Understand
Programme details
The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship helps science journalists, journalism students, and eligible researchers or educators attend the World Conference of Science Journalists in London when limited institutional or professional funding would otherwise prevent them from taking part. The conference will be held at Central Hall Westminster from 6 to 9 September 2027, while fellowship applicants must be available through 10 September.
Participants will join an international community of science journalists, writers, and communicators for professional-development workshops, keynote talks, parallel sessions on journalism and current science, field trips, reporting opportunities, and structured networking. The conference theme is Strengthening science journalism through global networks. Fellows can use the experience to improve their reporting, exchange practical knowledge, build professional relationships, and share what they learn with colleagues and audiences after returning home.
The fellowship provides support towards approved travel, visa costs, limited conference-related local transport, up to six nights of accommodation, registration, refreshments, lunches, and reception catering. It does not provide a per diem and does not cover meals outside the conference, personal expenses, travel insurance, or health costs, so it is classified here as partially funded.
Selection is competitive and considers the quality of the applicant’s journalism, commitment to the profession, motivation, potential benefit and contribution, knowledge-sharing plan, financial need, and the balance of the international cohort. Applicants based in countries classified by the World Bank as low-income or lower-middle-income at the application deadline receive additional consideration.
Prepare
Important dates
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Application deadline at 23:59 BST
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Conference begins
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Main conference programme concludes
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Required fellowship availability ends
Required documents
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Brief professional biography
Provide a biography of 150 to 300 words containing information relevant to WCSJ2027.
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CV or resume
Upload the CV or resume as a PDF. It must be no more than two pages.
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Three recent work examples
Submit at least three strong examples of written, audio, video, visual, or multimedia work published within the previous two years. Provide accessible URLs or upload supported files such as PDF, MP3, MP4, JPEG, or PNG. Unpublished work is accepted only under the stated student exception.
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English translations, transcripts, or subtitles Optional
Required when a work example is not in English. Include a faithful English translation, transcript, or subtitles together with the original work. AI-assisted translation is permitted if it remains faithful to the original.
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Supporting letter
Provide a letter from an employer, the head of an educational department, an editor the applicant regularly works with if freelance, or a relevant professional association. It should explain how the conference would support the applicant's professional development and what expertise the applicant could contribute. Upload PDF files only; the form permits a maximum of two supporting-letter documents.
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Passport copy or passport application evidence
Upload a clear image of a passport valid through the end of September 2027. Applicants whose passport is being issued or renewed must be able to provide evidence of the application or renewal process.
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Teacher confirmation statement Optional
Required only for a student who does not have enough published work and submits supervised long-form coursework. The supervising teacher must provide a short statement confirming the coursework was completed under their supervision.
Essay questions
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Question 1
Why do you want to attend the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027? Explain why you want to attend WCSJ2027, what you hope to learn, how attending will benefit your work, and what expertise you can share with other attendees.
Max 500 words
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Question 2
How will you share what you learn after WCSJ2027?
Max 150 words
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Question 3
Please tell us why you are applying for a WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship. Explain what funding is available to you, if any, and why you would not be able to attend without additional support. Focus on funding available through your employer, institution, or other organisations; personal or family financial information is not required.
Max 150 words