Back to Research: Science Sabbaticals Now Open to Freelance Journalists

Stuttgart – 12 July 2007

In their everyday working lives, journalists rarely have the time to follow scientific developments in depth. The Journalism in Research program launched by Robert Bosch Stiftung in 2006 gives science journalists in the press, radio and television the time to do so. From today, the program is also open to freelance journalists who are regular and important contributors to relevant editorial departments. Qualifying freelance journalists may design their own, flexible study sabbatical, which can last from several weeks up to a maximum of three months. For regular editorial staff, the foundation pays the cost of a replacement, whereas freelance journalists receive a cost of living allowance plus a contribution to travel and accommodation costs. Applications for this program may be submitted to the foundation at any time.

Ingrid Hamm, Head of the Program Area Science and Research at Robert Bosch Stiftung, says: "A close study of practice yields a deeper understanding of the methods and limits of science, bringing the editorial department additional, expert knowledge for good scientific journalism".

For their sabbatical, participants choose and study a particular area of scientific research or policy. This may involve a period in a laboratory with a carefully selected research group, on-site research at a science institute or in-depth research of scientific reference literature. A (round-) trip to several research institutions is also possible, and the sabbatical may be broken up into several shorter phases.

Robert Bosch Stiftung encourages dialog between science, research and the public through a range of programs, including support for journalists, e.g. for trips to scientific institutions in Central and Eastern Europe and to the AAAS and ESOF science forums.