Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?
Any journalist, writer, or editor with at least three years of professional journalistic experience. The fellowship is open to writers and editors from newspapers, magazines, wire services, radio, television, and online news organizations. Those who are unsure whether they meet basic eligibility requirements should go to the Inquiries page and submit a brief summary of their qualifications and experience, including a description of their current news organization. They will be advised whether or not to complete a full application.
Are there minimum and maximum age limits for fellows?
No.
Is priority given to senior journalists?
Yes. The fellowships are designed primarily for mid-career and senior journalists, though early career journalists will be considered.
Is priority given to certain topics?
Fellows may explore any aspect of science and religion.
Are freelancers eligible?
Yes.
Are fellows given an honorarium?
Fellows will receive a $15,000 honorarium for the two months of the fellowship, together with a book allowance and travel and accommodation expenses in connection with attendance at the two residential seminars to be held at the University of Cambridge, UK.
Are fellows provided health insurance coverage?
No. The fellowship program encourages fellows to maintain continuing coverage from their current plan.
Are fellows expected to produce published pieces at the end of the fellowship?
Each fellow will be encouraged to write and publish news stories, editorial pieces, or magazine articles at the end of the program.
Does the fellowship entail any mandatory activities?
Yes. The purpose of the fellowship is to allow journalists free time for in-depth study, providing them access to prominent thinkers and resources that might otherwise be unavailable. In addition to private study, fellows will attend two residential seminars at the University of Cambridge—a two-week-long introductory seminar at the beginning of the fellowship term and a one-week session at the close. Families of fellows are welcome during the middle weekend of the June seminar.