KSJ Academic-Year Fellowship 2026-27 | MIT Science Journalism Residency

The Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) Academic-Year Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a prestigious 9.5-month fully-funded program for experienced science journalists from around the world. Each year, around 10 outstanding journalists are selected to join MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to pursue academic study, deepen their subject knowledge, and work on an ambitious journalism project.

This fellowship gives journalists time, space, resources, and access to world-class research institutions — allowing them to step away from daily deadlines and focus on intellectual growth and high-impact storytelling.

 Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the KSJ Academic-Year Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be a full-time journalist, either staff or freelance.
• Have at least three consecutive years of full-time experience covering science, health, technology, environment, or related fields.
• Work in print, digital, multimedia, video, audio, or photojournalism.
• Not have held a full-time fellowship lasting four months or more within the past two years.
• Be able and willing to live full-time in the Cambridge/Boston area for the duration of the fellowship.
• International journalists must meet visa requirements.

Part-time journalists, academics, and those who primarily work in public relations or institutional communications are not eligible.

 What Fellows Do During the Programme

The fellowship blends academic exploration, skills development, and independent project work. Fellows benefit from the freedom to design their own experience while also participating in structured KSJ activities.

Key Components:

 1. Independent Journalism Project

Each fellow pursues a self-directed project such as:

• A long-form investigative piece
• A series of in-depth articles
• A multimedia or podcast project
• A book proposal
• A data-driven or scientific narrative

Fellows use the academic environment and scientific resources of MIT and surrounding institutions to support and enrich their work.

 2. Coursework at MIT, Harvard, and Nearby Institutions

Fellows may audit classes in:

• Science and engineering
• Technology and innovation
• Public health
• Environmental studies
• Data visualization, storytelling or media studies

At least one science-focused course is required each semester, but fellows have flexibility to choose subjects that support their project or broaden their knowledge.

 3. Seminars, Workshops & Speaker Sessions

Weekly KSJ seminars bring in leading scientists, reporters, editors, authors, and media innovators. Topics often include:

• Climate and environment
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Public health and medicine
• Ethics and misinformation
• Data journalism and investigative techniques

 4. Field Trips & Research Exposure

Fellows take part in visits to laboratories, research centers, and scientific institutions across the New England region to gain deeper subject-matter insight and reporting inspiration.

 Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded and offers one of the most generous support packages for journalists:

• Stipend of USD 85,000 over 9.5 months.
• Additional housing and relocation allowance at the start of the program.
• Health insurance coverage for fellows and eligible dependents.
• Full access to MIT and Harvard libraries, laboratories, courses, and academic resources.
• Mentorship, editorial support, and professional development throughout the year.
• Access to a strong community and global network of science journalists.

Many past fellows have gone on to win major awards, publish books, create major multimedia investigations, and lead newsroom science desks.

 Application Materials

Applicants typically need to prepare:

• Professional autobiography describing your career and reasons for applying.
• Project proposal (approx. 500 words) outlining a journalism project you will pursue.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé detailing experience, publications, and achievements.
• 3–5 journalism work samples, preferably science-related.
• Three professional references who can speak to your reporting ability and experience.

Applications are reviewed by KSJ leadership and faculty, with finalists interviewed before the selection decision.

 Typical Timeline

• Applications open: Mid-November
• Deadline: Early January
• Announcements: April
• Fellowship period: Late August to early June

 Why This Fellowship Is Exceptional

The KSJ Academic-Year Fellowship stands out because it offers:

• Intellectual freedom: No newsroom deadlines, complete space to think and create.
• Access to leading scientists and institutions: MIT and Harvard provide unmatched resources for research.
• Strong peer network: Fellows join a global community of respected science journalists.
• Career transformation: Many fellows use this time to develop groundbreaking stories, books, documentaries, and investigations.
• Financial security: A stipend and health coverage give journalists the stability to fully focus on learning and creativity.

The KSJ Academic-Year Fellowship is one of the most prestigious residencies for science journalists worldwide. For mid-career reporters seeking renewal, deeper knowledge, and impactful long-form storytelling opportunities, this programme can be transformative.