Before getting to the award information, here are a few pieces of background information for those who may not be familiar with the AAAS and/or EurekAlert. The travel awards are for travel to the 2027 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The 2027 meeting is being held from February 18 -20, 2027 and the theme is: Science Forward: Policy and Engagement for a Changing World, from the About the Meeting page,
In an era of rapid and often unpredictable change, science must not only advance knowledge but also navigate the pathways that connect discovery to decision-making, communication, and public trust. Science Forward: Policy and Engagement for a Changing World explores how ideas move through — and are shaped by — the intersections of research, policy, media, and society. The meeting invites scientists, engineers, policymakers, communicators, and leaders across sectors to examine how evidence informs action, and how collaboration built on relationships of mutual trust ensures that science continues to serve society in necessary and transformative ways.
In an evolution from past AAAS Annual Meetings, Science Forward emphasizes that the impact of science depends not only on what we discover, but on how effectively those discoveries are translated into policy, practice, and public understanding. As scientific insights increasingly inform decisions on health, energy, technology, and security, this Annual Meeting will explore the structures, incentives, and skills needed to ensure evidence is used responsibly and equitably. Sessions will highlight models for integrating scientific expertise into policymaking, strengthening science advice at all levels, and fostering engagement that respects diverse perspectives while upholding scientific integrity.
Science Forward also looks ahead to the evolving relationship between science and society in a changing world. Participants will examine how scientists and institutions can build and sustain public trust amid polarization, misinformation, and rapid technological change. By focusing on inclusive engagement, ethical leadership, and cross-sector collaboration, Science Forward aims to equip the scientific community to lead with clarity and purpose — ensuring that science not only responds to change, but helps shape a more informed, resilient, and prosperous future.
Yes, looking at how science discoveries and research are translated into policy, practice, and public understanding as part of the conference theme marks a change. If memory serves, there is usually a policy track and a nod or two at science communication (public understanding) but integrating these aspects into the theme suggests significant changes in the practice of science in the US may be ahead.
Should you wish to participate in the 2027 meeting,
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The Panel Discussion and Workshop proposal sites are now OPEN
As for EurekAlert, from the About EurekAlert! page, Note: Links have been removed,
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What is EurekAlert!?
Established in 1996, EurekAlert! is a nonprofit news-release distribution platform operated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as a resource for journalists and the public. EurekAlert! hosts news releases produced by universities, journal publishers, medical centers, government agencies, corporations, and other organizations engaged in all disciplines of scientific research. News releases must meet EurekAlert!’s longstanding eligibility guidelines in order to be accepted and hosted on the website. Institutions must pay a fee to submit news releases to EurekAlert!. Payment of submission fees does not guarantee acceptance of news releases.
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From an April 7, 2026 EurekAlert! news release,
Applications for the 2026 EurekAlert! Travel Awards for International Science Reporters are now open to early-career science journalists and, for the first time, science journalism students from countries in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
Two winners will be selected to receive travel funding from EurekAlert! to attend the 2027 AAAS Annual Meeting, taking place February 18-20, 2027 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The application deadline is May 8 [2026] at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.Learn More and Apply Here!
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society, and the AAAS Annual Meeting brings together the international community of scientists, policymakers, educators, journalists, and science communicators to discuss cutting-edge research at the intersection of science, technology, policy, and society.
In addition to travel funding and complimentary deluxe registration to the Meeting, winners also receive newsroom credentials to the AAAS Annual Meeting with access to news briefings, media availabilities, press receptions, and other exclusive events, offering early-career journalists and journalism students the opportunities to meet and network with meeting attendees.
Applicants must meet these requirements to be eligible for the award:
- No more than five (5) years of experience as a professional science reporter or freelancer – or – current enrollment in a journalism program at an accredited university
- Based in the following countries:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czechia
- Estonia
- Greece
- Hungary
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Poland
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Ukraine
- Meet EurekAlert!’s journalist-member eligibility guidelines
- Be able to obtain a visa and travel to one of the next two AAAS Annual Meetings:
- 2027 AAAS Annual Meeting: February 18-20, 2027, in Chicago, Illinois, USA
- 2028 AAAS Annual Meeting: TBA
Applications must include all of the following:
- Proof of staff employment or freelance status and length of service (five years or fewer) with an accredited news media outlet
– or –
Proof of current active enrollment in a journalism or related program of study at an accredited educational institution- Biographical statement including a headshot/portrait photo (in preferred language or English)
- Three (3) original, bylined science reporting work samples published between January 1, 2025, to present (no translations required)
- Optional: Letter of recommendation from an editor, senior reporter, professor, instructor, or other journalism mentor
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements listed above and incomplete applications will not be considered for the award.
Good luck!