MEDILL NATIONAL SECURITY JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIPS 


October 31, 2009

The Medill National Security Journalism Initiative at Northwestern University is pleased to invite applications for three research fellowships.
The goal of the six-month fellowships is to produce actionable research on topics of national security, defense and civil liberties that will inform journalistic practice and help increase public engagement in these important topics. The fellowship program is made possible by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation in conjunction with the Medill School of Journalism’s McCormick Foundation-sponsored national security initiative.

The fellowships and the Initiative are aimed at raising the level of knowledge and expanding resources available to journalists, policy makers and the public concerning issues of national security. The type of research considered, for example, could be a project to raise awareness of civil liberties by examining possible reactions to a future terrorist attack; it could be a program to give the public tools to track “real” costs of the fight against terrorism especially in the new Department of Homeland Security; a study to expose less familiar vulnerabilities in national security; creation of a forum for journalists and the public to share information on the nexus of regional security issues around the world and their impact on national security; or research to help anticipate and track the military’s eventual disengagement from Iraq and Afghanistan. The research is not meant to produce a series of articles, nor a memoir, but a body of knowledge that illuminates and is useful to those interested in examining national security.

Fellows will be selected on the quality of their proposals; a demonstrated interest in print, broadcast or online journalism; and a proven ability to complete detailed projects. However, we welcome applicants who have worked in other fields, including academic, non-governmental, technological and military service. We prefer Initiative fellows to be in residence for most of their fellowship. The three fellows will participate in the life of the university and engage with other professionals and scholars in the wide field of national security. The fellows also will mentor students and interact with educators and journalists through classes, Web-based learning and professional conferences.
The fellowships each include a $45,000 stipend plus benefits for the six months.
Some travel allowance and research costs are available.

Office space, computer, printer and telephone are also provided.

The first fellowship will begin in the first half of 2010 and the other two start in 2011.

Applicants must submit the following postmarked by October 31, 2009.

A complete application includes:

1. A one-page summary of the proposed project and brief explanation of the need it would fill

2. Your resume/curriculum vitae

You will receive a follow-up contact confirming receipt of your application.

In a two-step process, invitations will be sent to selected candidates by December 1 asking for a more detailed proposal and letters of recommendation.

Please mail the required material to:

Timothy J. McNulty
Co-director, National Security Journalism Initiative
Medill School of Journalism
Northwestern University
1845 Sheridan Road
Evanston IL 60208
timothy-mcnulty@northwestern.edu