Science Writers and Journalist Fellowship Program now open for applicants

The Program will be delivered in collaboration with Harvard Medical School Office of Public Affairs, and The Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication (MBR School) at The American University in Dubai.

Through the Science Writers & Journalists Fellowship Program, the Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical research will invite 10 - 12 early- or mid-career science writers, medical reporters and print and broadcast journalists (the "Fellows") who cover science or medical issues, to participate in a three day program, which will be held at the MBR School at The American University in Dubai.

The Fellowship program is a joint initiative of DHFMR, the Harvard Medical Office of Public Affairs and the MBR School. In collaboration with the Gulf region's media, press agencies and organizations, the program will work with key individuals at each agency or organization to identify potential program Fellows.

The program's immersion approach will enable the Fellows to interview leading HMS and HMS-affiliated researchers and regional researchers currently supported by DHFMR. The Fellows will discuss the process of transforming scientific research material into a prose or presentation style that will engage a lay readership or audience, while retaining accuracy. Sessions will focus on medical, health and research issues relevant to the Arabian Gulf and Middle East region, as well as on traditional and developing methods of bringing medical news to the public.

To be considered for the programme applicants must be Arab-speaking writers or journalists, writing or broadcasting in Arabic or English, with three years experience in writing, reporting or broadcast journalism. A good command of English is essential, as well as a degree in writing, communications, journalism, or similar discipline or programme.

Applicants will be required to submit resumes in English with a cover letter detailing how the fellowship would benefit the applicant, and two recently published articles in English or Arabic, or two visual samples or audio tapes of their work. The application form is available on DHFMR website. The deadline for submissions is September 13, 2009. The successful participants will be notified by October 11, 2009.

Gina Vild, Associate Dean of Communications and External Relations at Harvard Medical School, said:

"Selected journalists will actively participate in a vigorous three-day programme in Dubai, acquiring skills on accurate, professional and reliable methods of reporting science and health issues."

Ali Jaber, Dean and Professor at the MBR School for Communication at The American University in Dubai, said, "The Science Writers & Journalist Fellowship Program will provide the regional print and broadcast journalists with the opportunity to increase the depth and breadth of their reporting on health, medical and scientific developments, complementing Dubai's vision of creating a hub for world-class healthcare."

This year's Program will build on the success of the previous two years which has included participants from Gulf News, Al Bayan and Dubai TV.