Reuters Thomson Fellowships

Entries are now open for the 2008/2009 Reuters Thomson Foundation Fellowships at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University .

The fellowships offer a practical form of professional assistance to established and mid-career journalists. Its purpose is to allow journalists to tackle subjects in greater depth than is possible under deadline pressure.

Around 25 journalists from around the globe study in Oxford each year on Fellowships of either three, six or nine months, covering one, two or all three terms of the academic year. Fellows may join the Institute in October, January or April.

The Fellowship has three main facets. Firstly, Fellows are expected to produce a substantial piece of work to an academic standard. They are required to complete a 8,000 – 10,000 word research paper of publishable quality either as part of the Institute’s research output or independently (for example, as a survey of an important subject, magazine article or part of a book). Fellows may use multimedia in their work. Fellows have to present their research findings in a seminar open to the University.

Secondly, the Institute organises regular seminars, debates, lectures and study trips. The RISJ seminar is held weekly during term-time at Green Templeton College as is an in-house seminar to which Fellows are expected to read a paper. During Michaelmas (autumn term) and Trinity (summer term) the Reuters Institute also runs a weekly ‘Media and Politics Seminar’ jointly with the eminent political scientist, Dr David Butler, at Nuffield College .

The Institute’s media expertise is also bolstered by the related work of the Oxford Internet Institute (http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/), the Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy (http://pcmlp.socleg.ox.ac.uk/) and the International Centre for Media and Communications Management, currently being developed by the Saïd Business School . The university also hosts many special events, such as the Oxford Media Convention, that will be of interest to Fellows.

Lastly, each Fellow has an advisor, usually an Oxford academic specialising in the journalists’ chosen subject, to supervise their research. Fellows are encouraged to attend relevant lectures, seminars or classes in the University and to use the Bodleian, one of the world’s great libraries.

There are numerous specialist facilities within the university, such as regional centres for African, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Eastern and Western European, Japanese and Chinese Studies. Fellows can also take advantage of the University’s language laboratory and computer services.

Eligibility
The Thomson Reuters Foundation Fellowship Programme offers fully funded Fellowships to well established mid-career journalists from throughout the world. Applicants must have a minimum of five years experience in any branch of journalism. Priority will be given to journalists proposing research projects within the areas of focus of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. Other areas of research can be considered providing these are clearly related to the professional work of applicants and will lead to greater excellence in journalism. Other Fellowships are available specifically for journalists from Russia , Eastern and Central Europe, Australia , Austria and New Zealand . 

Applications are also considered from journalists able to arrange their own funding. They should approach the Director in the first instance before making a formal application.

Duration
Dates of entry are agreed with the Director. Fellowships may be for three, six or nine months covering one or two terms or a full academic year respectively.

Funding
Awards may include travel expenses (including air travel economy class), accommodation and a modest living allowance. This arrangement is subject to variation.
Spouses and partners (including with dependents) are welcome but under no circumstances will the Thomson Reuters Foundation Fellowship Programme pay the travel or living costs of visiting spouses or dependents.

Submissions
Please send the following papers:
1.    Completed application form (please download here).
2.    A full curriculum vitae
3.    Biography outlining journalism career and your intellectual and social values (500 words)
4.    A statement of up to 1,000 words explaining your proposed research project 
5.    A reference from your employer, supporting your application and granting leave of absence
6.    A second professional reference (e.g. former employer).

Print Journalists
•    Please provide five articles or reports (more than five will not be reviewed), including dates and names of the publications.
•    A translation into English must accompany material published in other languages.
•    Applicants in managerial or editorial positions for whom it would be difficult to send work samples should include a statement of up to 500 words describing their work.

Broadcast Journalists
•    A video, audio-cassette or CD/DVD (maximum 30 minutes) with examples of your work, plus a brief, written description of the material. Please note that other formats cannot be accepted.
•    A summary or transcription in English must accompany material in other languages.
•    A statement of up to 500 words describing your work and including details of any major programmes for which you have been responsible.

N.B. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT THE ABOVE WORK.

Deadline for Applications
The deadline for receipt of applications for the Reuters Foundation Fellowship Programme 2008/2009 is 12.00 noon, 28th January 2009.

Please note that information regarding the Mona Megalli Fellowship will be posted when it is available.

Candidates with their own sources of funding may apply directly at any time to the Director.

Applications should be sent to:
The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
Department of Politics and International Relations
University of Oxford
13 Norham Gardens
Oxford
OX2 6PS
United Kingdom

Applications should be sent in the following format:
•    All articles should be submitted on A4 size paper (shrunk/enlarged as appropriate)
•    CVs, biographies and research proposals should also be A4 size, with text single-spaced and no larger than size 12.
•    No paperclips or staples should be attached