MThe BOLD Science Communication Fellowship 2026–2027 invites early-career researchers studying children’s learning and development to apply for a six-month remote fellowship. Selected fellows receive CHF 5,000, expert mentoring and science communication training. Applications close October 31, 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship is inviting applications from early-career scientists who want to communicate research on children’s learning and development to wider audiences.
BOLD is a global scientific knowledge platform that helps caregivers and educators access evidence-based information about how children learn, develop and thrive. The fellowship aims to help researchers translate complex scientific findings into accessible articles, interviews and videos that can inform everyday practice.
Up to three researchers will be selected for the six-month programme, which combines expert mentoring, writing workshops, editing training and science communication development.
The fellowship is fully remote and part-time, allowing participants to continue their existing research or professional roles while developing their public communication skills.
Selected fellows receive a CHF 5,000 stipend and opportunities to publish their work through BOLD’s website and social media channels.
Applications close on October 31, 2026, and the fellowship runs from January 4 to June 30, 2027.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | BOLD Science Communication Fellowship |
| Organiser | BOLD, supported by the Jacobs Foundation |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Location | Fully remote, worldwide |
| Number of fellows | Up to 3 |
| Stipend | CHF 5,000 |
| Working commitment | Approximately 6 hours per month |
| Start date | January 4, 2027 |
| End date | June 30, 2027 |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Target applicants | Active researchers studying children’s learning and development |
| Academic requirement | A PhD is not compulsory |
| Application language | English |
| Official website | BOLD Science Communication Fellowship |
What the Fellowship Offers
1. CHF 5,000 Stipend
Selected fellows receive a stipend of CHF 5,000 to support the time and resources required to participate in the programme.
The grant is paid in two instalments: 50% at the beginning of the fellowship and the remaining 50% at the end, following completion of the required tasks and milestones.
2. Science Writing Training
Participants receive a writing workshop with BOLD’s Editor-in-Chief and training in communicating scientific concepts clearly to non-academic audiences.
The programme helps researchers develop practical skills for presenting evidence-based findings in accessible formats that caregivers and educators can understand.
3. Editing and Writing Development
Fellows receive training in editing their own work and the work of colleagues. They also participate in a monthly writing club with the BOLD team.
4. Video and Social Media Communication
The fellowship includes training with experts on producing science communication videos for social media.
Participants will learn how to adapt research findings for different formats and audiences beyond academic journals and conferences.
5. Publication Opportunities
Fellows are expected to produce at least three pieces of content, such as articles, interviews or videos agreed upon with BOLD’s Editor-in-Chief.
The completed content will be published on BOLD’s website and social media channels, giving researchers opportunities to reach caregivers, educators and other interested audiences.
Fellowship Activities and Responsibilities
Selected participants will take part in a combination of training, content development and virtual collaboration.
Virtual Introduction: Attend an introductory session in January 2027.
Science Communication Training: Participate in writing workshops, editing training and sessions on communicating research to general audiences.
Content Development: Produce at least three articles, interviews or videos related to children’s learning and development.
Monthly Writing Club: Join regular virtual writing sessions with the BOLD team.
Public Engagement: Translate scientific concepts into accessible, evidence-based information relevant to caregivers and educators.
Participants should plan to dedicate approximately six hours each month to content development and virtual training sessions.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for active researchers studying an aspect of children’s learning and development.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a scientist researching children’s learning and development.
- Be an active researcher.
- If they hold a PhD, have no more than 10 years of post-PhD experience.
A PhD is not required to apply. Researchers without a doctorate may still be eligible if they meet the programme’s other requirements.
Research Areas
Applicants should work in a field connected to children’s learning and development. Relevant work may relate to child development, psychology, education, neuroscience or other research areas addressing how children learn and grow, provided it fits BOLD’s focus.
Candidates should be able to explain their research findings accurately and show how those findings can be communicated in ways that are useful to caregivers and educators.
Science Communication Experience
Applicants are asked to submit a sample article or video demonstrating their ability to explain a scientific concept in an accessible way.
Previous experience communicating science to public audiences is useful, but the application instructions allow candidates without existing public-facing work to submit a written sample instead.
International Eligibility
The fellowship welcomes applicants from anywhere in the world. It is fully remote, making it accessible to eligible researchers based in different countries.
Applicants should submit their documents in English and ensure that their proposed communication sample relates to BOLD’s focus on children’s learning and development.
Additional Information
Application Deadline
Applications close on October 31, 2026.
The programme’s published timeline is as follows:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | September 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | October 31, 2026 |
| Application review | November 2026 |
| Fellows notified | December 1, 2026 |
| Fellowship begins | January 4, 2027 |
| Fellowship ends | June 30, 2027 |
Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials in English:
1. Science Communication Sample
Provide an article or video explaining a scientific concept relevant to BOLD in a way caregivers can understand. The suggested length is up to 500 words for an article or three minutes for a video.
If you have previously written or presented science content for a public audience, you may share a link. Otherwise, you can upload a written sample.
2. Written Statement
Submit a statement of up to 500 words explaining why you want to join the fellowship and why you would be a suitable candidate.
3. Curriculum Vitae
Provide a CV highlighting your research background and any previous science communication experience.
Applications will be reviewed by Annie Brookman-Byrne, BOLD’s Editor-in-Chief, and Gemma Wirz, Learning Outreach Lead at the Jacobs Foundation.
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the official fellowship page.
Read the eligibility criteria, stipend arrangements and programme expectations on the BOLD Science Communication Fellowship website.
Step 2: Prepare your communication sample.
Choose a scientific concept related to children’s learning and development and explain it clearly for caregivers or educators.
Step 3: Write your statement.
Explain your motivation for joining the fellowship, your research interests and how you would contribute to BOLD’s mission.
Step 4: Update your CV.
Highlight your research experience, relevant expertise and any science communication or public engagement activities.
Step 5: Submit your application in English.
Use the application form linked from the official BOLD fellowship page and submit the required documents before October 31, 2026.
Visit BOLD’s Official Fellowship Page to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the BOLD Science Communication Fellowship?
It is a six-month professional development programme that helps researchers communicate scientific findings about children’s learning and development to caregivers and educators.
2. How much is the fellowship stipend?
Selected fellows receive CHF 5,000, paid 50% at the beginning and 50% at the end after the required tasks and milestones are completed.
3. Is the fellowship fully remote?
Yes. The fellowship is fully remote and part-time, and applications are welcome from anywhere in the world.
4. Is a PhD required?
No. A PhD is not compulsory. Applicants who hold a PhD must have no more than 10 years of post-PhD experience.
5. Who is eligible to apply?
Active researchers studying children’s learning and development may be eligible, subject to the programme requirements.
6. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on October 31, 2026.
7. How many fellows will be selected?
The programme expects to select up to three researchers.
8. How much time does the fellowship require?
Participants should dedicate approximately six hours per month to content development and virtual training.
9. What must fellows produce?
Fellows must produce at least three pieces of content, such as articles, interviews or videos, in agreement with BOLD’s Editor-in-Chief.
10. When does the fellowship begin and end?
The fellowship begins on January 4, 2027, and ends on June 30, 2027.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship may be particularly suitable for early-career researchers who want to make their scientific work more accessible outside academia.
Its combination of a CHF 5,000 stipend, expert mentoring, writing and editing training, and video communication development offers a practical way to build public engagement skills while continuing research activities.
The programme is open worldwide and does not require a PhD, although applicants must be active researchers working on children’s learning and development. Interested candidates should prepare a clear communication sample, a concise motivation statement and an updated CV before the October 31, 2026 deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external fellowship opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with BOLD or the Jacobs Foundation and does not participate in selection decisions. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, stipend conditions, deadlines and application instructions on the official fellowship website.
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