Science journalists with up to five years of experience are invited to apply for a residency at a research institution of their choice, in an EU Member State or a country associated with the EU’s Horizon Europe Programme. The residencies, lasting between three to five months, should focus on frontier science topics, in collaboration with scientists.

The third round of FRONTIERS residencies offers emerging science journalists the opportunity to develop high-quality, independent journalism in an increasingly difficult media environment. 

Early-career journalists are particularly vulnerable to these challenges, including deteriorating employment conditions, increasing pressure to meet tight deadlines and a lack of resources and time for in-depth science coverage. By funding immersive experiences at the forefront of knowledge in any scientific field, FRONTIERS aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of science journalists.

Since the launch of the FRONTIERS programme, seventeen science journalists have been awarded a FRONTIERS fellowship. As the seven fellows from the first round are finishing their residencies, the ten fellows selected in round two are now starting their FRONTIERS projects in European scientific institutions.

A fourth call for applications, targeting science journalists from all career levels,  is expected to be launched later this year. 

Application process

Science journalists who have identified a host institution are invited to apply via this form. Applications must include a journalistic proposal, focusing on ongoing frontier research projects, and commitment letters from both the applicant and the host institution. 

Applicants can find more details on eligibility criteria and financial support for the FRONTIERS fellowships, a set of tips on how to write a FRONTIERS project proposal, frequently asked questions and more information on the FRONTIERS website.

Apply by May 6, 2025, at 17h00 CEST.

The results of the third call are expected to be announced in the summer of 2025 and the residencies are expected to begin in the autumn of 2025.

ICMAB will be happy to host early-career journalists

The Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) is pleased to announce that it is listed as an official host institution for the FRONTIERS Media Program, providing a unique opportunity to welcome science journalists. This exciting initiative invites science journalists to engage directly with frontier research and gain deeper insights into the world of materials science, energy, electronics, nanomedicine, and more.

As part of the program, ICMAB is ready to welcome journalists to experience first-hand the innovative projects and advancements being made in these key fields, offering them the opportunity to communicate science to a broader audience. Journalists interested in learning about the latest developments in nanostructured materials, quantum materials, and advanced nanotechnologies for applications in smart health, efficient electronics and clean energy can now apply to spend time at ICMAB, fostering better understanding and visibility of the impactful research taking place.

ICMAB provides an engaging and collaborative environment where science journalists can connect with leading researchers, explore state-of-the-art facilities, and gain access to valuable resources such as our cleanroom platform, advanced laboratories and nearby research infrastructures such as ALBA synchrotron beamlines. Journalists will have the opportunity to witness the transformative impact of research in areas like sustainable energy, electronic materials, and nanomedicine, and share these discoveries with the world.

Take a look at our expression of interest here. 

FRONTIERS, the ERC-funded science journalism initiative

FRONTIERS is the science journalism initiative funded by the European Research Council (ERC) in 2023. The project allows science journalists to cover frontier science topics within research institutions in the European Union or an associated country with the EU’s Horizon Europe, ensuring journalistic independence. FRONTIERS aims to tackle some of the challenges of science journalism, including the deteriorating employment conditions and resources available for science journalists.

The consortium of organisations that runs this initiative includes the Centre for Ethics in Science and Journalism (Italy), the NOVA University of Lisbon (Portugal), the Science, Communication and Society Studies Centre of the Pompeu Fabra University (Spain), and Enspire Science (Israel), which coordinates the project.

Read more

FRONTIERS launches dedicated call for early-career science journalists - FRONTIERS

Call for Applications - Round 3 - FRONTIERS