The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is now accepting applications for the 10^th edition of its Science Journalism Fellowship competition. The fellowships enable journalists to report, in any European language, 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 18 June 2021.

EGU Science Journalism Fellowships differ from other science journalism prizes. Rather than awarding a published piece of science reporting, the EGU funds innovative proposals to report on geoscientific research not yet in the public sphere. The award offers journalists the opportunity to follow geoscientists on location 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 and within the remit of EGU’s scientific divisions, (2) outline an original, well-informed approach to the subject, and (3) feature leading Europe-based researchers and/or have European relevance.

The EGU may award 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 applicants’ wages, but rather to fund all or partial expenses related to their projects. The award can, for example, cover travel-related costs, such as flights and accommodation, as well as expenses related to video, audio, or photography. 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. In addition, winner(s) will be invited, with travel expenses paid up to €1000, to attend the EGU General Assembly following completion of their projects to discuss their experience following scientists on location.

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. We also encourage journalists to 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 the three criteria given above for competitive proposals. Two documents are required:

(a) A proposal (2 pages): a working title, motivation, outline of approach, provisional plan of work, and suggested publication outlets. This document must also include a detailed budget and an outline of the feasibility of completing the project on schedule and with the budget requested.
(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.

To apply, interested journalists must fill in the online form at https://www.egu.eu/news/fellowship/form/, where applicants can upload the two PDF files (a) and (b), by 18 June 2021. 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 September 2021.

The EGU will not claim revenues from products resulting from the project, but should be given full access to them 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 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 with headquarters in Munich, Germany. The EGU publishes 19 scientific journals that use an innovative open access format and organises topical meetings plus education and outreach activities. Its annual General Assembly is the largest and most prominent European geosciences event, attracting more than 16,000 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 General Assembly 2022 will take place in Vienna, Austria, from 3 to 8 April. For information and press registration, please check http://media.egu.eu closer to the time of the meeting, or follow the EGU on Twitter and Facebook.

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• Application form
• EGU Science Journalism Fellowship, including past and present awardees
• Last year’s winning proposals