The Museum of Science is inviting applications for its Public Health Science Communication Fellowship 2026–2027, a six-month funded programme designed to help public health experts, researchers, clinicians and science communicators build trusted relationships with the public through high-quality digital content.
The fellowship supports emerging and established health professionals who are passionate about translating complex scientific evidence into accessible, engaging and impactful communication. Selected fellows will receive a US$7,000 stipend, mentorship from leading digital communicators and opportunities to expand their public reach while strengthening evidence-based health communication.
Fellowship Overview
Running from October 2026 to April 2027, the fellowship pairs public health experts with experienced digital content creators to co-design innovative communication strategies for today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Hosted by one of the United States’ leading science institutions, the programme equips fellows with mentorship, platform strategy, collaborative learning and practical resources to create digital-first content that builds public trust and improves scientific understanding.
The fellowship focuses on real-world health topics that affect everyday life, including:
- Preventative health
- Nutrition
- Chronic diseases
- Infectious diseases
- Vaccines
- Mental health
- Climate and health
- Maternal and child health
- Healthcare access and navigation
- Public health misinformation
Participants will collaborate in interdisciplinary teams of 4–7 fellows to produce compelling, accurate and audience-centered science communication.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is seeking Digital Mentees—health and public health professionals who want to strengthen their digital presence while maintaining scientific integrity.
Ideal applicants include:
- Public health scientists
- Clinicians and physicians
- Researchers and epidemiologists
- University faculty
- Health policy experts
- Nutrition scientists
- Behavioral health specialists
- Science and public health journalists
Applicants should be based in the United States or Canada and be comfortable participating in an English-language fellowship.
Candidates should typically hold credentials such as a PhD, MD, DrPH, MPH, RDN, an equivalent professional qualification, or demonstrate substantial experience in public health research, clinical practice, journalism or health policy.
The programme particularly values applicants who already engage with public audiences through videos, podcasts, newsletters, interviews, media commentary, op-eds or community education initiatives.
While applicants are ideally expected to have at least 5,000 followers on a social media platform, those with smaller audiences may still be competitive if they demonstrate exceptional communication potential through significant public engagement such as TED Talks, major podcast appearances or other influential platforms.
Fellowship Benefits
Each selected fellow will receive a US$7,000 fellowship grant, paid in two installments of US$3,500.
The first payment will be issued in late December 2026 after completion of the fellowship launch and mandatory Boston convening. The second installment will be paid in late May 2027, subject to successful completion of programme requirements and final deliverables.
In addition to financial support, fellows will receive:
- Individual and group mentorship
- Digital communication training
- Platform growth strategies
- Collaboration with experienced science communicators
- Access to Museum of Science communication resources
- Potential future co-creation opportunities with Museum of Science channels
Programme Expectations
Fellows should expect to dedicate approximately 4–6 hours per week throughout the fellowship.
Participants will:
- Create and publish evidence-based digital content.
- Attend virtual training, coaching and lecture sessions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Submit interim progress updates and a final outcomes report.
- Participate in graduation and certification activities in April 2027.
Attendance at the mandatory in-person convening in Boston from 19–21 November 2026 is required. Approved travel expenses and reimbursements will be managed through the fellowship.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit three key components through the online application portal.
1. Digital or Professional Portfolio
Applicants should provide links to publicly accessible work demonstrating their communication experience. Examples include podcasts, newsletters, social media channels, interviews, public talks, community education resources, video explainers and opinion articles.
2. Personal Statement (750–1,000 words or video)
The statement should explain the applicant’s motivation, communication challenges within their field, target audiences, opportunities for improving public trust and the public health issues they believe deserve clearer explanation.
3. Mini Health Communication Strategy (300–500 words or video)
Digital Mentee applicants should propose an original communication idea that addresses a misunderstood health topic, a specific audience or an information gap using innovative digital formats.
Either the personal statement or proposal must be submitted as a two-minute video featuring the applicant speaking directly to the camera in a natural, conversational style.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on:
- Alignment with public health communication goals
- Potential to build public trust and reach new audiences
- Relevance to health, equity and public understanding
- Creativity and innovation in digital storytelling
- Commitment to collaboration
- Scientific accuracy and accessible communication
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications close | 18 September 2026 |
| Fellowship selections announced | 2 October 2026 |
| Virtual orientation | 22 October 2026 |
| Mandatory Boston convening | 19–21 November 2026 |
| Virtual fellowship classes | January–April 2027 |
| Fellowship culmination | 22 April 2027 |
How to Strengthen an Application
Competitive applicants should demonstrate more than academic expertise—they should show a genuine ability to communicate science with empathy, clarity and relevance. Strong portfolios include public-facing educational work, while successful proposals identify specific health information gaps and present practical strategies for reaching underserved or skeptical audiences.
Applicants should emphasize storytelling, audience engagement and their commitment to translating evidence into meaningful public conversations that support healthier decision-making.
