SSN Media Fellowship 2026-2027 for Scholars New to Media Engagement: Apply for Personalized Media Training, Mentorship, and Public Communication Support

The Scholars Strategy Network (SSN) has announced applications for the 2026-2027 SSN Media Fellowship, an exclusive professional development opportunity designed to support scholars who are interested in expanding their ability to communicate research findings through media platforms.

The fellowship is created specifically for SSN members who are new to media engagement and want to develop the skills needed to effectively share research with wider audiences. Through personalized mentorship, practical media workshops, and guidance from experienced public scholars and SSN national staff, selected fellows will gain valuable tools for engaging with journalists, producing impactful public scholarship, and increasing the visibility of their research.

Applications for the SSN Media Fellowship 2026-2027 must be submitted by September 21, 2026.

About the SSN Media Fellowship

The SSN Media Fellowship is entering its fourth year and continues Scholars Strategy Network’s commitment to helping researchers become stronger public communicators.

The program recognizes that important research findings often have the potential to influence public discussions, policies, and communities, but many scholars may need additional support to effectively communicate their work beyond academic audiences.

This fellowship provides selected SSN members with the opportunity to receive personalized guidance from experienced scholars who have successfully engaged with media outlets and public audiences.

Participants will learn how to communicate their research through different media channels, including:

• Television interviews
• Radio discussions
• Print media
• Opinion articles and op-eds
• Digital media platforms
• Social media communication

The fellowship is designed to help scholars develop practical media strategies and build confidence when interacting with journalists, policymakers, and the public.

Fellowship Benefits and Support Provided

Selected fellows will receive a combination of mentorship, training, and individualized support throughout the 2026-2027 academic year.

The program includes:

1. Personalized Mentorship From Experienced Public Scholars

Each selected fellow will be paired with an experienced public scholar from the Scholars Strategy Network membership.

Mentors will provide practical advice, feedback, and guidance on developing effective media engagement strategies. Mentor-mentee relationships will focus on helping fellows identify opportunities to communicate their research and strengthen their public presence.

Mentorship pairs are expected to meet approximately five times during the fellowship period.

2. Media Training Workshops

In addition to mentorship, fellows will participate in media workshops organized by SSN national staff.

These workshops will provide training and practical knowledge on topics such as:

• Understanding how the media works
• Communicating academic research clearly to non-academic audiences
• Developing effective media messages
• Preparing for interviews
• Writing compelling opinion pieces
• Building relationships with journalists and media professionals

3. Tailored Support From SSN National Staff

SSN staff will provide additional assistance throughout the fellowship, including:

• Reviewing and editing op-ed drafts
• Supporting media pitches
• Helping fellows identify relevant media contacts
• Sharing media opportunities and alerts
• Providing guidance on effective communication strategies

This support is designed to help fellows successfully translate their research into meaningful public conversations.

Important Note About Funding

The SSN Media Fellowship does not provide a stipend or financial award to selected fellows.

The main value of the program is the professional development, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities provided through participation.

Eligibility Requirements for the SSN Media Fellowship

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Be current members of the Scholars Strategy Network
• Be interested in improving their media engagement skills
• Have research projects that can be communicated to public audiences
• Be relatively new to media work or looking to strengthen their existing media experience
• Be willing to participate actively in mentorship meetings and media workshops throughout the academic year

Due to program limitations, applications are only accepted from current SSN members.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete an online application form and provide the following information:

Personal Information

Applicants are required to submit:

• First name
• Last name
• Email address

Research Project Description

Applicants must provide a short description or abstract of the research project or projects that they would like to focus on during their media engagement activities.

The research should be suitable for public communication and demonstrate potential value for broader audiences.

Media Engagement Statement

Applicants must submit a statement of between 500 and 1,000 words explaining:

• Their interest in media engagement
• Any previous media experience they have
• Their goals for participating in the fellowship
• How the fellowship will support their professional development

Mentor-Mentee Meeting Interests

Applicants should explain what they hope to explore during mentor meetings throughout the fellowship.

This may include areas such as:

• Developing a media strategy
• Improving public communication skills
• Learning how to engage journalists
• Identifying opportunities for sharing research
• Receiving feedback on media-related projects

Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide a link to their most recent CV.

The CV should highlight relevant academic, professional, research, and public engagement experiences.

Additional Information

Applicants may also share any additional information, ideas, or thoughts regarding potential mentor pairings. This section is optional but allows applicants to provide further context about their interests and goals.

                                    Read Full Details HERE

SSN Media Fellowship 2026-2027 Timeline

The fellowship will follow the schedule below:

September 21, 2026

Application deadline. All applications must be submitted by this date.

October 2026

Selected fellows will be notified and matched with mentors.

All fellows will also participate in an onboarding session before beginning mentor meetings and media workshops.

November 2026

The first media workshop led by SSN national staff will take place.

Spring 2027

Fellows will participate in two additional media workshops led by SSN staff.

June 2027

The fellowship program will officially conclude, followed by an evaluation of the program experience.

Why Apply for the SSN Media Fellowship?

The SSN Media Fellowship offers scholars an opportunity to move beyond traditional academic communication and connect their research with communities, decision-makers, and the wider public.

By participating in this program, fellows can develop stronger communication skills, gain confidence in media engagement, receive personalized advice from experienced scholars, and learn strategies for making research more accessible and impactful.

For researchers interested in increasing the reach and influence of their work, the fellowship provides a valuable platform for developing public scholarship skills.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should complete the official application form before the deadline.

                                                Apply HERE
Applicants with questions may contact Dominik Doemer, Director of Communications at Scholars Strategy Network, through  dominik@scholars.org.

Conclusion

The SSN Media Fellowship 2026-2027 is a valuable opportunity for Scholars Strategy Network members who want to strengthen their ability to communicate research through media and public platforms.

Through expert mentorship, practical workshops, and personalized support, selected fellows will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to share important research findings with broader audiences.

Eligible SSN members interested in developing their media engagement skills and expanding the public impact of their research are encouraged to submit their applications before the September 21, 2026 deadline.

Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY  HERE