Call for CSSS Journalism Fellowship 2026 is open now!!!
SFI offers a journalism fellowship for accomplished reporters. National and international journalists with a demonstrated interest in and record of reporting about matters related to complex systems are encouraged to apply for this residential fellowship in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The fellowship offers journalists an opportunity to explore complex systems science by attending SFI’s iconic three-week Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS) held at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, followed by a self-directed week at SFI’s Cowan Campus.
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During their residency in Santa Fe, Fellows are embedded in SFI’s iconic Complex Systems Summer School, where they learn through an intensive series of lectures and labs taught by world-renowned faculty. At the end of the school, they have an additional self-directed week at SFI’s main campus to interact with scientists and learn about the Institute. Equipped with a new appreciation for the history of and trends in complex-systems science, and the state and limitations of current scientific theory, the Fellows leave better prepared to convey the interrelatedness of our complex world.
The Complex Systems Summer School offers an intensive three-week introduction to complex behavior in mathematical, physical, living, and social systems. Two selected journalists will learn alongside graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and professionals through an intensive series of lectures and labs taught by world-renowned faculty. The fellows will have the opportunity to interact with top scientists collaborating across disciplines at the Santa Fe Institute and will contribute to a CSSS group project. Fellows should be aware that there will be few opportunities to conduct formal interviews with faculty during the three-week CSSS program; fellows should view these weeks as an opportunity to learn and to develop story ideas and sources, but plan to schedule interviews during the fourth week or after the fellowship concludes.
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During the fourth week, fellows will have an office space at SFI’s Cowan Campus and are free to arrange their own schedules. Previous fellows have used the time to reflect on the previous three weeks, arrange interviews with resident and visiting researchers, and share their journalistic expertise.
Equipped with a new appreciation for the history of and trends in complex-systems science, and the state and limitations of current scientific theory, the fellows then return to their day-to-day reporting better prepared to convey the interrelatedness of solutions to the complex problems we face. SFI’s Complex Systems Summer School Journalism Fellowship is a residential, immersive program that offers two accomplished journalists the opportunity to explore complex-systems science. Open to national and international journalists, eligible candidates must have a demonstrated interest in reporting on topics related to complex systems.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- Fellows will be provided a stipend of $6,250 for the four-week program.
- Enrollment in SFI’s Complex Systems Summer School is provided free of charge.
- Fellows will be housed at the Institute of American Indian Arts. During the final week, accommodations will be provided in downtown Santa Fe.
- Travel reimbursement will also be provided to the fellows.
- Opportunities to present your work to a high-level scientific community and join the SFI alumni network.
Eligibilities
- Currently working as a journalist, with at least seven years’ experience.
- Persons working in institutional communications are ineligible.
- Proven track record of and interest in covering topics related to complex-systems science.
- Clearly articulated goals for attending the fellowship.
- CSSS programming is conducted in English — all application materials must also be submitted in English or with an English translation.
Application Process
- Click the Apply Now button and Create an account in the application portal to begin the application process.
- Complete the digital form within the portal, providing your contact details and professional background.
- Applicants should submit:
- A current resume.
- A statement that describes your journalism, interest in reporting on complex systems, and goals for participating in the Fellowship (maximum two pages).
- Five clips demonstrating your interest in and ability to report on topics related to complex-systems science.
- One letter of recommendation.
- Ensure all materials are in English.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2026 (16 Days Remaining)
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