Santa Fe Institute's
Complex Systems Summer School
Journalism Fellowship
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 23:59 MST (UTC-7)
SFI offers a journalism fellowship for accomplished reporters. National and international journalists with a demonstrated interest in and record of reporting about matters related to complex systems are encouraged to apply for this residential fellowship in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The fellowship offers journalists an opportunity to explore complex systems science by attending SFI’s iconic three-week Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS) held at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, followed by a self-directed week at SFI's Cowan Campus.
Fellowship Structure
The Complex Systems Summer School offers an intensive three-week introduction to complex behavior in mathematical, physical, living, and social systems. Two selected journalists will learn alongside graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and professionals through an intensive series of lectures and labs taught by world-renowned faculty. The fellows will have the opportunity to interact with top scientists collaborating across disciplines at the Santa Fe Institute and will contribute to a CSSS group project. Fellows should be aware that there will be few opportunities to conduct formal interviews with faculty during the three-week CSSS program; fellows should view these weeks as an opportunity to learn and to develop story ideas and sources, but plan to schedule interviews during the fourth week or after the fellowship concludes.
During the fourth week, fellows will have an office space at SFI's Cowan Campus and are free to arrange their own schedules. Previous fellows have used the time to reflect on the previous three weeks, arrange interviews with resident and visiting researchers, and share their journalistic expertise.
Equipped with a new appreciation for the history of and trends in complex-systems science, and the state and limitations of current scientific theory, the fellows then return to their day-to-day reporting better prepared to convey the interrelatedness of solutions to the complex problems we face.
Eligibility
- Currently working as a journalist, with at least seven years' experience. Persons working in institutional communications are ineligible.
- Proven track record of and interest in covering topics related to complex-systems science.
- Clearly articulated goals for attending the fellowship.
- CSSS programming is conducted in English — all application materials must also be submitted in English or with an English translation.
Stipend and Accommodations
A stipend of $6,250 for the four-week program is provided. The stipend may enhance the fellow’s existing salary, or the journalist’s employer may offset his or her ongoing salary with the stipend. Enrollment in SFI’s Complex Systems Summer School is provided free of charge. As CSSS students, fellows will be housed at the Institute of American Indian Arts. During the final week, accommodations will be provided in downtown Santa Fe. Travel reimbursement is also provided. SFI benefits are not included in this offer.
Selected fellows are expected to refrain from routine reporting in their normal news media outlets during the fellowship. However, maintaining the continuity of ongoing blogging and social media activity by selected fellows is accepted and encouraged.
Fellows will be asked to give two talks during the fellowship — the first, presented to their fellow CSSS students, to focus broadly on journalism, and the second, for an audience of SFI researchers and staff, to explore complexity themes in the fellow's past or ongoing work.
Dates
June 9–July 8, 2014
Please read and follow the instructions page carefully. We will only review applications submitted by the deadline.
Begin the Application Process:
Create an account to begin the application process using the blue APPLY button in the upper right part of this screen. Once you create an account, the application steps will appear on your account page and will guide you through the process. The application platform is optimized for Google Chrome, but should work with other browsers.
For more program details, please visit santafe.edu/journalism-fellowship
For more information about SFI Education Programs, including Summer School, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Sincerely,
SFI Communications and Education Teams
PLEASE NOTE: If you don't already have a SURVEY MONKEY APPLY account you will need to REGISTER for one before you apply.
SFI CSSS Journalism Fellowship 2026
Santa Fe Institute's
Complex Systems Summer School
Journalism Fellowship
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 23:59 MST (UTC-7)
SFI offers a journalism fellowship for accomplished reporters. National and international journalists with a demonstrated interest in and record of reporting about matters related to complex systems are encouraged to apply for this residential fellowship in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The fellowship offers journalists an opportunity to explore complex systems science by attending SFI’s iconic three-week Complex Systems Summer School (CSSS) held at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, followed by a self-directed week at SFI's Cowan Campus.
Fellowship Structure
The Complex Systems Summer School offers an intensive three-week introduction to complex behavior in mathematical, physical, living, and social systems. Two selected journalists will learn alongside graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and professionals through an intensive series of lectures and labs taught by world-renowned faculty. The fellows will have the opportunity to interact with top scientists collaborating across disciplines at the Santa Fe Institute and will contribute to a CSSS group project. Fellows should be aware that there will be few opportunities to conduct formal interviews with faculty during the three-week CSSS program; fellows should view these weeks as an opportunity to learn and to develop story ideas and sources, but plan to schedule interviews during the fourth week or after the fellowship concludes.
During the fourth week, fellows will have an office space at SFI's Cowan Campus and are free to arrange their own schedules. Previous fellows have used the time to reflect on the previous three weeks, arrange interviews with resident and visiting researchers, and share their journalistic expertise.
Equipped with a new appreciation for the history of and trends in complex-systems science, and the state and limitations of current scientific theory, the fellows then return to their day-to-day reporting better prepared to convey the interrelatedness of solutions to the complex problems we face.
Eligibility
- Currently working as a journalist, with at least seven years' experience. Persons working in institutional communications are ineligible.
- Proven track record of and interest in covering topics related to complex-systems science.
- Clearly articulated goals for attending the fellowship.
- CSSS programming is conducted in English — all application materials must also be submitted in English or with an English translation.
Stipend and Accommodations
A stipend of $6,250 for the four-week program is provided. The stipend may enhance the fellow’s existing salary, or the journalist’s employer may offset his or her ongoing salary with the stipend. Enrollment in SFI’s Complex Systems Summer School is provided free of charge. As CSSS students, fellows will be housed at the Institute of American Indian Arts. During the final week, accommodations will be provided in downtown Santa Fe. Travel reimbursement is also provided. SFI benefits are not included in this offer.
Selected fellows are expected to refrain from routine reporting in their normal news media outlets during the fellowship. However, maintaining the continuity of ongoing blogging and social media activity by selected fellows is accepted and encouraged.
Fellows will be asked to give two talks during the fellowship — the first, presented to their fellow CSSS students, to focus broadly on journalism, and the second, for an audience of SFI researchers and staff, to explore complexity themes in the fellow's past or ongoing work.
Dates
June 9–July 8, 2014
Please read and follow the instructions page carefully. We will only review applications submitted by the deadline.
Begin the Application Process:
Create an account to begin the application process using the blue APPLY button in the upper right part of this screen. Once you create an account, the application steps will appear on your account page and will guide you through the process. The application platform is optimized for Google Chrome, but should work with other browsers.
For more program details, please visit santafe.edu/journalism-fellowship
For more information about SFI Education Programs, including Summer School, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Sincerely,
SFI Communications and Education Teams
PLEASE NOTE: If you don't already have a SURVEY MONKEY APPLY account you will need to REGISTER for one before you apply.