Ocean Nexus International Fellowship: A Deep Dive for Journalists
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship is a three-month program designed for journalists interested in reporting on ocean justice, environmental equity, and community-centered sustainability. This fellowship, a collaboration between Ocean Nexus and The Uproot Project, aims to support experienced journalists from outside the United States. It provides financial backing and access to experts to help them produce impactful stories about how ocean-related policies, environmental issues, and social inequalities affect communities globally. The program encourages a focus on the intersection of ocean governance and social justice, amplifying marginalized voices, and improving public understanding of these critical topics.
About the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship was created to foster important discussions about ocean governance, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Ocean Nexus is an initiative focused on promoting fairness in ocean matters by studying how ocean governance systems impact various communities, especially those historically excluded from decision-making. Through research, advocacy, and teamwork, Ocean Nexus works to fix unfair systems and hold powerful groups responsible for environmental and social harm.
Fellows will work with Ocean Nexus researchers and experts to better understand the link between oceans and social systems. The fellowship encourages journalists to explore stories that show how environmental policies connect with issues like social inequality, economic injustice, climate vulnerability, community resilience, coastal environmental justice, Indigenous and local knowledge, ocean sustainability, and accountability in governance. Fellows will also help other journalists by creating guides to better understand and report on ocean equity issues.
Fellowship Objectives
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship is built around several main goals:
Exploring the Connection Between Ocean Governance and Social Justice
Fellows will closely examine Ocean Nexus research to grasp how policies and governance structures affect environmental results and social fairness. Journalists will investigate how decisions about oceans, coastlines, fisheries, marine resources, and environmental protection can impact different communities based on their location, race, income, and past exclusion.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices
A key aim of the fellowship is to ensure that communities often left out of environmental decisions are heard in public discussions. Fellows will look into how coastal populations, Indigenous communities, vulnerable groups, and historically marginalized people experience environmental challenges and ocean-related policies.
Strengthening Public Understanding
Through high-quality journalism, fellows will help connect scientific research with public awareness. By turning complex environmental and policy issues into clear stories, journalists can help create informed public conversations and policy discussions about ocean fairness and justice.
Expanding Knowledge on Ocean Equity Reporting
Each fellow will create resources to help other journalists understand and cover ocean equity issues more effectively. These materials will strengthen environmental journalism and encourage more thoughtful reporting on ocean-related challenges.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive several professional and financial advantages:
Financial Support
Fellows will receive a stipend of $2,000. This funding is provided directly by Ocean Nexus to support fellowship activities and reporting efforts.
Access to Expertise
Participants will get direct access to:
- Ocean Nexus researchers
- Scientists and subject-matter experts
- Ocean governance specialists
- Environmental justice practitioners
- Global networks focused on ocean equity
Professional Development
Fellows will have chances to:
- Deepen their knowledge in ocean justice reporting
- Engage in global discussions on environmental fairness
- Build connections with researchers and policy experts
- Expand their professional journalism networks
Community Support
Participants will benefit from being part of The Uproot Project community, which supports journalists covering environmental and climate topics.
Fellowship Duration
The fellowship will take place over three months, from June 2026 to August 2026. During this time, fellows will work on their reporting projects while collaborating with Ocean Nexus researchers and experts.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet all the following requirements:
Geographic and Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be based outside the United States and not be a U.S. citizen.
Membership Requirements
Applicants must be members of The Uproot Project as of May 15, 2026, or a member of one of the following collaborating journalism organizations:
- Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association
- Asian American Journalists Association
- Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists
- Indigenous Journalists Association
- Military Veterans in Journalism
- National Association of Black Journalists
- National Association of Hispanic Journalists
- South Asian Journalists Association
- Trans Journalists Association
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must have between 5 and 15 years of experience covering climate or environmental topics.
Freelance Journalist Eligibility
Freelancers are welcome to apply. However, freelance applicants must show that a news organization is willing to publish the work created during the fellowship.
Additional Expectations
Applicants should show a strong interest in ocean justice and environmental fairness, a commitment to community-centered storytelling, a passion for advancing sustainability through journalism, and an interest in science-based and policy-focused reporting.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit the following documents and materials:
Letter of Support
A letter from an editor or a news organization that regularly works with the applicant. The letter must be in PDF format.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must provide a current resume or CV, submitted in PDF format.
Writing Samples
Applicants may submit up to three writing samples that show their reporting experience.
Statement of Interest
This statement should be a maximum of 500 words and explain the applicant’s commitment to ocean equity and justice, how their interests align with the fellowship goals, and their relevant reporting interests and experiences.
Reporting Project Proposal
Applicants must describe the story they wish to pursue, their preferred reporting format (digital, audio, video, multimedia, etc.), why the story is important, and the expected impact of the reporting project.
Additional Responses
Applicants will also be asked about their fellowship learning objectives, personal connection to the issue or affected community, project timeline, publishing plans, and previous environmental reporting experience.
Important Application Note
Applicants should be aware that the fellowship organizers have stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be used to complete the fellowship application. Responses that appear to be AI-generated may not be considered during the review process. Applicants must ensure all application materials reflect their own original work, experiences, and perspectives.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is June 14, by 11:59 pm GMT. Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Why Journalists Should Apply
The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship offers a unique chance for journalists to investigate some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing communities worldwide. Beyond the financial support, fellows gain access to expert knowledge, valuable professional connections, and an opportunity to contribute to global discussions on ocean sustainability, environmental justice, and fair governance. For journalists aiming to produce impactful stories that link environmental issues with human experiences, this fellowship provides the resources and support needed to improve their reporting and encourage meaningful public engagement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ocean Nexus International Fellowship?
It’s a three-month program for journalists outside the U.S. to report on ocean justice, environmental equity, and sustainability, with financial support and expert access.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Journalists based outside the U.S. with 5-15 years of climate/environmental reporting experience, who are members of The Uproot Project or specific partner organizations, can apply.
What are the main benefits of the fellowship?
Benefits include a $2,000 stipend, direct access to researchers and experts, professional development, and community support from The Uproot Project.
What materials are needed for the application?
Applicants need a letter of support, resume/CV, writing samples, a statement of interest, and a reporting project proposal, with a deadline of June 14, 2026.
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