Abel Prize Travel Fellowships: A Gateway for Science Journalists

Science journalists have a unique chance to connect with top mathematicians and gain international recognition through the Abel Prize Travel Fellowships. This program, organized by the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ) and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, invites journalists to the Abel Prize Week in Oslo, Norway. This event celebrates outstanding contributions to mathematics and offers a valuable platform for journalists to report on significant scientific advancements.

About the Abel Prize Travel Fellowships

The Abel Prize is a highly respected award in the field of mathematics. The fellowship program selects two science journalists each year to cover the event. This allows them to interact directly with leading mathematicians and report on the cutting-edge research being honored. Participants get exclusive access to official events, including the award ceremony, and can interview the prize winners.

Two fellowships are available: one for a science journalist from any country, and another specifically for a journalist based in Europe. This structure aims to broaden the reach of mathematics reporting globally and within a key region.

What the Fellowship Covers

The Abel Prize Travel Fellowships offer comprehensive support for the selected journalists. The fellowship covers round-trip travel costs to Oslo, which are arranged and paid for by the WFSJ. It also includes travel health insurance and a per diem allowance for ground transportation to and from airports.

Accommodation in a hotel, including breakfast, is provided for the duration of the program. Fellows gain access to all official Abel Prize Week events and can participate in special activities organized by the Norwegian Academy. Opportunities to interview the Abel Prize laureates are a key benefit, offering unique content for journalistic work. The program also provides visa support documentation if needed.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Abel Prize Travel Fellowships, applicants must meet specific requirements. They must be professional science journalists who work full-time, either as staff members or freelancers. Applicants should have recent experience in science journalism, within the last five years.

Preference is given to those who have covered mathematics or fundamental science in their work. It is essential that applicants can attend the entire Abel Prize Week, which runs from May 25-28, 2026. The fellowship is open to journalists working across various platforms, including print, digital, broadcast, podcasting, and multimedia.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit several documents to apply for the fellowship. This includes a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact details, professional affiliation, and social media handles if applicable. Applicants also need to provide a one-page essay, not exceeding 500 words, explaining their motivation for applying and their planned journalistic work during the fellowship.

Three samples of published or broadcast work are required, which can be submitted as links to articles, audio, or video. If the submitted work is not in English, English summaries or translations must be provided. Finally, a copy of the applicant’s passport identification page is necessary. All application materials should be sent via email to [email protected] with the subject line: “Application: Abel Prize Travel Fellowships for Science Journalists.”

Selection Process

Applications will be carefully reviewed by a jury. This jury will consist of members from the WFSJ Board or individuals appointed by the Board. The selection will be based on the applicant’s professional experience, the quality of their submitted work, and the potential impact of their journalistic coverage. Two candidates will be chosen to receive the fellowships.

Key Dates

The application period for the Abel Prize Travel Fellowships has specific deadlines. The application deadline is June 12, 2026. Winners will be announced by the WFSJ on July 1, 2026. The fellowship itself is tied to the Abel Prize Week, which takes place from May 25-28, 2026. Note that the provided research data also mentions a “Kavli Prize Week” from August 29 to September 3, 2026, which appears to be a separate event.

Frequently Asked Questions