Reporting on Brain Health & Research: A Poynter Fellowship (2026-2027)

Job Description

Reporting on Brain Health & Research: A Poynter Fellowship (2026-2027)

Join a prestigious, fully funded Poynter fellowship that gives journalists rare access to leading experts, personalized coaching and advanced training in brain health and brain science reporting.

December 1, 2026– December 31, 2027

Learning Outcomes

Through this fellowship, you will:

• Learn how to cover brain health and scientific research responsibly
• Understand how to evaluate and translate complex research studies
• Gain strategies for reporting on brain health with accuracy and care
• Build confidence interviewing researchers, clinicians and scientific sources
• Analyze emerging research on the neurological aspects of disabilities, including autism
• Understanding new data and treatments related to brain disorders, including dementia and post-traumatic injuries
• Learn how to identify meaningful story angles in brain health reporting
• Gain tools to explain scientific findings to public audiences clearly
• Strengthen your reporting on neuroscience and brain health breakthroughs
• Develop impactful reporting projects with expert coaching and peer support

The role of our brains in overall health is shaping some of the most important stories in journalism today, from breakthroughs in neuroscience and psychiatry to growing public conversations around Alzheimer’s disease, autism and overall well-being. Yet most journalists have limited access to training that prepares them to cover the complexities of research, data and science needed to cover these topics with confidence and clarity.

The Poynter Brain Health Reporting Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded year-long fellowship designed to help journalists deepen their reporting on brain science and scientific research.

Created by The Poynter Institute and funded by the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, this highly selective fellowship will bring together 30 journalists from across the country for advanced training, collaboration and hands-on coaching from leading journalists, researchers and medical experts.

The fellowship begins with an in-person convening at Poynter in St. Petersburg, Florida, where fellows will explore how to understand and responsibly report on scientific studies, translate complex research for public audiences and identify meaningful story opportunities in brain health reporting. Participants will also build lasting relationships with peers and mentors who share a commitment to thoughtful, impactful journalism.

Over the course of the year, fellows will participate in monthly virtual workshops covering topics such as:

• Understanding and reporting on scientific research
• Building trusted sources in science and medicine
• Emerging research on neurodegenerative diseases and treatment breakthroughs
• The intersection of brain health and overall health
  

In addition to expert-led teaching, fellows will receive individualized coaching and support from mentors in the field as they produce original reporting projects focused on brain health and research.

This fellowship is designed for journalists across platforms and experience levels, including reporters covering health, science, public affairs and social issues, as well as journalists looking to expand into brain health reporting.

All fellowship costs, including travel and lodging for in-person convenings, are covered through the support of the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. Fellows who complete the program, attend all in-person and virtual events, produce quarterly reporting and complete a fellowship project will receive a $3,000 stipend. Fellows will conclude the program with a final in-person convening at Poynter and will also have the opportunity to attend the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation gala.

Questions?

If you need assistance, email us at info@poynter.org. 

Apply by Sept. 22, 2026, for this prestigious, fully funded journalism fellowshipJoin a year-long fellowship for 30 journalists covering brain health and scienceLearn how to report on neuroscience, brain health and scientific researchAttend a three-day opening convening at Poynter in St. Petersburg, FloridaParticipate in monthly virtual workshops with leading journalists and expertsBuild skills translating complex scientific research for public audiencesReceive personalized coaching and support for reporting projects and storiesConnect with a national network of journalists covering health and scienceTravel, lodging and fellowship costs are fully covered by the programFellows who successfully complete the program will receive a $3,000 stipend

Who should apply?

This fellowship is designed for journalists across mediums and markets who cover health, science, research or public affairs, as well as journalists who want to deepen or expand their reporting on brain health and brain science topics.

Cost

This fellowship is fully funded through the generous support of the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. Travel, lodging and program costs are covered for all selected fellows, and fellows who successfully complete the program requirements will receive a $3,000 stipend.