference contact and basic demographic information.
- 3Complete every section and submit by 11:59 p.m. EST on September 22, 2026; an incomplete application will be reviewed as submitted.
Program timeline
Application deadline
September 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST
Opening convening at Poynter in St. Petersburg
December 1–3, 2026
Monthly two-hour virtual workshops and ongoing project coaching
January–November 2027
Closing convening at Poynter and project presentations
December 2027
Program ends
December 31, 2027