The Ocean Nexus International Fellowship is a program for journalists created by Ocean Nexus in collaboration with the Uproot Project, seeking to advance transformative changes at the intersection of ocean governance, social justice, and equity. Participating journalists, working closely with Ocean Nexus scientists, aim to deepen their understanding of how our relationship with the ocean is intertwined with systemic inequities, particularly within historically marginalized communities, across the globe. As a part of the fellowship, fellows produce resource guides that will help other journalists understand the topics they covered and help expand the body of knowledge about ocean equity
Ocean Nexus, an initiative committed to ocean equity, works to uncover and address the consequences of inequitable ocean governance, holding powerful interests accountable for systemic harms. The Uproot Project is open to journalists of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds who share its goal of uplifting and supporting journalists of color, who have been underrepresented in the journalism industry for far too long
Fellowship Goals:
- Research Intersectionality and Ocean Governance: Fellows will deeply investigate Ocean Nexus research to understand how ocean policies and practices intersect with social, environmental, and economic inequities.
- Center Marginalized Voices and Perspectives: Fellows will explore how different communities, particularly those historically excluded from decision-making—experience and engage with ocean issues, ensuring these voices are integrated into global conversations.
- Strengthen Public and Policy Dialogue: Fellows will play an essential role in bridging the gap between ocean research and the public, using their communication skills to bring attention to critical issues surrounding ocean equity and justice.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be based in a country outside the US
- Applicants must not be a US citizen
- Applicants must be a member of the Uproot Project (as of May 15, 2026) or one of its collaborating partners (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)
- Applicants must have 5-15 years covering climate or environmental topics
- Freelance journalists are welcome to apply but must have a commitment from a news organization to publish the work produced through the fellowship.
- Applicants should have a passion for advancing ocean sustainability through science, policy, and community-centered approaches.
Fellowship Details:
• The fellowship will be for 3 months (June-August, 2026)
• Fellows will receive $2000
• Ocean Nexus will provide its network and expertise to work with selected fellows based on their needs, and we expect that they will focus on coastal environmental justice.
• We are not seeking any specific outcomes, but the fellows should use this opportunity to explore their stories focusing on Ocean Justice while remaining open to conversations with Ocean Nexus Fellows.
• Ocean Nexus will contribute $2,000 per fellow
Application Process
Applications are submitted via Google Forms. Interested applicants will be asked to submit the following materials along with their application:
- A letter of support from either your editor or from a news organization that you work with regularly. (in PDF format)
- A resume or CV (in PDF format).
- A writing sample (3 max)
- A statement of interest (500 word max) detailing commitment to ocean equity and justice, and how their work aligns with the goals of the fellowship.
DEADLINE: June 14 by 11:59pm GMT
NOTE: Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be used to complete this application. Any responses suspected of being written by AI will not be considered.