AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Official opportunity: WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship
• Conference: 14th World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ2027)
• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Conference dates: 6–9 September 2027
• Organisers: Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) and World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ)
• Eligible applicants: Journalists, science communicators, journalism students and eligible related professionals
• Funding: Travel, visa application, local transport, accommodation and conference participation support
• Accommodation: Up to six nights
• Conference registration: Fully covered
• Per diem: Not provided
• Application deadline: 23 October 2026 at 23:59 BST

About the Fellowship

The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship is designed to help journalists and other eligible applicants who would otherwise be unable to attend the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 because of limited access to funding.

WCSJ2027 will take place in London from 6–9 September 2027 under the theme “Strengthening science journalism through global networks.” The conference is hosted by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) and the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ). It will bring together science journalists, writers and communicators to exchange knowledge, discuss developments in science and journalism, build professional networks and explore the future of the profession.

The Travel Fellowship is intended to broaden international participation and improve access for journalists and related applicants who have limited financial support from their employers, institutions, organisations or countries.

Selection considers professional experience, motivation for attending, the potential benefit and contribution to the conference community, quality of previous work and financial need. The programme also seeks a balanced and diverse international cohort.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful Travel Fellows receive financial support covering:

• Travel to and from London by air, rail, coach or bus.
• UK visa application costs.
• Limited local transportation connected with the conference.
• Up to six nights of accommodation.
• Full conference registration.
• Conference refreshments.
• Conference lunches.
• Reception catering included as part of the conference programme.

The official application form clearly states that the fellowship does not include per diem payments.

The fellowship therefore provides substantial support for attending WCSJ2027, but applicants should not interpret it as a general living-expenses scholarship.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to applicants working or studying in fields connected with journalism and science communication. The official application form allows applications from:

• Staff journalists.
• Freelance science journalists.
• Institutional science communicators.
• Freelance science communicators.
• Professionals working as both science journalists and communicators.
• Academic researchers or lecturers in journalism, media studies, science communication or related fields.
• Students studying science journalism, media studies, science communication or related fields.
• Other applicants whose professional role is relevant to the conference.

Applicants may work across visual, audio, multimedia, magazine, newspaper or online media. Students who have not yet started a professional career may enter zero years of professional journalism experience.

Applicants must be available to attend the full conference and must have a passport valid until the end of September 2027, or demonstrate that they are applying for or renewing their passport.

Applicants are expected to support the principles of accurate, fair and transparent science communication and journalism, including editorial independence, transparency, disclosure of conflicts of interest and appropriate attribution of sources.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm your availability

Applicants must be available to attend the full WCSJ2027 conference in London.

Step 2: Prepare your professional information

Prepare your current professional or educational affiliation, role, journalism experience, biography and a CV or résumé of no more than two pages.

Step 3: Prepare work samples

Submit at least three examples of published work. These can be written, audio, video or other relevant formats and should generally have been published within the previous two years. Students without sufficient published work may submit supervised long-form coursework with confirmation from the supervising teacher.

Step 4: Write the required statements

Applicants must provide:

• A motivation statement of up to 500 words explaining why they want to attend, what they hope to learn, how the conference will benefit their work and what expertise they can share.
• A 150-word statement explaining how they will share what they learn after WCSJ2027.
• A 150-word funding statement explaining available funding and why additional support is necessary.

Step 5: Obtain a supporting letter

Applicants must submit a supporting letter from an employer, educational department, editor, or relevant professional association. The letter should explain how attending WCSJ2027 would support the applicant’s professional development and how their expertise could contribute to the conference community.

Step 6: Complete passport and visa information

Applicants must provide the requested passport information and indicate whether they require a UK visa.

Step 7: Submit the online application

Complete and submit the official Travel Fellowship application before the stated deadline. Fellowship awards are competitive, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Important Deadline

Application deadline: 23 October 2026 at 23:59 BST.

The conference itself will take place in London, United Kingdom, from 6–9 September 2027. Applicants selected for the fellowship must be available to attend the full conference.

Related Opportunities

• Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2027 – A research and professional development opportunity for journalists at the University of Chicago.
• ICYF International Media Training Camp – An international media training opportunity for young professionals.
• NextGen@ICANN88 Program 2027 – An international Internet governance opportunity connected with the ICANN88 meeting in Portugal.

Official Application Link

WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship – Official Application

WCSJ2027 Official Website

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship is a strong opportunity for journalists, science communicators and eligible students seeking international professional development in science journalism.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the three recent work samples, motivation statement, supporting letter and funding statement, as these form important parts of the application. The fellowship provides extensive attendance support, including travel, visa application costs, accommodation and conference registration, but does not provide a per diem.

Interested applicants should prepare their materials early and submit the official application before 23 October 2026 at 23:59 BST.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com