The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship
Are you an early career scientist working in the field of child learning and development? Do you want to share your evidence-based knowledge beyond the academic community and reach caregivers and educators who can use science to help the children in their care? The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship is for creative scientists with a passion for sharing their expertise.
About BOLD
BOLD is a global platform for scientific knowledge that is changing children’s lives.
We empower caregivers and educators with the information and tools they need to help every child learn and develop.
Our extensive knowledge network is made up of researchers, journalists, and practitioners who are all passionate, curious, and rigorous in their pursuit of the latest scientific thinking on child learning and development.
All of our content is evidence-based, so caregivers and educators can be confident they have the facts they need to enable children to thrive.
About the Fellowship
To celebrate an inspirational decade of communicating the latest science of child learning and development, we are launching a new Fellowship. Up to three researchers will have the chance to develop their science communication skills while producing content that reaches real audiences. Over a six-month journey, Fellows will receive dedicated mentoring and training, and the chance to put their new skills into practice, sharing their knowledge with BOLD’s audience of caregivers and educators.
The Fellowship is fully remote and part-time, designed to fit around your existing role. Applicants are welcome from anywhere in the world.
Fellows receive
- A writing workshop with the Editor-in-Chief of BOLD.
- Training on how to edit your own work, and your colleagues’.
- A monthly writing club with the BOLD team.
- Training with experts on producing science communication videos for social media and writing for general audiences.
- A stipend of CHF 5,000. This grant will cover the time and resource investment that the Fellowship asks of you. 50% awarded at the initiation of the fellowship and 50% at the end, following completion of all required tasks and milestones.
Fellows are expected to
- Attend a virtual introduction in January 2027.
- Dedicate around six hours per month to content development and participation in virtual training sessions.
- Produce at least three pieces of content (articles, interviews, or videos as agreed with the Editor-in-Chief) which will be published on BOLD’s website and social media channels.
Who can apply
You are eligible if:
- You are a scientist studying an aspect of children’s learning and development.
- You are an active researcher, no more than 10 years post-PhD (you do not need a PhD to apply).
How to apply
Submit the following in English using the application form when it opens in September.
- A sample article or video (up to 500 words or 3 minutes) explaining a scientific concept relevant to BOLD in an accessible way for caregivers.
- A written statement (up to 500 words) covering why you want the Fellowship and why you’d be a good fit.
- Your CV including any previous experience of science communication.
Applications will be reviewed by Annie Brookman-Byrne (Editor-in-Chief, BOLD) and Gemma Wirz (Learning Outreach Lead, Jacobs Foundation).
Timeline
1 September 2026: Applications open
31 October 2026: Applications close
November 2026: Applications reviewed
1 December 2026: Fellows informed
4 January 2027: Fellowship begins
30 June 2027: Fellowship ends