The ASU Science Creators Fellowship brings digital science communicators to Arizona State University for a behind-the-scenes look at research shaping the future of AI in health, education, engineering and everyday life. We’ll provide access to researchers and labs. You bring your curiosity, craft and audience.
At a glance
- Two-day, in-person visit to an ASU campus
- $5,000 fellowship award (to cover travel + participation)
- Curated access to AI researchers and labs
- Fellows create at least three pieces of content
- Designed for established science communicators
What the fellowship includes
During the campus visit, fellows will receive:
- Curated access to ASU researchers, labs and research environments
- A schedule shaped around topic interests and storytelling goals
- Time to explore campus, gather content and develop content ideas
- Opportunities to connect with ASU experts working on high-impact research
What fellows create
Fellows share authentic, self-directed storytelling inspired by their ASU visit. This is not a marketing assignment; it’s research access. Each fellow creates at least three pieces of content in whatever format fits their voice and platform.
Who should apply?
We're looking for communicators who have built trust with an audience and know how to make research feel human and relevant — whether that’s on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack, podcasts or newsletters.
Selection criteria
This is not a media training program or a traditional influencer campaign. It is research access, in person, for the communicators helping people make sense of a changing world. Applications will be reviewed by ASU’s Media Relations and Strategic Communications team, with potential input from research communicators and subject-matter experts. The ASU decision is final. This is a pilot program, so space is limited.
Selection will be based on:
- Quality and clarity of past work
- Audience fit and engagement
- Alignment with the fellowship theme
- Ability to make complex topics accessible
- Interest in ASU research areas
- Potential for thoughtful, accurate and engaging storytelling
Dates and deadlines
June [insert date]
Applications open
August [insert date]
Application window closes.
September
Applications are reviewed.
Late September
Selected fellows are notified.
October–November
Fellowship visits take place on ASU’s Tempe campus.
Invitation and nomination
Some applicants may be invited to apply because of familiarity with their work. Being invited to apply does not guarantee selection.
Know a communicator who should be considered for a future fellowship cycle? We welcome nominations. Please include their name, platform or publication, and a brief note about why their work would be a strong fit.
Already invited?
You were nominated because someone in ASU’s network believes your work stands out. Space in this pilot is limited to one. If this sounds like the right fit, we’d love to see your application.
Application requirements
Portfolio
Three to four examples of your best work, not your most recent. Links may come from TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Substack, Facebook, a personal website, a podcast platform or a publication.
Resume or CV
No specific format required.
Audience information
A brief overview of whom you reach, where you publish and how your audience engages with your work. Platform metrics are helpful, but not required.
ASU Charter alignment
A short response about how your work connects with public access to knowledge, community impact or helping more people understand complex ideas.
AI and your practice
A short answer on how you think about AI as a tool in your own work. We are not looking for a particular answer, but we’re curious how you’re engaging with it — skeptically or otherwise.
FAQ
The fellowship includes a short visit to an ASU campus with structured access to researchers, labs and research spaces. We’ll help build the schedule. You bring your questions, your perspective and your storytelling tools.
The pilot fellowship will include a two-day campus visit, with three nights built in for travel and scheduling flexibility.
Selected fellows will receive a $5,000 fellowship award that can be used to support travel, lodging and participation.
Yes, this fellowship is designed for communicators who intend to create content inspired by the experience at ASU. We are not asking fellows to produce scripted or preapproved marketing content. The goal is authentic storytelling rooted in access, curiosity and accuracy.
Fellows retain editorial control over their work. ASU can help with fact-checking and researcher names, titles and context, if helpful, but fellows are responsible for their own content.
We welcome creators and communicators working across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Substack, podcasts, newsletters, websites or other digital platforms.
No, prior science journalism experience is not required. We’re looking for people with a track record of explaining complex topics thoughtfully in engaging ways.
Yes. All applicants will be notified once selections are made.