{"id":43401,"date":"2025-03-26T13:50:39","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T17:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/rinsfepscor\/?page_id=43401"},"modified":"2026-05-13T13:41:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T17:41:11","slug":"the-open-newsroom","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/rinsfepscor\/the-open-newsroom\/","title":{"rendered":"The Open Newsroom"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Open Newsroom<\/h1>

A fellowship for undergraduates to explore science-related issues impacting communities via local news<\/p>Meet our 2026 Fellows!<\/a><\/div><\/div>

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Apply site-wide<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
2025 Open Newsroom fellow Jezell Green<\/div>
Photo by Therese Iacono<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n
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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.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Through The Open Newsroom<\/strong>, a partnership between RI-NEST and URI’s Metcalf Institute<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"metcalf<\/div>

Journalism, Science & Discovery Combined<\/h2>

RI-NEST is partnering with URI\u2019s Metcalf Institute, which brings scientists and journalists together to foster informed, inclusive public conversations about environmental issues.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Learn More<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n

2026 Program of Events<\/h2>\n

Open Newsroom Kickoff: <\/strong>Tuesday, May 26 <\/em><\/h3>\n

@University of Rhode Island, Avedisian Hall, Room 105<\/em><\/p>\n

Fellows are introduced to program activities and expectations, as well as hear from student journalists. Closed to public<\/strong><\/em> <\/p>\n

Portfolio Pitch Night: Tuesday, June 16, 5-7pm <\/em><\/h3>\n

Virtual, RSVP forthcoming<\/em><\/p>\n

Fellows present reporting plans to interested attendees from Rhode Island’s research and news communities, gathering valuable feedback to develop their news portfolios. Open to public<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Metcalf’s Annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists:Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24<\/em><\/h3>\n

Fellows meet professional journalists and dive deeper into the craft of communicating science for public audiences Closed to public<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Community Conversation Night: Friday, August 14, 5-7pm <\/em><\/h3>\n

@Rhode Island College (Gaige Hall, Room 200, RSVP forthcoming) <\/em><\/p>\n

Fellows present their news portfolios and interested members of the public share perspectives on issues of science and research impacting Rhode Island communities. Open to public<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Over 12 weeks, stu<\/strong>dents will: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n