The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is now accepting applications for the 6th edition of its Science Journalism Fellowship competition. The fellowships enable journalists to report on ongoing research in the Earth, planetary or space sciences, with successful applicants receiving up to €5000 to cover expenses related to their projects. The deadline for applications is 11 December.

Rather than awarding a published piece of science reporting, EGU Science Journalism Fellowships differ from other science journalism prizes by awarding innovative proposals to report on geoscientific research not yet in the public sphere. The award offers journalists the opportunity to follow geoscientists on location and to develop an in-depth understanding of their research questions, approaches, findings and motivation. The aim of the fellowship is to promote excellence in geoscience reporting.

We are 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, well-informed approach to the subject.

The EGU may award a single or multiple fellowships, with a total of up to €5000 allocated between the selected candidates. The award is not to function as a salary or to cover applicant’s wages, but rather to fund all or partial expenses related to their projects. The award can cover travel-related costs, such as flights and accommodation, as well as expenses related to video, audio or photography, for example. 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.

While volcanoes, climate or earthquake stories often make the headlines, other scientific areas covered by the EGU do not. We strongly encourage applicants to submit proposals to report on new and exciting research areas that the wider public may be less familiar with. In addition, the judges may favour applications with smaller budgets, which allow more than one proposal to be awarded, as well as proposals where journalists take gender balance into account in the group of geoscientists they suggest interviewing for their stories.

The winning journalist(s) should 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), radio stories, video/multimedia or photo features, and may be published in any European language. We encourage candidates to choose a combination of traditional publications and social media, blogs and multimedia outlets for their stories. The winning project(s) should be completed within 12 months of the date of the award. This deadline can be extended in cases beyond the control of the fellow, such as when a scientific field trip is postponed.

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 11 December 2016. Submissions by this deadline will be evaluated by a committee comprised of practicing geoscientists and science communicators. The EGU will inform applicants of the competition outcome in January or February 2017.

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 to discuss their projects and experience following scientists on location.

Editor’s note: this news item was changed on 10 November to correct the deadline for applications, which had wrongly been set to 4 December. The correct deadline is 11 December.

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 17 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 2017 General Assembly is taking place in Vienna, Austria, from 23 to 28 April 2017. For information about meeting and press registration, please check http://media.egu.eu, or follow the EGU on Twitter and Facebook.

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• EGU Science Journalism Fellowship, including past awardees
• Last year’s winning proposals