Public health has a strange problem. The people with the most accurate information are often the worst at reaching the public. Meanwhile, misinformation spreads fast, dressed up in confident videos and catchy captions.
The Museum of Science’s new fellowship is built to fix that gap one expert at a time.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Public Health Science Communication Fellowship |
| Organizer | Museum of Science |
| Duration | October 2026 to April 2027 |
| Stipend | US$7000 in two payments |
| Location | Virtual plus mandatory Boston convening |
| Eligible applicants | Public health professionals in US or Canada |
| Ideal following | 5000+ preferred but not required |
| Application deadline | 18 September 2026 |
| Commitment | 4 to 6 hours per week |
What This Fellowship Is Really About
This is not a research grant. It is not funding for a new study or a lab project. The Public Health Science Communication Fellowship exists to teach scientifically accurate people how to actually communicate well online.
Running from October 2026 to April 2027, the programme pairs public health professionals with experienced digital content creators. Together they build real communication strategies for platforms where most people now get their health information. Social media, podcasts, video and newsletters.
This matters because good science does not defend itself. If an accurate explanation of a vaccine, a diet trend or a mental health claim never reaches the people who need it in a format they will actually watch or read, misinformation wins by default.
Who Should Be Applying
The fellowship is looking for what it calls Digital Mentees. That means health professionals who already have credibility but want to build a stronger public voice.
Strong candidates include:
- Public health scientists and epidemiologists
- Clinicians and physicians
- University faculty in health-related fields
- Health policy experts
- Nutrition and behavioral health specialists
- Science and public health journalists
Applicants need to be based in the United States or Canada and comfortable working in English throughout the programme.
On credentials, the fellowship expects a PhD, MD, DrPH, MPH, RDN or an equivalent qualification. But it also accepts applicants with substantial hands-on experience in public health work, clinical practice, journalism or policy even without an advanced degree.
Do You Need a Huge Following to Apply?
This is where a lot of qualified people might hesitate so it is worth addressing directly.
The programme ideally wants applicants with at least 5000 followers on a social platform. But that is not a hard requirement. Someone with a smaller following can still be competitive if they can show real public engagement elsewhere.
A TED Talk, a major podcast appearance or another platform where their communication skills were clearly on display.
In other words, the fellowship cares more about your ability to communicate than the raw size of your audience. A modest following with strong thoughtful content likely beats a large following built on generic posts.
What Topics Does the Fellowship Actually Cover
The programme focuses on health topics that affect everyday decisions not abstract research questions. These include:
- Preventative health and chronic disease
- Nutrition
- Infectious disease and vaccines
- Mental health
- Climate and health connections
- Maternal and child health
- Healthcare access and navigation
- Public health misinformation itself
Fellowship Coverage
Each selected fellow receives a US$7000 grant split into two payments of $3500. The first arrives in late December 2026 after the mandatory launch and in-person convening. The second comes in late May 2027 once you have completed your final deliverables.
Beyond the money fellows get:
- One-on-one and group mentorship from experienced digital communicators
- Structured training in digital communication and platform strategy
- Direct collaboration with people who already know how to grow an audience without sacrificing accuracy
- Access to Museum of Science communication resources
- Possible future collaboration with the Museum’s own content channels
What the Fellowship Actually Requires From You
This is a real commitment not a passive certificate program.
Fellows should expect to spend 4 to 6 hours per week on the programme. Over six months that includes:
- Creating and publishing evidence-based digital content
- Attending virtual training and coaching sessions
- Working closely with your assigned team
- Submitting progress updates and a final outcomes report
- Completing graduation and certification activities in April 2027
There is also one non-negotiable requirement. An in-person convening in Boston from 19 to 21 November 2026. Attendance is mandatory though approved travel costs are reimbursed through the fellowship.
If your schedule cannot accommodate a three-day trip to Boston in November this particular cycle may not work for you.
Key Dates You Need to Track
- Applications close: 18 September 2026
- Selections announced: 2 October 2026
- Virtual orientation: 22 October 2026
- Mandatory Boston convening: 19 to 21 November 2026
- Virtual fellowship classes: January through April 2027
- Fellowship culmination: 22 April 2027
How to Apply
The application has three core components and each one plays a different role in how you are evaluated.
- A digital or professional portfolio. Links to your existing public work. Podcasts, newsletters, social posts, interviews, talks or written pieces. This shows what you have already built.
- A personal statement 750 to 1000 words or a video. Explain your motivation the communication challenges in your field, who you are trying to reach and which health topics you believe deserve clearer public explanation.
- A mini health communication strategy: 300 to 500 words or a video. Propose a specific original idea. What misunderstood health topic would you tackle? What audience or information gap would you address and through what digital format?
Apply now for Public Health Science Communication Fellowship
How Applications Are Judged
Selection comes down to six main factors:
- How well your work aligns with public health communication goals
- Your potential to build public trust and reach new audiences
- Relevance to health equity and public understanding
- Creativity in how you tell scientific stories
- Willingness to collaborate with a team
- Scientific accuracy combined with accessibility