Science Communication Training Fellowship
ARVO's Science Communication Training Fellowship (#SciCommTF) is a competitive, highly-interactive one-year program focused on the improvement of science communication and science advocacy skills amongst the early-career researchers within our membership. Since 2017, the Fellowship has empowered early-career scientists to communicate their complex vision research in clear and engaging ways to improve understanding, foster excitement, and inspire action and engagement amongst the public, media, legislators and other key stakeholders.
Eligible participants include ARVO Members-in-Training (MIT) who have been an ARVO member for at least one (1) year. The program accepts 20 Fellows annually, 10 U.S.-based and 10 international.
2023 Program timeline
Applications open: Dec. 2, 2022 - Jan. 31, 2023
Fellowship: March 2023 - Feb. 2024
ARVO Annual Meeting: April 23 - 27, 2023, New Orleans, La
Advocacy Day in Washington, DC: Feb. 2024
Program curriculum
The goals of the Fellowship are to:
- Train young researchers to effectively communicate about the value of eye and vision science
- Facilitate an enduring relationship between ARVO and early-career scientists
Upon completion of the Fellowship, participants should feel confident communicating in order to:
- Increase knowledge and understanding in the public forum
- Foster excitement about science
- Encourage action to increase investment in scientific research
- Frame science issues concisely based on the audience
During the one-year program, Fellows will participate in:
- Webinars, assignments, and discussion forums
- Interactive meetings with eye and vision communication experts
- An in-person social gathering with current Fellows, Alumni, and members of the Advocacy and Outreach Committee at ARVO’s Annual Meeting
- The development of their own outreach activities
- ARVO’s Advocacy Day in Washington DC (optional for international Fellows)
- Networking with fellow participants and program alumni via ARVOConnect
Topics and skillsets covered during the Fellowship may include, but are not limited to:
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Who should apply for the Fellowship?
ARVO Members-in-Training (MIT) who have been members for at least one (1) year who are:
- Curious about, new to, or already engaged with science communication at any level
- Interested in the intersection of science communication and policy/advocacy
- Passionate about the role of science in society
- Looking for something more than a Science Communication 101 course
- Interested in future leadership positions within ARVO
Apply
Applicants must provide:
- Letter of intent
- Resume or CV
- Letter of recommendation
- Letters from funding source stating support for the Fellow for the ARVO Annual Meeting (all applicants)
- Letters from funding source stating support for the Fellow for ARVO Advocacy Day in Washington DC in February (U.S. applicants).
The 2023 application period opens Dec. 2.