Berkeley Launches $10,000 Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship to Shape Science Reporting

Applications are now open for a major new journalism fellowship. The Ferriss-UC Berkeley Psychedelic Journalism Fellowship will award ten annual grants. Each grant provides $10,000 for in-depth reporting. The deadline for the first round is January 31, 2026.The program targets stories on psychedelic science, policy, and culture. It aims to support rigorous reporting during a period of rapid change. This initiative is a collaboration between UC Berkeley and the Ferriss Foundation.

Funding Deep-Dive Reporting on a Complex Frontier

The fellowship seeks to underwrite substantial investigative and narrative work. Journalists will explore the business, ethics, and personal stories within this field. According to the program announcement, they want “big, underreported” stories.Grants are designed to cover reporting expenses like travel and research. This financial support allows journalists to pursue complex topics fully. The goal is to move beyond surface-level coverage.The selection process will prioritize strong, well-researched story pitches. Applicants must submit three published work samples and a resume. A letter of interest from a media outlet can strengthen an application.

Building a New Generation of Specialized Reporters

Beyond funding stories, the program has a broader mission. It intends to nurture a cohort of journalists skilled in this niche. Accurate reporting is crucial as public and scientific interest grows.This comes at a pivotal time for psychedelic research and legislation. Several states are reconsidering laws around substances like psilocybin. The fellowship ensures these developments are covered with expertise and depth.The impact will be stories that provide rich context for the public. It supports journalism that can inform both policy and personal understanding. This represents a significant investment in the future of science communication.

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This new fellowship directly addresses a gap in specialized science journalism. It provides essential resources for reporting on the complex psychedelic landscape. The $10,000 grants empower journalists to tell these critical stories thoroughly.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who is eligible to apply for this psychedelic journalism fellowship?

Journalists of all nationalities and backgrounds can apply. Students are eligible if they have three published work samples. All applications and supporting clips must be in English.

What type of stories is the fellowship looking for?

The program seeks in-depth print or audio stories on psychedelic science, policy, and culture. They want narratively compelling pitches placed in rich context. The focus is on underreported angles with significant impact.

How much funding does each grant provide?

Each selected fellow receives a $10,000 reporting grant. This money is intended to cover the costs of thorough journalism. Ten of these grants are awarded every year.

Does my story need to be commissioned by a news outlet first?

No, a prior commission is not strictly required for application. However, a letter of interest from an outlet will improve your chances. The goal is to see funded stories successfully published or aired.

Why is there a focus on psychedelic journalism specifically?

The field is experiencing rapid scientific and legal evolution. This creates a pressing need for accurate, nuanced public information. The fellowship aims to build journalistic expertise to meet that need.