WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship

About the opportunity

The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowships support journalists (where journalism may be their primary or secondary profession), journalism students, or students in related fields who would otherwise be unable to attend the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 (WCSJ2027) in London on 6–9 September 2027. These fellowships aim to broaden international participation, increase diversity, and improve access for professionals who have limited funding opportunities in their own countries or organisations. Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support towards travel, visa costs, limited local transport, accommodation, and conference registration. The selection process evaluates candidates based on professional merit, motivation, quality of work, and financial need, with additional consideration given to applicants based in low-income or lower-middle-income countries.

Funding and benefits

• Financial support for travel to and from London (plane, train, coach, or bus)
• Visa application costs covered
• Limited local transport (airport, railway, or bus station transfers)
• Up to six nights of accommodation booked and paid directly by WCSJ2027
• Full conference registration
• Refreshments and lunches provided as part of the conference programme

Who can apply?

• Media professionals covering science and related fields (such as engineering, climate, or health), including staff members, freelancers, full-time, part-time, print, online, broadcast, and podcast professionals
• Students in science journalism, journalism, media studies, science communication, or related fields (must be of legal age in their home country and able to travel independently)
• Researchers and teachers in journalism, media studies, or science communication with a proven track record in the media as authors or producers
• Applicants must be available to attend the entire conference between 6 and 10 September 2027
• Applicants must hold a passport valid until at least the end of September 2027 or provide evidence of a passport application or renewal in progress

Required documents

• Current employer, institution, or professional affiliation details
• Current role and years of professional experience
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé (maximum two pages)
• Professional biography
• Examples of published work from the past two years (written, audio, video, or multimedia; students may submit supervised long-form coursework with a confirmation statement if lacking published work)
• A supporting letter from an employer, editor, educational institution, or relevant professional association
• Answers to professional motivation questions, including a funding statement explaining available funding and financial need

When to apply

• Applications are open and close at 23:59 BST on 23 October 2026
• Successful applicants are expected to be notified by the end of February 2027
• The conference takes place from 6 to 10 September 2027

How to apply

• Prepare your answers using the downloadable offline application form if needed
• Complete and submit the application through the official online Jotform application form
• Provide all mandatory fields marked with a red asterisk and ensure all written materials are submitted in English

Additional information

• Applicants whose work is not in English may submit AI-assisted translations accompanied by original versions for review.
• WCSJ2027 uses World Bank country income classifications in effect at the application deadline, giving additional consideration to applicants based in low-income or lower-middle-income countries.
• If a UK visa application is refused, successful fellows will receive full online registration for the conference instead of an in-person fellowship.