Knight Science Journalism @ MIT

The Victor K. McElheny Award. $10,000 for outstanding local science journalism. Submission deadline: Jan 31

The Victor K. McElheny Award will accept nominations until January 31, 2026. The award recognizes outstanding coverage of science, public health, technology, or the environment at the local or regional level with a $10K prize.

Get started: https://ksj.mit.edu/news/2025/12/02/mcelheny-award-2026/

A Hidden Health Crisis Following Natural Disasters: Mold Growth in Homes - KFF Health News As extreme weather wreaks havoc, the risk of dangerous mold looms. An estimated 47% of homes already have mold or dampness, leaving their residents exposed to mold spores and associated allergens that can cause respiratory problems.

"When it comes to our disaster response system, mold remediation is one of the most neglected areas at the local, state, and national levels"
👇 Strong reporting from Jonathan Charles, KSJ HBCU Fellow '25

Logos of 25 sponsors of the World Conference of Science Journalists

We're proud to be a sponsor of the World Conference of Science Journalists. Communities all around the globe benefit when science journalists gather to learn from one another.

Can't make it to South Africa? Online access is still available. 
https://www.wcsj2025.org/

Here, Have A Fancy-Ass Turkey As Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, a quick dive into turkey taxonomy and anatomy.

Jason Bittel's newest book, GRIZZLED: Love Letters to 50 of North America’s Least Understood Animals, comes out March 3, 2026. In the meantime, @bittelmethis.bsky.social (KSJ '21) has plenty to say about one animal in particular...

Alumni news: @beebrookshire.bsky.social (KSJ '20) fought a turkey once, and you can read about it in her book!

Every month, the Institute for Independent Journalists holds FREE webinars to nurture your network, sharpen your skills, and perfect your pitches. Check out our full schedule here: theiij.com/webinars

Christian von Preysing-Barry on How Television Journalism Can Survive The veteran broadcast journalist and current Knight Science Journalism Fellow sees social media as more an opportunity than a threat.

Christian von Preysing-Barry on How Television Journalism Can Survive

The veteran broadcast journalist and current Knight Science Journalism Fellow sees social media as more an opportunity than a threat.

ksj.mit.edu/news/2025/11...

Knight Science Journalism Academic-Year Fellowship 2026-27

▶️Full-time journalists, whether on staff or freelance
🔹at least 3 consecutive years covering science, health, tech and environmental reporting
💰$85,000 paid out in installments over 9.5 months

⭕January 9, 2026

ksj.mit.edu/fellowships/...

I was able to explore my curiosity deeply and broadly, surrounded by an amazing group of fellow journalists. Quote from Cynthia Graber, KSJ class of 2013 and cohost of the Gastropod Podcast. Knight Science Journalism Fellowships. Applications close January 9, 2026

To experience fellowship life for yourself, start your application soon and submit before January 9, 2026

Academic-Year Fellowship: 
https://ksj.mit.edu/fellowships/academic-year-fellowship/
Fellowship for Africa and the Middle East:
https://ksj.mit.edu/fellowships/africa-middle-east-fellowship/

Is It Time for a New Era in Invasive Species Control? Regulations make it hard to introduce organisms that quash invasive species. Some experts see missed opportunities.

Pre-release biocontrol testing now drops non-target attacks from 20% (pre-1960) to 5% (2009-2016). Regulations work. But some researchers worry: overly cautious rules prevent releases that could prevent ecosystem collapse from invasive species.

@dropeik.bsky.social (KSJ '95) is the one to follow for the latest on all things "risky," he has authored three books on the subject of risk assessment. His latest book, "Curing Cancerphobia" is the result of over a decade of research on the subject.

Our bookshelf is full of books by KSJ fellows and the incredible authors we bring to speak in our seminar series.

KSJ fellows collect so many books during their fellowship that alumni often jokingly advise bringing an extra suitcase just to transport them all home!

One of the benefits of the KSJ fellowship is access to our incredible community alumni!

Thanks @bittelmethis.bsky.social <3

The bookshelf in our beautiful seminar room @ksjatmit.bsky.social is filled with books by former fellows. Want to be next? Applications to our fellowship are open and on our website. @annaleen.bsky.social @ferrisjabr.bsky.social @tomzellerjr.com @s-r-m.bsky.social and Melanie Kaplan. Please share.

Homepage - KSJ Handbook Written by some of the most widely celebrated science editors and reporters working today, this book will empower you to ask the right questions, enable you to spot faulty reporting, and educate you on best practices. – Deborah Blum, Director, Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT Behind the Scenes About this Book This handbook is […]

Did you know KSJ has a free science editing handbook? It's available to download in seven languages on our website 👇

The State of Science Journalism: A Note From the New KSJ Director Usha Lee McFarling reflects on her first few months at the helm of the world-renowned science journalism program at MIT

@usha.bsky.social reflects on her first few months at the helm of the world-renowned Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT

ksj.mit.edu/news/2025/11...

Congratulations to the 2025 Winners of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

KSJ alumni took the "Science Journalism: Freelancer" category by storm!

Top prize winner: Rebecca Boyle '22
Winners: Iván Carrillo '17, Nicola Twilley '21

The latest from Peter Whoriskey KSJ '24

As millions brace for higher insurance prices, plans touted by the Trump administration are attracting attention. They are cheaper, but coverage is often skimpy.

KSJ Opens Application Cycle for 2026-27 Fellowships Applications for KSJ's Academic-Year Fellowship and the Africa and Middle East Fellowship will open November 15 and close January 9.

Science/health/environmental journalists: Join us for an amazing year at MIT. 🔭🧪2026 applications are open! Deadline is Jan. 9. Please share widely. ksj.mit.edu/news/2025/11...

Concentrate on a speciality in science. Knight Science Journalism Fellowships. Apply by Jan 9. Image: Emily Foxhall peers into a microscope.

KSJ's Academic-Year fellowship is open to science journalists around the world. Want to spend an academic-year at MIT pursuing a project of your choice? Start your application!
https://ksj.mit.edu/fellowships/academic-year-fellowship/

Connect with your curiosity. Knight Science Journalism Fellowships. Apply by Jan 9. Photo: Two fellows peer over a butterfly case excitedly.

KSJ fellowships are an opportunity for science journalists to step away from chasing deadlines and connect with their curiosity.
Applications are open now! Apply by Jan 9
https://ksj.mit.edu/news/2025/11/14/apply-for-2026-2027/

KSJ Opens Application Cycle for 2026-27 Fellowships Applications for KSJ's Academic-Year Fellowship and the Africa and Middle East Fellowship will open November 15 and close January 9.

It's KSJ application season!

Applications open for the Academic-Year Fellowship and the Africa and Middle East Fellowship open tomorrow, Nov 15.

ksj.mit.edu/news/2025/11...

Health stories are always human stories. "If you don't listen you won't be able to get the story right."

Dr. Wendy Wilcox of NYC Health+Hospitals in front of a picture of city officials handing out baby boxes with diapers in effort to stem maternal mortality.

Many causes for Black maternal mortality crisis, but depression is one factor and not being able to afford diapers can contribute to depression. 💔 Dr. Wendy Wilcox of @nychealthsystem.bsky.social says NYC is handing out "baby boxes" to help. Solutions can be so simple. And so cheap. #ACHJSummit

The Lies Have It: Advice for Journalists Approaching Misinformation Kai Kupferschmidt, KSJ '24, shares actionable tips for journalists seeking to reduce the harm of misinformation.

I was asked by @ksjatmit.bsky.social to share my advice for journalists dealing with misinformation. It’s a really important topic so I was happy to oblige.
It’s also a topic where we are all trying to navigate a constantly changing landscape, so do let me know what you’ve found works or doesn’t…

As always, a big thank you to @mblscience.bsky.social and @whoi.edu for an immersive science adventure on the MA coast.

Could this be you next year? Applications for KSJ fellowships open next week! Stay tuned...

Speakers from NASW plenary panel

How are science writers coping with the unprecedented assault on science and what is the path ahead? Was honored to discuss this at #SciWri25 plenary with @shiplives.bsky.social @jeanna.bsky.social and Erin Podolak. Missed @michellejewell.bsky.social who still contributed much from afar.

The world needs more science journalists, and more cookies! #SciWri25

The Lies Have It: Advice for Journalists Approaching Misinformation Kai Kupferschmidt, KSJ '24, shares actionable tips for journalists seeking to reduce the harm of misinformation.

@kakape.bsky.social KSJ '24, shares actionable tips for journalists seeking to reduce the harm of misinformation.

ksj.mit.edu/news/2025/10...

Truth Decay: Science Journalism in the Misinformation Age - Science Journalism Forum Society is awash in misinformation and disinformation about science, with significant implications for policy, personal decision-making, and the future of the global scientific enterprise. In this ses...

It's not too late to tune in for the conversation with KSJ associate director @ashleythesmart.bsky.social and KSJ alum @kakape.bsky.social this Thursday. Tickets are still available for virtual access to #SFJ2025

sciencejf.com/slots/truth-...