The 2026 Open Notebook (TON) Early-Career Fellowship Program is now open for applications! This highly sought-after, remote, part-time fellowship is designed for emerging science journalists who are eager to deepen their craft and join a vibrant, diverse editorial community. Over 12 months, selected fellows will work closely with a dedicated mentor, write compelling science stories, and get published on The Open Notebook, a platform known for setting high standards in science journalism.
Offered by The Open Notebook (TON), this fellowship helps rising science writers sharpen their skills, develop editorial judgment, and learn from peers and seasoned professionals alike. If you’re an early-career science journalist with a passion for storytelling, this is your chance to fast-track your journalism career.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:
- Strong commitment to a journalism career: This fellowship is for those who aim to be full-time science journalists—not general science communicators.
- Some familiarity with science writing: You don’t need to be an expert, but you should show some prior experience writing about science.
- Understanding of the field: A working knowledge of science journalism, its challenges, and where you hope to grow.
- Familiarity with The Open Notebook: Awareness of TON’s content and topics they typically cover.
- Story ideation skills: Ability to pitch fresh, well-researched, and TON-appropriate story ideas.
- Dependability and time management: A commitment to deadlines and high editorial standards.
- Writing ability: A strong writing voice and command of the English language. If English is not your first language, proficiency is required, but writing does not have to be flawless.
Benefits
- Editorial Mentorship: Get matched with an experienced science journalist who will mentor you through every step—from pitching to publication.
- Hands-On Publishing: Your articles will appear on The Open Notebook, known for deep-dives into the craft of science journalism.
- Global Access: This opportunity is open to all eligible applicants around the world, and it’s fully remote!
- Career-Boosting: Past fellows have gone on to work with publications like Scientific American, Nature, WIRED, and National Geographic.
- Financial Support: Receive a generous $6,600 stipend to support your participation.
Name of Organizer
The Open Notebook (TON)
Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the TON Early-Career Fellowship Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Early-career science journalist: Applicants must be in the early stages of their science journalism career.
2. International applicants welcome: You may apply from outside the United States.
3. Some science writing experience: You must have at least some training and/or experience writing for a general audience.
4. Fewer than three years of professional experience: You must have less than three years of regular, professional science writing experience.
- Internships and student writing do not count toward this threshold.
- Exceptions may be made if your writing experience is not in English.
5. Application must be in English: All application materials—including writing samples and letters of recommendation—must be in English.
Duration & Stipends
- Length: 12 months (part-time commitment)
- Location: Fully remote
- Stipend: $6,600 total (distributed throughout the fellowship year)
- Start Date: February 23, 2026
This program is designed to be flexible to accommodate other responsibilities such as freelancing or part-time work.
Deadline
31st October,2025.
Apply Now
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