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?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
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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