Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship 2026 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the National Press Foundation’s Rare Disease Fellowship. This free online training equips journalists to cover rare disease worldwide. Twenty journalists also receive reporting grants for original project work. Foundation Ipsen supports this fifth fellowship in the series.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: National Press Foundation (NPF), with Foundation Ipsen
• Funding: Up to $2,000 in reporting grants for 20 journalists
• Duration: Training runs November 16-20, 8 AM to noon ET daily
• Eligibility: Professional journalists in any country, fluent in English
• Application Deadline: October 22, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
• Publication Deadline: No later than March 1, 2027

Focus Areas

• Rare disease research across Africa and globally
• AI-driven drug development and genetic testing
• Inclusive clinical trials and patient advocacy
• Healthcare access and policy gaps

About the Fellowship

This fellowship connects journalists directly with rare disease research experts. Sessions cover cutting-edge biotechnology alongside real patient advocacy perspectives. Grant recipients see their work reprinted in a Fondation Ipsen compilation book. Mandatory attendance ensures every fellow gains the full training experience.

What Fellows Receive

All accepted fellows receive the full week of expert-led training. Grant recipients get $1,000 upon completing training, another after publication. Reporting grants cover travel and time completing a rare disease story. Published work also gains a wider audience through the compilation book.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be professional journalists working in any medium or language. Fluency in English is required, since training runs in English. Employed journalists need an editor’s letter permitting four daily training hours. Freelancers need an editor’s letter expressing interest in the resulting story.

Required Materials

Applicants complete the official application form through Airtable directly. An editor support letter, tailored to employment status, is required. Specific narrative questions appear within the application form itself.

How to Apply

Submit your application before October 22, 2026, 11:59 PM ET.

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers genuine expert access and real grant funding for global health journalists. Its rare disease focus fills a real gap in international health reporting. Interested journalists should secure their editor’s letter before applying.

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