The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship is offering early-career scientists an opportunity to develop their science communication skills while sharing evidence-based research on children’s learning and development with caregivers and educators around the world.
Up to three researchers will be selected for the six-month, fully remote and part-time fellowship. Fellows will receive mentoring, practical training and a CHF 5,000 stipend while producing accessible science communication content for BOLD’s website and social media platforms.
Applications are open to eligible researchers from anywhere in the world.
About BOLD
BOLD is a global platform focused on scientific knowledge about child learning and development. The platform brings together researchers, journalists and practitioners to communicate evidence-based information that can help caregivers and educators support children’s learning and development.
The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship is designed to help scientists translate their research and expertise into accessible content for audiences beyond the academic community.
About the BOLD Science Communication Fellowship
The fellowship runs for six months, from 4 January to 30 June 2027. It is designed for researchers who want to strengthen their ability to communicate scientific concepts to general audiences.
The programme is fully remote and part-time, allowing Fellows to participate alongside their existing professional or research commitments.
During the fellowship, participants will receive dedicated mentoring and training while creating content for BOLD’s audience of caregivers and educators.
What Fellows Will Receive
Selected Fellows will receive a range of training and professional development opportunities, including:
- A writing workshop with BOLD’s Editor-in-Chief
- Training on editing their own work and the work of colleagues
- A monthly writing club with the BOLD team
- Training in producing science communication videos for social media
- Training in writing for general audiences
- Mentoring throughout the fellowship
- Opportunities to have their work published through BOLD’s website and social media channels
- A CHF 5,000 stipend
The stipend is intended to cover the time and resources required to participate in the Fellowship. 50% will be awarded at the beginning of the Fellowship and 50% at the end, following completion of the required tasks and milestones.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Fellows will be expected to actively participate throughout the six-month programme.
Key commitments include:
- Attending a virtual introduction in January 2027
- Spending approximately six hours per month on content development and virtual training sessions
- Producing at least three pieces of content, such as articles, interviews or videos, as agreed with the Editor-in-Chief
- Contributing content that can communicate scientific evidence effectively to caregivers and educators
The completed content will be published through BOLD’s website and social media channels.
Who Can Apply?
The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship is intended for early-career scientists researching children’s learning and development.
Applicants must:
- Be a scientist studying an aspect of children’s learning and development
- Be an active researcher
- Be no more than 10 years post-PhD
- Be willing to communicate scientific knowledge to non-academic audiences
A PhD is not required to apply.
The fellowship is open to applicants from anywhere in the world.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their application in English using the designated application form.
The application should include:
1. Science communication sample
Applicants should provide an article or video explaining a scientific concept relevant to BOLD in an accessible way for caregivers.
The preferred length is up to 500 words for a written piece or three minutes for a video. Applicants who have previously produced science communication content for public audiences can provide a link. Those without previous public-facing work can upload a written sample.
2. Written statement
Applicants must submit a statement of up to 500 words explaining why they want to participate in the Fellowship and why they would be a good fit.
3. CV
The CV should include relevant research experience and any previous experience communicating science to public or non-academic audiences.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English through the official BOLD Science Communication Fellowship application form.
Candidates should ensure that their science communication sample demonstrates their ability to explain scientific concepts clearly and accessibly to a non-specialist audience.
The application statement should also clearly connect the candidate’s research interests, communication goals and motivation for joining the Fellowship.
How to Strengthen the Application
Applicants can strengthen their submissions by choosing a science communication sample that demonstrates clarity, accessibility and accuracy.
Rather than relying heavily on technical terminology, candidates should show that they can explain complex scientific ideas in language that caregivers and educators can understand and use.
The written statement should clearly explain:
- Why science communication is important to the applicant
- Why the BOLD Fellowship is relevant to their career goals
- How their research relates to child learning and development
- What they hope to learn during the six-month programme
- How they can contribute useful evidence-based content to BOLD audiences
Applicants with previous public engagement, science writing, media, video production or other science communication experience should highlight this in their CV.
Fellowship Timeline
The application and selection process follows the schedule below:
- 1 September 2026: Applications open
- 31 October 2026: Applications close
- November 2026: Applications reviewed
- 1 December 2026: Fellows informed
- 4 January 2027: Fellowship begins
- 30 June 2027: Fellowship ends
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
The BOLD Science Communication Fellowship provides researchers with an opportunity to develop practical skills for communicating scientific evidence beyond academic publications and conferences.
Participants will gain experience in science writing, editing, video communication and public engagement while receiving direct mentoring from experienced science communication professionals.
The fellowship can be particularly relevant to researchers interested in translating evidence on children’s learning and development into practical information for caregivers, educators and wider public audiences.
Important Deadline
The application deadline for the BOLD Science Communication Fellowship is 31 October 2026.
Up to three researchers will be selected for the six-month programme beginning in January 2027.
Opportunity Summary
- Opportunity: BOLD Science Communication Fellowship
- Field: Science Communication, Child Learning and Development
- Target Group: Early-career scientists and active researchers
- Location: Fully remote
- Eligibility: Applicants worldwide
- Academic Requirement: PhD not required
- Career Stage: No more than 10 years post-PhD
- Duration: 4 January – 30 June 2027
- Time Commitment: Approximately 6 hours per month
- Number of Fellows: Up to 3
- Stipend: CHF 5,000
- Application Language: English
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
