Are you a science journalist looking to elevate your career at one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions? The MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship 2026-2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced science journalists from around the world to spend nine months at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This fully funded fellowship provides an $85,000 stipend, health insurance, and access to world-class resources at MIT, Harvard, and other leading institutions in the Boston area.
About the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship
The Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) Program at MIT is dedicated to strengthening science journalism in the public interest. Every year, the program selects 10 outstanding science journalists from around the globe to participate in an academic-year fellowship that provides unparalleled access to one of the world’s leading research institutions.
During the nine-month fellowship, participants explore science, technology, and the craft of journalism while concentrating on a specialty area and learning from top researchers and media professionals. Fellows audit courses at MIT, Harvard, and other prestigious universities in the Boston area, giving them exposure to cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
The program is designed to recognize journalists who demonstrate a high level of professional excellence and a long-term commitment to their craft. Whether you are a reporter, writer, editor, producer, photographer, illustrator, or filmmaker covering science, health, technology, or environmental topics, this fellowship can transform your career and deepen your expertise.
MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship 2026-2027 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United States of America |
| Host Institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| Fellowship Type | Academic-Year Fellowship (9 months) |
| Field | Science, Health, Technology, Environmental Journalism |
| Fellowship Value | $85,000 Stipend + Travel/Housing Stipend + Health Insurance |
| Number of Fellows | 10 journalists per year |
| Duration | Mid-August 2026 to May 2027 |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Countries (International candidates welcome) |
| Experience Required | Minimum 3 consecutive years in science journalism |
| Application Deadline | January 9, 2026 (11:59 PM EST) |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Language Test | Not required (but may strengthen application) |
Benefits of the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship
The KSJ Fellowship provides comprehensive support to ensure fellows can fully immerse themselves in learning and research:
Financial Benefits
- $85,000 stipend paid in installments over 9.5 months (approximately $9,000 per month)
- Travel and housing stipend paid near the start of the fellowship to cover relocation costs
- Basic health insurance coverage for the fellow and their family
- No application fee required
Academic and Professional Benefits
- Audit courses at MIT, Harvard, and other Boston-area universities
- Access to world-class research facilities and laboratories
- Regular seminars with top researchers and media professionals
- Field trips to renowned scientific institutions
- Skill-building workshops in multimedia, data journalism, podcasting, and more
- Time to pursue a passion project with dedicated mentorship
- Join a global network of KSJ alumni and science journalism professionals
Program Structure and Activities
The fellowship program combines structured programming arranged by KSJ staff with self-directed academic exploration:
Research Project
A central component of the fellowship is an individual research project that leverages MIT’s resources, faculty expertise, and local research institutions. Projects must be journalism-related and can include:
- Long-form narrative or investigative story series
- Multimedia, video, or audio reporting projects
- Research and reporting for a book proposal
- Building deep knowledge of a new scientific area
- Podcast or documentary development
- Studies on misinformation, AI in journalism, or public health topics
Note: Fellows may work on book proposals but cannot sell the proposal or arrive with an existing book contract during the fellowship year.
Seminars and Expert Sessions
Fellows’ time in Cambridge is enriched by regular seminars featuring leading scientists, technologists, and media experts who share new research, reporting insights, and emerging issues in science communication.
Field Trips
KSJ organizes several trips each year to locations of special interest to science and technology writers. Past destinations have included:
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Marine Biological Laboratory, MA
- Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
- Harvard Forest, Petersham, MA
Skill-Building Workshops
Fellows return to the workforce with enhanced technical skills through hands-on training in:
- Mobile video production
- Still photography
- Digital editing
- Data journalism
- Podcasting
Course Auditing
Fellows can audit courses at MIT, Harvard, and other colleges and universities in the area. The only requirement is to include at least one science course per semester. Beyond that, fellows have immense flexibility in choosing their course of study.
Eligibility Criteria for the KSJ Fellowship
To qualify for the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship 2026-2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Professional Requirements
- Full-time journalist (staff or freelance). Part-time writers or producers are NOT eligible
- At least three consecutive years of experience covering science, health, technology, or environmental reporting
- Work as a reporter, writer, editor, producer, illustrator, filmmaker, or photojournalist
- Work for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, or digital media
Fellowship History
- Must NOT have completed a fellowship of four months or longer during the two years prior to applying
- Ongoing supplemental funding programs that maintained full-time reporting roles may be acceptable (explain in application)
International Applicants
- International candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
- Selected international fellows must obtain a J-1 visa sponsored by MIT
- English proficiency verified through interview and/or language tests (IELTS, TOEFL)
- Language tests are not required but may strengthen applications for non-native English speakers
Required Documents for the KSJ Application
Each applicant must submit the following documents through the online application portal:
- Professional Autobiography/Statement of Purpose: Describe in 500 words or less why you want to participate and how it fits your professional goals
- Resume or CV: Include education, work history, and professional honors. Freelancers should list jobs completed in the past 12 months with story, venue, and publication date
- Research Project Proposal: Describe in 500 words or less a journalism project you intend to develop that leverages MIT resources
- Five Work Samples: Provide relevant samples that illustrate your interests and abilities. Include translations for non-English work
- Three Professional References: Letters from individuals familiar with your work commenting on your abilities and commitment to journalism
Important AI Policy: Applications must be authored solely by the applicant without AI support. AI may only be used for minor editing (grammar/spelling). Any AI use must be disclosed.
Application Timeline for the KSJ Fellowship 2026-2027
Application Status: Currently Open (Opened November 15, 2025)
Key Dates
- Application Opens: November 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
- Reference Letters Deadline: January 15, 2026 (grace period for recommenders)
- Application Review: January – March 2026
- Semifinalist Notification: Early March 2026 (video interviews)
- Final Announcement: April 2026
- Fellowship Begins: Mid-August 2026
- Fellowship Ends: May 2027
How to Apply for the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Access the Application Portal: Visit the official application page at KSJ Submittable Portal and create an account.
- Prepare Your Documents: Write your professional autobiography (500 words max), research project proposal (500 words max), and update your CV.
- Select Your Work Samples: Choose five relevant samples that best showcase your science journalism abilities and interests.
- Secure Reference Letters: Provide contact information for three professional references who will submit letters through the system.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required fields with accurate personal and professional information.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure everything is submitted before January 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Late applications will not be considered.
- Await Results: Check your email for semifinalist notification in early March 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Develop a compelling research project that clearly leverages MIT resources and expertise
- Choose work samples that demonstrate range, depth, and excellence in science journalism
- Articulate clear professional goals and how the fellowship fits into your career trajectory
- Start early to give references adequate time to submit strong recommendation letters
- Research past fellows and their projects to understand what makes a successful applicant
- Be specific about how you would use MIT facilities, courses, and expert connections
Fellowship Expectations and Commitments
If selected for the KSJ Fellowship, fellows must meet the following expectations:
- Reside full-time in the Boston/Cambridge area from mid-August to May
- Produce a well-developed research project that leverages local resources
- Attend all field trips, seminars, and required training sessions
- Complete at least one science course per semester
- Refrain from outside paid professional work unless written permission is granted by the director
- Deliver a formal presentation about the research project at the end of the academic year
Living Costs in Boston/Cambridge
The largest monthly expense will be housing. The Boston/Cambridge rental market is competitive with rents ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on location and apartment size. New tenants often need to provide first month’s rent, broker’s fee, and security deposit upfront. The $85,000 stipend (approximately $9,000/month) plus the travel and housing stipend are designed to cover these costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the KSJ Fellowship
Can international journalists apply?
Yes, international candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Journalists from all countries compete on an equal basis. Selected international fellows must obtain a J-1 visa sponsored by MIT.
Is there an application fee?
No, there is no application fee for the KSJ Fellowship.
What is the total value of the fellowship?
Fellows receive an $85,000 stipend, travel and housing stipend, and basic health insurance for themselves and their families. The total value exceeds $100,000 when including all benefits.
Are language tests required?
Language proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL) are not required but may strengthen applications for candidates whose first language is not English. English proficiency is verified through the application interviews.
How many fellows are selected each year?
The KSJ Program selects 10 science journalists from around the world each year for the academic-year fellowship.
Can I work during the fellowship?
Fellows must refrain from outside paid professional work during the fellowship unless written permission has been granted by the director. This allows full focus on the research project and academic activities.
Where can I apply for the KSJ Fellowship?
You can apply directly through the KSJ Submittable portal at the official application form. For more information, visit the official program website at ksj.mit.edu.
Final Thoughts on the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship
The MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship 2026-2027 represents one of the most prestigious opportunities in the field of science journalism. With a generous $85,000 stipend, access to world-class resources at MIT and Harvard, and nine months to pursue a passion project, this fellowship can be truly transformative for mid-career science journalists.
Past fellows have gone on to produce critically acclaimed books, award-winning documentaries, investigative series, and groundbreaking podcasts. The network of KSJ alumni spans the globe and includes some of the most influential voices in science journalism today.
If you are a dedicated science journalist with at least three years of experience and a compelling project idea, this is your opportunity to take your career to the next level. Remember, applications close on January 9, 2026, so start preparing your materials today.
Ready to Advance Your Science Journalism Career?
Submit your application now before the deadline closes on January 9, 2026. Join the elite cohort of KSJ Fellows and spend nine transformative months at MIT!
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