National Science-Health-Environment Reporting Fellowships (SHERF)

Focus: Year-long cross-disciplinary fellowships supporting early-career journalists covering science, health, and/or environment topics while remaining in their current positions.

Geographic Scope: United States

Eligibility:

• Early-career journalists (2-10 years professional reporting experience)
• Staff journalists
• Freelance journalists
• Interest in covering science, health, environment, or any combination of these fields
• Journalists from diverse backgrounds particularly encouraged

Award Details:

• Structure: Year-long fellowship (pilot cohort started July 2021)
• Amount: Not specified; includes independent journalist project support stipends
• Type: Practical training program allowing journalists to stay in current jobs while participating

Program Components:

• Workshops and professional development
• Multi-day field trips
• Reporting bootcamp (University of Missouri campus)
• Webinars
• Access to annual conferences of partner organizations
• Mentorship matching with professional mentors
• Online networking platform
• Resource access and story ideas
• New sources and networking opportunities

Organizational Partners:

• CASW (Council for the Advancement of Science Writing)
• AHCJ (Association of Health Care Journalists)
• SEJ (Society of Environmental Journalists)

Funders:

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Department of Science Education
• Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

Program Objectives:

• Enable rigorous reporting on complex science/health/environment topics
• Increase equity and diversity in these journalism areas
• Provide practical training alternative to academic programs
• Support fact-based journalism in communities across the US
• Enable journalists to pursue specialized reporting despite challenging media economy

Pilot Details:

• 12 fellowships provided in pilot year (2021-22)
• Modeled on AHCJ Regional Reporting Fellowship Program (117 reporters graduated since 2011)
• Activities coordinated by AHCJ staff with CASW and SEJ collaboration

Application Process

• Open to early-career journalists with 2-10 years professional experience
• Application should demonstrate:
  • Interest in science, health, and/or environment reporting
  • Current or recent journalism work samples
  • Career goals in specialized reporting
  • Commitment to rigorous journalism
  • How fellowship would enhance reporting capabilities
  • Diversity background (program particularly welcomes diverse applicants)
• Selection process competitive
• Fellows announced prior to program start
• Participation requires commitment to year-long activities and online networking platform

Program Activities

• Monthly or periodic workshops
• Reporting bootcamp on University of Missouri campus
• Multi-day field trips
• Monthly or periodic webinars
• Conference attendance (flexible based on health guidelines)
• Mentor matching and pairing
• Online networking platform participation
• In-person activities adjusted based on health/safety guidelines