The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is an American international non-profit organization with the stated goals of promoting cooperation among scientists, defending scientific freedom, encouraging scientific responsibility, and supporting scientific education and science outreach for the betterment of all humanity. AAAS was the first permanent organization to promote science and engineering nationally and to represent the interests of American researchers from across all scientific fields. It is the world’s largest general scientific society, with over 120,000 members, and is the publisher of the well-known scientific journal Science.
AAAS works every day to increase public understanding of science and technology and to enhance communication among scientists, engineers, and the public. As one of AAAS’ immersive fellowships, the AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship aims to strengthen the community of scientists who are well-versed in communicating complex ideas to a general audience and to bring accurate science stories to the public.
This 10-week summer program places science, engineering, and mathematics students at media organizations nationwide. Fellows use their academic training as they research, write, and report today’s headlines, sharpening their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues to the public.
This highly competitive program strengthens the connections between scientists and journalists by placing advanced undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate level scientists, engineers, and mathematicians at media organizations nationwide. Fellows work as journalists at media organizations such as National Public Radio, Los Angeles Times, WIRED, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and NOVA. The Mass Media Fellows use their academic training in the sciences as they research, write, and report today’s headlines, sharpening their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues to non-specialists. Participants come in knowing the importance of translating their work for the public, but they leave with the tools and the know-how to accomplish this important goal.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- Fellows are provided a stipend of $8000 for the summer as well as travel expenses to and from AAAS and their sites.
** AAAS does not provide health care or employee benefits. AAAS does not provide housing or an additional housing stipend.
Eligibilities
- Applicants must a) be enrolled as students (upper-level undergraduate or graduate), b) be a postdoctoral trainee, or c) apply within one year of the completion of a) or b). Applicants must be in the life, physical, health, engineering, computer, or social sciences or mathematics and related fields. If you have questions about your eligibility, email [email protected].
- Students enrolled in English, journalism, science journalism, or other non-technical fields are not eligible for the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship BUT these students may be eligible for the Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Internship.
- Applicants must be US citizens or already hold visas that allow them to receive payment for work during the summer. AAAS cannot assist in obtaining/retaining visas.
- Successful applicants are required to attend an orientation at AAAS headquarters at the beginning of the summer (early June) and a wrap-up session at the end of the summer (mid-August). They will prepare reports on the progress of their fellowships throughout their placement.
- The fellowship is open to international students who are already studying in the United States and who hold visas that allow them to receive payment for work during the summer.
- The fellowship is also open to US citizens studying abroad as long as they can pay their way back into the US for the fellowship.
Application Process
- Eligible candidates should apply through the organization’s official web portal with the necessary documents. The web portal can be accessed by clicking on the “Apply Now” button below.
Application Deadline: January 1, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
