Excerpt: Science communication scholarships 2026–2027 can help students and early-career professionals develop skills in translating research into accessible stories, engaging the public, creating digital content and communicating evidence effectively. Explore scholarship pathways, relevant master’s programmes, practical portfolio ideas, application strategies and official resources for building a career in science communication.

Scientific research does not create impact simply because a study has been published.

Researchers, universities, governments, healthcare organizations and scientific institutions also need people who can explain research clearly to audiences beyond specialist academic communities.

That is where science communication comes in.

Science communicators translate complex research into content that different audiences can understand and use. Their work can include journalism, public engagement, digital storytelling, podcasting, video production, social media, exhibitions, policy communication, research communications and educational content.

For students who enjoy both science and storytelling, this can be an interdisciplinary career path.

Science communication scholarships can help applicants pursue postgraduate study in fields such as:

Science communication
Scientific journalism
Public engagement with research
Health communication
Environmental communication
Research communications
Digital media
Science policy communication
Museum and exhibition communication
STEM education
Public understanding of science

The field is also becoming more important as research organizations seek to communicate evidence clearly in an increasingly complex information environment.

The European Union’s 2026 recommendation on science diplomacy, for example, specifically discusses communicating scientific findings with the public and strengthening trust in science.

For students planning postgraduate study in 2026–2027 or 2027–2028, science communication scholarships can therefore provide an opportunity to combine scientific knowledge with communication, media and public-engagement skills.

What Are Science Communication Scholarships?

Science communication scholarships are funding opportunities that support students studying how scientific and technical information can be communicated effectively to different audiences.

Depending on the programme, students may learn how to communicate with:

General public audiences
School students
Policymakers
Journalists
Patients
Industry
Research funders
Community organizations
Scientific audiences
Digital audiences

A science communication programme can combine elements of:

Journalism
Writing
Public relations
Digital media
Science
Research
Psychology
Education
Public engagement
Visual communication

Scholarships may provide:

Full or partial tuition
Living-cost support
Research funding
Travel assistance
Study materials
Accommodation
Other educational support

The exact benefits and eligibility requirements vary by provider.

Applicants should therefore distinguish between a scholarship that fully funds a programme and a bursary that provides partial financial support.

Why Study Science Communication in 2026–2027?

Scientific information is increasingly present in everyday decision-making.

People encounter research through:

News websites
Social media
Podcasts
Video platforms
Government announcements
Healthcare organizations
Museums
Universities
NGOs
Corporate websites

This creates demand for professionals who can communicate accurately without unnecessarily complicating the message.

Science communication can also support public engagement with research.

For example, researchers may need to explain:

Climate research
Public-health evidence
Medical discoveries
Artificial intelligence
Biotechnology
Environmental science
Space research
Food security
Agricultural innovation

A science communicator must understand both the evidence and the audience.

That combination is what makes the field distinctive.

Science Communication Scholarships 2026–2027: Summary Table

Category	Details
Study field	Science communication and public engagement
Related fields	Journalism, digital media, health communication and research communications
Typical degree	Master’s degree or postgraduate training
Core skills	Writing, storytelling, research interpretation and audience engagement
Digital skills	Video, social media, podcasting, web content and multimedia
Scientific skills	Evidence evaluation, research literacy and fact-checking
Scholarship types	Full scholarships, partial scholarships and bursaries
Target applicants	Science graduates, communicators, journalists and related applicants
Portfolio	Articles, videos, podcasts, explainers or public-engagement projects
Career areas	Universities, research institutes, media, NGOs and science organizations
Application strategy	Match scientific background with communication goals
Main caution	Funding and deadlines vary by institution

What Do Science Communicators Actually Do?

Science communication is broader than writing popular-science articles.

A professional science communicator may work across several areas.

1. Research Communications

Research institutions need to explain discoveries and projects to non-specialist audiences.

A research communications officer might produce:

Press releases
Research stories
Website articles
Newsletters
Research summaries
Social-media content
Annual reports
Videos

The challenge is to remain accurate while making complex information accessible.

2. Science Journalism

Science journalists investigate and report on scientific developments.

Topics may include:

Health
Climate
Technology
Space
Environment
Agriculture
Medicine
Energy

Journalism requires skills in research, interviewing, verification and clear writing.

3. Public Engagement

Public engagement focuses on creating meaningful interactions between researchers and communities.

Examples include:

Public lectures
Science festivals
Workshops
School programmes
Exhibitions
Community events
Interactive demonstrations

4. Digital Science Communication

Digital platforms have expanded the range of formats available to science communicators.

Professionals may create:

Short videos
Podcasts
Infographics
Social-media posts
Blogs
Newsletters
Interactive websites

Understanding how different formats work can make a graduate more versatile.

5. Health Communication

Health communication is another major area.

Professionals may communicate information about:

Disease
Vaccines
Nutrition
Public health
Medical research
Health policy
Clinical research

Accuracy is especially important because health information can affect personal decisions.

6. Environmental Communication

Environmental communicators may explain:

Climate change
Biodiversity
Conservation
Pollution
Sustainable development
Renewable energy
Water resources

This can provide opportunities with research organizations, environmental groups, governments and international institutions.

Who Can Study Science Communication?

Science communication is interdisciplinary, meaning there is no single undergraduate pathway.

Relevant backgrounds can include:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental science
Medicine
Public health
Agriculture
Engineering
Computer science
Mathematics
Journalism
Communications
Media studies
Education

A science graduate may bring strong subject knowledge.

A journalism graduate may bring strong storytelling and reporting skills.

A communications graduate may bring audience-development expertise.

The strongest programme fit depends on the applicant’s existing skills and career goals.

Featured Scholarship: Professor Frank Burnet MBE Bursary

One directly relevant example is the Professor Frank Burnet MBE Bursary for Science Communication at the University of the West of England Bristol.

The university’s Science Communication Unit offers the bursary toward its MSc Science Communication. The published value is £1,500.

For the 2026 intake, applicants needed to have applied for the MSc Science Communication by 12 June 2026 and intended to start in September 2026. The university states that applicants needed to have been offered, or be in the process of being offered, a conditional or unconditional place.

That particular 2026 deadline has therefore passed.

However, it demonstrates an important point for future applicants: universities may offer programme-specific science communication bursaries that are not necessarily listed alongside large government scholarship schemes.

Students planning a later intake should monitor the official UWE Bristol scholarship page for new dates and eligibility information.

UWE Bristol Science Communication Bursary

KEMRI-Wellcome Science Communication Fellowship

For African applicants, another particularly relevant example is the Science Communication Fellowship advertised through KEMRI-Wellcome.

The official opportunity describes a six-month fellowship for a recent graduate with a background in science communication and an interest in digital storytelling. It is hosted within the Initiative to Develop African Research Leaders (IDeAL) programme.

The opportunity is particularly useful as an example of how science communication training can be connected directly to research institutions in Africa.

KEMRI-Wellcome’s opportunities portal lists science communication alongside other training and research-development opportunities.

Applicants should check the official portal for current and future calls rather than assuming a previously advertised fellowship remains open.

KEMRI-Wellcome Opportunities

Science Communication and Research Careers

Science communication can also be developed alongside a research career.

Organizations such as Wellcome support research programmes and maintain career opportunities across the research ecosystem. Its careers page includes early-career opportunities and describes training and development support for employees.

For researchers, communication skills can be useful when:

Explaining research findings
Writing public summaries
Engaging communities
Working with journalists
Presenting to policymakers
Developing research impact
Creating digital content

Wellcome’s early-career research funding also allows eligible researchers to request professional-skills and research-skills training as part of supported awards.

These are not conventional student scholarships in science communication, but they illustrate the broader role that communication skills can play within research careers.

Skills You Can Develop Through a Science Communication Degree

Scientific Literacy

You need to understand how scientific research works.

Learn:

Research methods
Evidence evaluation
Statistics
Peer review
Scientific uncertainty
Research ethics
Citation practices

You do not need to become an expert in every scientific discipline.

You need to understand enough to interpret evidence responsibly.

Writing

Writing remains one of the most important science-communication skills.

Practice:

Headlines
Introductions
Explanations
Interviews
Feature articles
Research summaries
Press releases
Social-media copy

The ability to explain a technical concept in plain language is highly transferable.

Storytelling

Science communication is not simply “simplifying science.”

It also involves finding the human or practical context around the research.

For example, instead of writing:

“The study investigated agricultural water-use efficiency.”

You might explain:

“Researchers are testing whether farmers can produce the same amount of food while using less water.”

The second version immediately communicates why the research matters.

Visual Communication

Learn how to use:

Infographics
Charts
Diagrams
Photography
Video
Animation

A complex research finding may be easier to understand through a well-designed visual than several paragraphs of text.

Digital Communication

Useful skills include:

Content management systems
Social media
Email newsletters
Search optimization
Video editing
Podcast production
Basic web analytics

Public Speaking

Science communicators may present research to:

Students
Journalists
Policymakers
Community groups
Industry
General audiences

Developing presentation skills can therefore strengthen your profile.

Build a Science Communication Portfolio

A portfolio can be one of the most valuable parts of an application.

You do not need professional employment to begin building one.

Project 1: Research Explainer

Choose a peer-reviewed study and write a 600–1,000-word public-facing explanation.

Include:

Research question
Method
Main finding
Limitations
Why it matters

Avoid overstating the findings.

Project 2: Science Infographic

Take a complex topic and convert it into a one-page visual.

Potential subjects include:

Climate change
Antibiotic resistance
AI
Food security
Water scarcity
Renewable energy

Project 3: Short Science Video

Create a two- to three-minute video explaining a scientific concept.

Focus on:

Clear structure
Accurate information
Visual storytelling
Accessible language

Project 4: Science Podcast

Record a short interview or explainer episode.

Demonstrate:

Research
Interview preparation
Question design
Editing
Audio storytelling

Project 5: Public Engagement Event

Design a hypothetical science-engagement activity for a school or community.

Include:

Target audience
Learning objectives
Activity
Materials
Communication strategy
Evaluation method

How to Make Your Scholarship Application Stronger

1. Explain Why Science Communication

Do not simply say that you “like science.”

Explain why communication matters to your career.

For example:

“My scientific training has shown me how difficult it can be for non-specialist audiences to interpret technical evidence. I want to develop professional communication skills that allow research findings to be communicated accurately and accessibly.”

2. Connect Your Scientific Background

If you studied biology, explain how that knowledge informs your communication interests.

If you studied environmental science, discuss environmental communication.

If you studied computer science, explain your interest in communicating emerging technology.

3. Demonstrate Existing Communication Experience

Include:

Student publications
Blog articles
Research presentations
Social-media projects
Video projects
Podcasts
Science-club activities
Journalism
Public talks
Community engagement

Even small projects can demonstrate initiative.

How to Write a Science Communication Scholarship Motivation Letter

A strong statement can follow this structure.

Paragraph 1: Your background

Briefly introduce your academic or professional experience.

Paragraph 2: Your communication challenge

Explain why scientific communication matters to you.

Paragraph 3: Your experience

Describe communication projects you have already undertaken.

Paragraph 4: Why the programme

Mention specific modules, practical training or research areas.

Paragraph 5: Your future goal

Explain what you hope to do after graduation.

Potential career goals include:

Research communications
Science journalism
Public engagement
Health communication
Environmental communication
Digital science media
Science policy communication

How to Apply for Science Communication Scholarships

Step 1: Identify the Degree

Search for:

MSc Science Communication
Science Journalism Master’s
Public Engagement Master’s
Research Communication Master’s
Science and Media Master’s
Health Communication Master’s

Step 2: Review Funding

Search the university’s:

Scholarship page
Faculty page
Department page
Science Communication Unit
International student funding page

Step 3: Check Eligibility

Review:

Academic background
English requirements
Portfolio requirements
Work experience
Application deadline

Step 4: Prepare Your Portfolio

Include your strongest:

Articles
Videos
Infographics
Podcasts
Presentations
Public-engagement projects

Step 5: Apply Through Official Channels

Submit through the university or scholarship provider’s official application system.

Never assume a third-party website is authorized to accept your application.

APPLY NOW

Practical Guidance for Applicants

Don’t Hide Your Scientific Background

If you have a science degree, make it an advantage.

Science communication programmes value applicants who can understand scientific material.

Don’t Treat Communication as “Just Writing”

Modern science communication is multimedia.

Develop:

Writing
Video
Audio
Visual communication
Public speaking
Digital publishing

Learn to Communicate Uncertainty

A professional science communicator should understand that scientific evidence often has limitations.

Avoid statements such as:

“Scientists have proven that…”

when the underlying research does not justify that conclusion.

Instead, explain:

What researchers found
How the research was conducted
What the evidence suggests
What remains uncertain

Practice With Real Research

Choose papers from reputable journals and practice turning them into accessible summaries.

This develops both research literacy and communication skills.

Where Can Science Communication Graduates Work?

Universities

Potential roles include:

Research Communications Officer
Communications Coordinator
Public Engagement Officer
Digital Content Officer

Research Institutes

Research organizations need professionals who can communicate discoveries to stakeholders and the public.

Museums and Science Centres

Potential work includes:

Exhibition development
Public programming
Science education
Visitor engagement

Media

Career options include:

Science journalist
Health journalist
Technology writer
Science editor
Digital producer

NGOs

NGOs may need communicators who can explain research, health information, climate issues and development programmes.

Government

Potential roles include:

Science policy communication
Public information
Research communication
Health communication
Environmental communication

International Organizations

Large development and research institutions may employ communications professionals who work across scientific and policy topics.

A 30-Day Science Communication Preparation Plan

Week 1: Choose your niche

Select an area such as:

Health
Climate
Agriculture
Technology
Environment
Space
Biotechnology

Week 2: Create content

Publish:

One research explainer
One infographic
One short video

Week 3: Build your portfolio

Create a simple portfolio containing:

Biography
Writing samples
Visual projects
Video
Research interests
CV

Week 4: Research scholarships

Identify at least five programmes.

Record:

University
Degree
Scholarship
Deadline
Eligibility
Funding
Application requirements

Then begin preparing applications.

Career Progression

A science communication career can develop in several directions.

One pathway could be:

Science Communication Graduate → Communications Assistant → Science Communications Officer → Senior Communications Officer → Communications Manager

Another could be:

Science Communication Graduate → Science Writer → Science Journalist → Senior Science Editor

Other possibilities include:

Public engagement
Research impact
Digital media
Health communication
Environmental communication
Science policy
STEM education
Museum communication
Corporate scientific communications

Frequently Asked Questions

What are science communication scholarships?

They are scholarships or bursaries that support study focused on communicating scientific and technical information to public, media, policy, education or other non-specialist audiences.

Do I need a science degree?

Not necessarily. Some programmes accept applicants from communications, journalism, media, education and related disciplines, while others may prefer or require a scientific background.

Check each programme’s requirements.

Can journalism graduates study science communication?

Yes. Journalism can provide useful skills in research, interviewing, writing and storytelling.

Adding scientific literacy can strengthen the profile further.

Can science graduates become science communicators?

Yes. A science background can provide subject knowledge, while postgraduate training can develop communication, storytelling and public-engagement skills.

Are there fully funded science communication scholarships?

Funding varies.

Some opportunities provide full scholarships, while others offer partial bursaries. The Professor Frank Burnet MBE Bursary at UWE Bristol, for example, was a £1,500 part-funded award for its MSc Science Communication for the 2026 intake.

Applicants should not describe a partial bursary as fully funded.

Are there science communication opportunities in Africa?

Yes. KEMRI-Wellcome has advertised a six-month Science Communication Fellowship for a recent graduate with a science-communication background and interest in digital storytelling.

Students should monitor the organization’s official opportunities portal for new calls.

What should I include in a science communication portfolio?

Include several formats if possible:

Research articles
Public-facing explainers
Infographics
Videos
Podcasts
Presentations
Public-engagement projects

Is science communication the same as science journalism?

There is overlap, but they are not identical.

Science journalism focuses strongly on reporting and journalism practices, while science communication encompasses a broader range of activities including institutional communications, public engagement, education and digital content.

Can science communicators work remotely?

Some writing, digital-content and communications positions can be remote or hybrid, but work arrangements depend on the employer.

What software should I learn?

Useful tools can include:

Canva
Adobe Creative Cloud
WordPress
PowerPoint
Video-editing software
Audio-editing software
Social-media publishing platforms
Basic analytics tools

You do not need to master everything before applying.

When should I apply for 2027 programmes?

Begin researching during 2026.

University and scholarship deadlines vary, so applicants should check individual programme websites rather than relying on a single general deadline.

Official Scholarship and Application Resources

UWE Bristol Science Communication

The University of the West of England Bristol’s Science Communication Unit offers the MSc Science Communication and has offered a dedicated Professor Frank Burnet MBE Bursary. The 2026 bursary was worth £1,500 and required applicants to have applied for the MSc by June 12, 2026.

UWE Bristol Science Communication Bursary

KEMRI-Wellcome Training Opportunities

KEMRI-Wellcome’s official opportunities portal includes science communication among its research and training opportunities.

KEMRI-Wellcome Opportunities

KEMRI-Wellcome Science Communication Fellowship

The official fellowship listing describes a six-month graduate-trainee opportunity focused on science communication and digital storytelling within the IDeAL programme.

Science Communication Fellowship

Wellcome Careers

Wellcome’s official careers portal provides information about jobs, graduate programmes and internships. It also states that Wellcome does not charge fees or request bank details during recruitment.

Wellcome Careers

Erasmus Mundus

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters provide another international postgraduate funding route. Individual master’s programmes determine their fields, admission requirements and student application procedures. The official Erasmus+ programme information provides the framework for the initiative and its international focus.

Erasmus+ Erasmus Mundus

Final Takeaway

Science communication is increasingly important at the intersection of research, technology, public engagement and society.

For students who enjoy science but also want to write, create digital content, work with audiences or explain complex ideas, it offers a distinctive career direction.

The strongest scholarship applications will demonstrate both sides of the field.

You need to show that you can understand scientific information and communicate it effectively.

That means developing a portfolio rather than relying exclusively on academic grades.

Write research explainers. Create an infographic. Produce a short science video. Interview a researcher. Build a small science podcast. Organize a public-engagement activity.

These projects can demonstrate initiative before you have professional science-communication experience.

When searching for scholarships, do not restrict your research to opportunities labelled “Science Communication Scholarship.” Explore master’s programmes and funding in:

Science communication
Science journalism
Public engagement
Research communications
Health communication
Environmental communication
Digital media
STEM education

For African applicants, research organizations such as KEMRI-Wellcome can also be useful sources of practical science-communication training opportunities. Its official portal has advertised a six-month graduate fellowship specifically focused on science communication and digital storytelling.

For university applicants, programme-specific bursaries can also be important. UWE Bristol’s Professor Frank Burnet MBE Bursary demonstrates how a dedicated science-communication award can contribute toward postgraduate study.

The goal is not simply to obtain a qualification.

It is to develop the ability to take reliable research and turn it into clear, engaging and responsible communication that different audiences can understand and use.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general scholarship, education and career information only. Scholarship availability, deadlines, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, programme requirements and application procedures can change. Inclusion of a scholarship or training opportunity does not mean that applications are currently open or that every reader is eligible. Always verify the latest information through the official university, research organization or scholarship provider before applying. Never pay an unofficial individual or website in exchange for a guaranteed scholarship, fellowship or admission.

SEO Information

SEO Title: Science Communication Scholarships 2026–2027: Research Communication

Meta Description: Explore science communication scholarships 2026–2027 for research communication, public engagement, science journalism, digital storytelling and scientific outreach.

Focus Keyword: Science Communication Scholarships 2026–2027

URL Slug: science-communication-scholarships-2026-2027

Suggested Excerpt: Science communication scholarships 2026–2027 can help students develop skills in research communication, science journalism, digital storytelling and public engagement. Explore funding pathways, portfolio ideas and official resources.

SEO Keywords: