First call for applications for the FRONTIERS science journalist residency program is open
FRONTIERS, the science journalism initiative funded by the European Research Council, has opened the first call for science journalist residencies. The residencies allow science journalists to spend three to five months in an advanced research team at a host institution in an EU member state or a country associated with the EU's Horizon Europe program.
Science journalists of all nationalities, of different professional stages and who work in different media, can now apply for a residency at a research center within the FRONTIERS project. Applicants must submit, by March 5, a detailed project proposal, as well as samples of their work, letters of recommendation and letters of commitment from themselves and the host institution where they wish to carry out their residency.
Selected journalists will have the opportunity to delve into research institutions, pursue independent journalistic ideas on cutting-edge topics in various scientific disciplines, and participate in training sessions. During their FRONTIERS residencies, journalists receive a monthly allowance of up to €6,000.
Four annual calls for residencies are planned between 2023 and 2026. Science journalists who have identified a potential host institution can submit their applications on the FRONTIERS website. Institutions and research centers that wish to host science journalists can also express their interest in becoming host institutions.
FRONTIERS, the scientific journalism initiative funded by ERC
In early 2023, the European Research Council (ERC) selected the FRONTIERS project for its Science Journalism Initiative. The project aims to address the gap between complex scientific discoveries and public understanding. In addition, it aims to address various challenges to science journalism, such as the rapid spread of misinformation in the digital environment and the media. It also aims to address the pressure faced by journalists to meet tight deadlines, as well as the deteriorating situation of working conditions and resources available to science journalists, among other issues.
The consortium of organizations that will promote this initiative is integrated by the Centre for the Study of Science, Communication and Society (CCS-UPF) of the Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS) of the Pompeu Fabra University (Spain), the Center for Ethics in Science and Journalism (Italy), the NOVA University of Lisbon (Portugal) and Enspire Science (Israel), which coordinates the project.