The European Commission is a key institution of the European Union, responsible for proposing and implementing policies, managing EU funds, and ensuring compliance with EU laws. As part of its efforts to promote innovation and knowledge dissemination, the Commission supports initiatives that enhance public understanding of science and research. One such initiative is the FRONTIERS Science Journalism Residency Program, which fosters independent, high-quality journalism in scientific fields.

The FRONTIERS project, running from 2023 to 2027, is designed to strengthen the relationship between journalists and the scientific community. By immersing journalists in cutting-edge research environments, the initiative seeks to enhance the communication of complex scientific concepts to the public. The program is committed to fostering transparency, credibility, and ethical reporting in science journalism. Over its duration, it will provide opportunities for up to 40 journalists to engage with pioneering researchers across diverse disciplines, including social sciences and humanities. Through this residency, journalists gain firsthand exposure to groundbreaking research, helping bridge the gap between scientific discovery and societal awareness. The European Commission, through this program, aims to promote trust in scientific institutions and encourage responsible journalism in reporting frontier research.

The FRONTIERS Science Journalism Residency Program provides grants to journalists worldwide, allowing them to spend 3 to 5 months at a European research institution. The initiative supports in-depth reporting on complex scientific topics, enabling journalists to work closely with leading researchers. The program emphasizes frontier research, which involves high-risk, high-reward inquiries at the cutting edge of knowledge.

Selected journalists will have the freedom to choose their host institution within EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. The residency provides networking opportunities, training activities, and full independence in reporting. Participants receive access to various research fields, fostering critical thinking and responsible science communication. The program is designed to enhance professional development, promote public curiosity about frontier research, and strengthen collaboration between journalists and scientists.

With an allocated grant fund of €600,000, the program supports journalists in producing high-quality, independent reports that make scientific research accessible to the public. The initiative ultimately aims to bolster public trust in science while providing journalists with invaluable experience in reporting complex scientific findings with accuracy and depth.