Applications are open for the Metcalf Ocean Nexus Academy (MONA) Fellowship 2026, a paid, three-month professional fellowship designed for mid-career journalists covering climate, environment, and ocean issues..

The MONA Fellowship is jointly delivered by Ocean Nexus and the Metcalf Institute, in collaboration with The Uproot Project. The programme supports journalists who want to explore how ocean governance, environmental policy, and social justice intersect—particularly in communities that have historically been excluded from decision-making.

About the Fellowship

MONA brings journalists into close collaboration with leading Ocean Nexus researchers to deepen reporting on ocean equity, environmental justice, and governance systems. Fellows examine how power, policy, and inequality shape human relationships with the ocean across different regions and communities.

In addition to reporting, fellows contribute to journalist resource guides that help expand public understanding of ocean equity and support more inclusive environmental storytelling.

The 2026 cohort includes:

• A virtual scientist-journalist matching session

• An in-person workshop hosted at the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) from May 4–6, 2026

• Ongoing mentorship and collaboration through July 2026

What Fellows Will Do

Selected fellows will:

• Engage deeply with Ocean Nexus research on ocean governance and equity

• Investigate how ocean policies affect marginalized and frontline communities

• Strengthen public and policy-focused storytelling around ocean justice

• Produce publishable journalism supported by scientific expertise

• Create practical resources to support other journalists covering ocean equity

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A letter of support from an editor or media organization

• A CV or résumé (PDF format)

• Up to three writing samples

• A statement of interest (maximum 500 words) describing commitment to ocean equity and how the fellowship aligns with their work

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is Friday, 9 January 2026 at 11:59 PM (EST).