Every few years the world’s science journalists gather in one city for the World Conference of Science Journalists. In 2027, that city is London.
The WCSJ Travel Fellowship exists to make sure the people who should be in that room actually get there. Regardless of where they are based or what their budget looks like.
Applications are now open. The deadline is 23 October 2026. The conference runs from 6 to 10 September 2027 at Central Hall Westminster.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | WCSJ 2027 Travel Fellowship |
| Conference | World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 |
| Location | Central Hall Westminster London UK |
| Conference dates | 6 to 10 September 2027 |
| Application deadline | 23 October 2026 |
| Application fee | None |
| Covers | Travel visa accommodation registration |
| Accommodation | Up to 6 nights |
| Open to | Journalist students, researchers with media track record |
What the Fellowship Covers
This is a travel fellowship in the full sense. Selected fellows receive financial support covering the actual cost of getting to London being there and getting home.
The package includes:
- Return travel to London by air, rail, coach or bus
- UK visa application costs
- Limited local transportation in London
- Up to 6 nights of accommodation
- Full conference registration
- Conference refreshments and lunches throughout the event
For journalists based outside the UK, the visa cost coverage alone removes a barrier that stops many qualified applicants from pursuing international conference opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
The program is broader than the name suggests. It is not limited to staff journalists at major publications.
Eligible applicants include:
- Science journalists and media professionals
- Freelance journalists and communicators
- Journalists covering science, health, climate or engineering
- Students in journalism, science journalism, media studies or science communication
- Researchers and educators in journalism or science communication who have a proven media track record
That last category is worth highlighting. Academic researchers who also produce journalism or science communication content are eligible. A detail many will overlook when reading about a journalism fellowship.
Work samples can be written, audio, video or multimedia. The program recognizes that science journalism takes many forms in 2026.
What the Application Actually Requires
Eight components go into a complete application. Prepare them before opening the form.
Required documents:
- CV or résumé maximum 2 pages
- Professional biography 150 to 300 words
- Three work samples or relevant URLs
- Motivation statement 500 words
- A plan explaining how you will share what you learn
- Supporting letter from an employer, editor, educational institution or relevant association
- Passport information
- Details about your professional experience and affiliation
Most applicants focus heavily on the motivation statement and underestimate the knowledge-sharing plan. These are two separate documents with two different purposes.
The motivation statement explains why attending WCSJ2027 matters to your career. The sharing plan explains what happens after. How you will bring the conference’s value back to your community audience or institution. A vague plan saying “I will write about what I learned” is noticeably weaker than a specific one.
How to Apply?
The selection criteria are clear. A competitive application does three things well.
First, it demonstrates real experience in journalism or science communication. Work samples carry significant weight here. Choose three that show range and quality not just quantity.
Second, it explains financial need. The fellowship exists partly to support journalists who could not attend otherwise. Being direct about your financial circumstances is not a weakness in this application. It is relevant information the selection committee is specifically asking for.
Third, it shows community impact. Selectors want to fund journalists who will multiply the conference’s value by sharing knowledge with others. The more concrete and credible your sharing plan the stronger your application becomes.
- A supporting letter should come from someone who knows your work specifically.
- An editor who has published you, an institution you are affiliated with or a relevant professional association.
- Generic character references are considerably less useful than specific endorsements of your journalism.