The Open Newsroom

A fellowship for undergraduates to explore communicating science-related issues impacting their communities

Photo by Ellen Fritz, 2024 SURF

In our daily lives, uncertainty and complexity are a given. We strive for our own understandings of the world and, through our work, seek to help others achieve theirs. Journalism is a formidable framework for comprehending such complexity and engaging others through stories of human experience around science and research.

Through The Open Newsroom, a partnership between RI-NEST and URI’s Metcalf Institute, undergraduates will assume the role of a local journalist and develop a deeper understanding of science issues facing RI communities. Through their work, Open Newsroom fellows will support public conversations about research and its role in society and culture.

What students will do

Over 12 weeks, students will report on issues around science of their choice for a community to which they belong or care most about. Students in the Open Newsroom will:

Explore topics of interest and conduct journalistic research.
Establish trusting relationships with community members and expert sources to ethically report on issues of mutual interest.
Engage with mentors, peers and journalism professionals from across RI to develop a portfolio of creative pieces of journalism.
Reflect on how science journalism and the Open Newsroom experience impacts their perspectives on science and society.

Students will be paid for a 40-hour work week at $15 per hour. Over 12 weeks, this rate will total $7,200. Additional funding for mileage and supplies is also available.

Program dates

Journalism, Science & Discovery Combined

RI-NEST is partnering with URI’s Metcalf Institute, which brings scientists and journalists together to foster informed, inclusive public conversations about environmental issues.

Learn More

Application Period: Tuesday, April 1 to Tuesday, April 22
Fellowship Period: Monday, June 2 to Monday, August 18
More dates forthcoming!

Expectations & outcomes

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

Develop solutions-based approaches to reporting on potentially sensitive issues around science.
Build authentic and trusting relationships with community members in order to report on issues of science ethically.
Identify credible sources and summarize essential information about a science topic through journalistic research.
Create engaging news pieces that capture the current moment around an issue and make research accessible to non-expert audiences, as well as human experiences of those trying to solve environmental, societal and economic issues via science.

Both mentors and students, by co-developing a community values statement, will be expected to listen to and support each other throughout the Open Newsroom experience.

Apply to the Open Newsroom!

How we will select applicants

This opportunity is open to rising junior and senior undergraduates at any Rhode Island two- or four-year institution of higher education. Undergraduates will be selected based on their responses to the Open Newsroom application. Selected applicants will detail why informing communities about issues around science is important to them, and how they think the experience will deepen their perspectives on science and society.

Students from any major can apply to the Open Newsroom, and we will select applicants with a variety of interests and backgrounds. Only a passion for communicating science is required.

If we receive more applications than positions available, preference will be given to students who are Rhode Island residents. Regardless, selected applicants must be able to reside in Rhode Island for the full 12 weeks of the program.

For application questions, contact RI-NEST Communications & Outreach Coordinator Shaun Kirby at skirby@uri.edu. You may also view past student journalism projects supported by RI-NEST.