Hello, early career researchers (pursuing a PhD or Postdoctorates), and communicators (journalists/multimedia and social media enthusiasts/science writers).
If you’re passionate about the ecosystem of the Sundarbans, or communicating stories about science and research in accessible and understandable ways to a wide range of audiences, then we’re looking for you to be a part of the Bay Bridges residency.
What is Bay Bridges?
We are a unique science communication project centered on the Bay of Bengal. The program will bring together eight communicators and eight scientists for an extraordinary skills exchange residency and experiential learning in the Sundarbans in mid-January 2025. Virtual engagements with the 16-member cohort begin in October 2024 and conclude in March-April 2025.
Why are we excited about it?
Despite consensus among scientists about the seriousness of climate change, its complexity and multifaceted nature continue to make it a difficult topic to discuss. The use of ‘subject-specific’ terms to explain climate change often discourages conversation with the larger audience. Scientists have now realized the need for inclusive, plain-language conversations. Given that climate change is an ‘everybody’ problem, discussion around it should not remain confined to the scientific community.
Bay Bridges aims to bring together climate scientists and science communicators to indulge in deep conversations around the subject. Our goal is to instigate contextualized climate reporting and communication as a partnership between climate scientists and communicators, encouraging creative responses to science and building awareness about the interconnectedness of science, law, and policy to conserve the Sundarbans.
We aim to focus on the climate-related stories of Sundarbans. We will discuss ‘what to say’, and ‘how to say it’. We will focus on the charm of storytelling. We will also try to demystify and clarify many climate aspects to explain the underlying scientific theories.
Residency Overview
The residency will take place in Kolkata and the Sundarbans, the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest, which lies at the intersection of complex ecosystems, climate change challenges, and cultural heritage. During the residency, participants will share best practices and knowledge from their respective fields, pair up and engage in hands-on collaborative projects, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecological and socio-cultural significance of the Bay of Bengal.
Residency Objectives
- Skills Exchange: Facilitate co-learning between scientists and communicators/journalists.
- Experiential Learning: Provide a unique opportunity to explore the Sundarbans through guided fieldwork and informal discussions, gaining firsthand insights into its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts grounded in science and evidence.
- Collaboration: Foster long-term partnerships between communicators and scientists that can amplify the reach and impact of research on the Bay of Bengal and related environmental issues.
Who Should Apply?
Communicators with 3 to 10 years of experience in journalism (including science journalism), storytelling, or public engagement, who are interested in translating complex scientific ideas into accessible and impactful narratives. Applications from West Bengal will be given preference. We encourage Bangla/Hindi communicators.
Early-career researchers (PhD, Postdoctorates) with expertise in mangrove ecology (mangrove forest/soil biology/aquatic biology, etc.) and a keen interest in sharing their knowledge with a wider non-scientific community.
What We Offer
- Hands-On Learning: Workshops on inclusive science communication, storytelling, science and policy, and immersive science-related field activities in the Sundarbans.
- Collaborations: A chance to co-create content as a communicator-scientist pair, which will be published on Prameya Foundation’s website. In addition, you can also create content separately for your organization/own work/channel with attribution to the project.
- Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by leading science communicators, science editors, and researchers. Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and editorial guidance on content ideation and execution.
- Networking: Build lasting professional relationships with fellow participants and facilitators, creating opportunities for future collaborations.
Eligibility Criteria
Communicators/journalists must demonstrate a strong interest or experience in science communication or in using science and data in reporting/communication.
Early career researchers (ECRs) enrolled in PhD program in India and working in the Sundarbans. Postdocs with a PhD degree with current or previous work experience in the Sundarbans. Preference will go to ECRs with a demonstrated interest in writing popular science articles.
Residency Details
In-person residency dates: Jan 11-15, 2025 (Tentative)
Location: Kolkata and Sundarbans, West Bengal, India
Online sessions: Once a month (October, November, December, February and March)
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following:
- CV/Resume (maximum of 2 pages)
- Statement of Interest: A 1,200-character statement explaining your motivation to participate in the residency and how you hope to contribute (what skills would you want to share with your peers, for example, insights into podcasting or basics of mangroves and their conservation). (non-AI generated, please!)
- Portfolio (Communicators/Journalists only): 3 samples of published work showcasing your experience in journalism or communication.
- Research Summary (Scientists only): A brief summary (200 words max) of your research related to the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal and how you envision communicating it to a non-specialist audience (non-AI generated, please!)
By submitting the application, you express commitment to attend at least three online meetings/trainings and surveys and be present in person for five days for the residency and engagement after the residency (October 2024 to March 2025). You also commit to collaborating and co-developing content to be published on Prameya’s website.
Important Dates
The application submission deadline is September 25.
Selected participants will be notified by October 11.
For any inquiries, please contact [email protected]
Join us in the Sundarbans for this unique opportunity to shape the future of science communication in the Bay of Bengal!
Apply Now – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEgNEsejoGBYl2qVfzCJDBpdMZrjr9uRF_035s8dsg2j_xDQ/viewform
Original Link – https://www.prameyafoundation.org/baybridges
