RFAs: Science Journalist-in-Residence Program (Australia)

The ‘Science Journalist-in-Residence’ (SJiR) can stay for three months (or up to a maximum of four months) to engage with their scientists and gain insight into their research.

Objective

• The goal of the program is to give journalists a chance to better understand several areas of research at IMB and to deepen their technical knowledge without the pressure of daily or weekly deadlines.
• During their time at IMB, it’s hoped the SJiR will develop bold new projects or formats, find new or untold stories, learn more about current research, or search for new ways to contribute to science journalism.
• Moreover, this program is designed to encourage greater dialogue between journalists and researchers. By giving the SJiR a space inside IMB to work alongside scientists, it’s hoped both parties will gain a greater understanding of one another’s fields, sparking innovative ways to engage researchers and the public with science journalism and opening up new pathways for collaboration.

Expectations of the SJiR

• Despite this close proximity, the IMB guarantees full editorial independence to the SJiR, who won’t have to publish anything on behalf of or related to the IMB. The goal of this program is to support science journalism at large, by enabling the SJiR to develop their own projects – with cascading benefits for scientists, institutes, media outlets, and the public.
• As such, the SJiR might use their time to begin research on larger projects, search for new stories ideas through conversations with researchers, collect interviews, or develop new formats or program ideas. The SJiR might also use their time to benefit the broader ecosystem by developing new initiatives that support science journalism or encourage greater dialogue between scientists and journalists.
• The SJiR will be expected to engage regularly with researchers at IMB, including through an internal seminar for scientists.
• It is a requirement that they reside in Brisbane and attend the institute at least 2 days per week during the stay, unless IMB agrees otherwise via prior written approval. Moreover, the funding provided should encourage the SJiR to make the most of this experience by pausing regular work. While it’s understood some prior work commitments may be unavoidable, preference will be given to applicants who confirm they will focus on the residency and their proposed project/s during their paid stay.

Funding Information

• The “Science Journalist in Residence” will receive funding of $7000 per month for four months or $9300 per month for three months. The funding does not cover GST – the SJiR is responsible for administering and paying any tax obligations.
• The duration of the stay is either three or four months anytime within the window of January 31 and May 31 of 2025.
• A maximum of $2,700 will be provided for domestic travel expenses to and from Brisbane for the stay and for initial short-term accommodation costs, with written prior agreement and via reimbursement. All other travel expenses and accommodation costs are covered by the monthly stipend.

Eligible Activities

• During their stay, the journalist will pursue the following activities:
  • Mutual exchange with the researchers at IMB
  • An internal seminar about science journalism/communication, pitched at practising scientists
  • Research for potential projects/publications
  • They do not expect the journalists to publish anything related to IMB. Instead, the program supports free and editorially independent journalism.
  • Remuneration
  • IMB will offer a workplace at its institute during the time of the stay, including internet and library access. Please note, no computer can be provided.
  • Support and mentorship from the Science Journalists Association of Australia (SJAA) during the program and, at its conclusion, engagement with the SJAA community through an interview or post-residency talk.

Eligibility Criteria

• The program is targeted at freelance and staff journalists who focus on scientific journalism and have multiple years of work experience.
• In this pilot program, the SJiR must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Print and online-media journalists as well as radio and TV journalists are welcome to apply.

Judging Criteria

• Two practising science journalists from the SJAA Committee & three members from IMB/UQ will evaluate applicants based on:
  • The strength and boldness of project/s proposed during their stay,
  • How their projects could benefit specifically from contact with research/researchers at IMB,
  • The quality of their track record and submitted work samples,
  • A demonstrated commitment to engage with IMB researchers and staff during the residency.

Application Requirements

• The application materials required are:
  • CV
  • Cover letter, detailing relevant professional experience.
  • Proof of journalistic work in science, health, technology, and/or environment: Maximum of 3 work samples from within the past 24 months. Please send your articles in PDF format. This can include sound and/or video journalism, but please collect URLs in a PDF document and make sure they’re available to freely access online.
  • Letter of motivation: Why are you applying and how will your time at IMB be spent? Which research groups or projects are particularly interesting to you and why? What projects would you like to work on during your time of the stay? How might you engage with staff, including in a seminar about science journalism? (max. 800 words)
  • For staff journalists: A letter of recommendation from the chief editor or a head of section is required indicating you will be available to undertake the residency during the residency period.

For more information, visit Institute for Molecular Bioscience.