Application Deadline:
18 Jan 2026
About Organisation
The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) is a pioneering non-profit institution established in 1988 by Professor M.S. Swaminathan, a globally respected agricultural scientist and food security visionary. The foundation works at the intersection of science, sustainability, gender equity, and rural development. MSSRF is internationally recognised for its people-centred approach that integrates ecological conservation with livelihood security. Through research, policy advocacy, and community engagement, the organisation promotes sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive development, with a strong emphasis on empowering rural communities and advancing gender-responsive solutions.
About the Grant
The Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship 2026 supports journalists in producing in-depth, grassroots-focused stories on gender and rural issues, aligned with the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The four-month fellowship offers financial support and structured mentorship to enable meaningful reporting from rural contexts. Fellows gain direct access to farming communities, expert guidance from MSSRF researchers, and assistance in translating their work into English for wider reach. The programme also facilitates engagement with policymakers, helping fellows amplify underrepresented voices and strengthen the impact, visibility, and influence of their journalism.
Who can Apply?
The fellowship is open to full-time and freelance journalists with a minimum of three years of professional experience. Applicants may belong to print, television, or digital media platforms and must report in one of the following languages: Tamil, Malayalam, Odia, Hindi, or Marathi. Journalists with a strong interest in gender, agriculture, rural livelihoods, and community-led development are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to submit a published story from 2025 in their chosen language, along with its English translation and editorial consent.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit an application with an updated CV, a published story from 2025 in the chosen language, its English translation, and a signed consent form from an editor or supervisor. All documents should be prepared in advance and submitted as part of the application process. Applications are reviewed based on journalistic quality, relevance to fellowship themes, and storytelling potential.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship must be submitted within the announced application window. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
