The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is once again offering fellowships for journalists to report on ongoing research in the geosciences. Successful applicants will receive up to €5000 to cover expenses related to their projects. The deadline for applications is 23 November.

Now in its 4^th year (see past awardees online), the successful and ever more popular EGU Science Journalism Fellowship aims to promote excellence in the reporting of geoscientific research. The award is intended to allow journalists to follow geoscientists on location and to develop an in-depth understanding of their research questions, approaches, findings and motivation.

The EGU is now inviting proposals from professional, active journalists to report on ongoing research within the Earth, planetary and space sciences. Competitive proposals will (1) focus on a topic in the geosciences (including planetary and space sciences) with potential broad public appeal, (2) preferably feature leading Europe-based researchers, and (3) outline an original, creative and well-informed approach to the subject. We particularly encourage applicants to submit proposals to report on new and exciting research areas that the wider public may be less familiar with.

A single or multiple fellowships can be awarded, with a total of up to €5000 allocated between the selected candidates to cover expenses related to their proposals. Winner(s) will receive part of the award in advance and part upon successful completion of their project(s). If required, they will also receive assistance in liaising with scientists.

It is expected that the winning journalist(s) will publish at least one substantial item reporting on their project(s). Products could include text (such as a feature article in print or electronic media, or a book), multimedia or photo features, and may be published in any European language. The winning project(s) should be completed within 12 months of the date of the award.

Applications must be written in English, and include:
(a) A proposal (2 pages): a working title, motivation, outline of approach, provisional plan of work, suggested publication outlets and an analysis of feasibility (including budget).
(b) A summary of experience (1 page): an account of professional affiliations, previous experience, expertise and acclaim.

Documents in file (a) should not include the applicant’s name, gender, contact details, or any other information that identifies the candidate, as this part of the application will be judged anonymously.

Applications must be submitted by e-mail in two PDF files [(a) and (b) above] to the EGU Media and Communications Manager, Bárbara Ferreira (media@egu.eu), by 23 November 2014. Submissions by this deadline will be evaluated by a committee comprised of practicing geoscientists, science journalists and a public information officer. The EGU will inform applicants of the competition outcome in December or January.

The EGU will not claim revenues from products resulting from the project, but should be given full access to these products for further dissemination via its online channels. Further, the winners should make clear in their final products that they were supported through a Science Journalism Fellowship from the European Geosciences Union. The winner(s) are encouraged to attend the EGU General Assembly in Vienna in April 2016 to discuss their projects and experience following scientists on location.

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Edit (17/11/2014): To account for the busy week in science journalism last week, the deadline for applications has been extended from the 19th to the 23rd of November.

The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is Europe’s premier geosciences union, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the Earth, planetary, and space sciences for the benefit of humanity, worldwide. It is a non-profit interdisciplinary learned association of scientists founded in 2002. The EGU has a current portfolio of 16 diverse scientific journals, which use an innovative open access format, and organises a number of topical meetings, and education and outreach activities. Its annual General Assembly is the largest and most prominent European geosciences event, attracting over 11,000 scientists from all over the world. The meeting’s sessions cover a wide range of topics, including volcanology, planetary exploration, the Earth’s internal structure and atmosphere, climate, energy, and resources. The EGU 2015 General Assembly is taking place in Vienna, Austria, from 12 to 17 April 2015. For information regarding the press centre at the meeting and media registration, please check http://media.egu.eu closer to the time of the conference.

If you wish to receive our press releases via email, please use the Press Release Subscription Form at http://www.egu.eu/news/subscribe/. Subscribed journalists and other members of the media receive EGU press releases under embargo (if applicable) 24 hours in advance of public dissemination.

• EGU Science Journalism Fellowship, including list of past awardees