The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP), an initiative of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), focused on developing evidence-based research to help address the world’s most challenging energy and climate problems, is inviting journalists to apply for its 2026 Energy Journalism Fellows (EJF) Programme.
The EJF programme offers journalists the opportunity to learn about the intersecting disciplines shaping the global energy sector, including finance and markets, climate change, science and technology, policy, and geopolitics.
The programme will take place at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University, SIPA in New York City. It is aimed at imparting knowledge that will help reporters better analyse the stories they cover in a more holistic and integrated way. It is taught by CGEP scholars, Columbia faculty, and other academic, industry, and government experts. Notably, EJF has enrolled 180 journalists globally since its inception in 2017.
Fellows will have the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the world’s leading energy experts, enhance their networks, gain a greater understanding of critical topics to aid balanced reporting, and share experiences with other reporters from the U.S. and other countries.
The programme values diverse lived experiences and reporting that emphasises the voices of marginalised people who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and energy inequity.
The costs of air or train travel and hotel lodging will be covered for participants. Topics covering a range of issues, including global oil, natural gas and electricity markets, technology, policy, geopolitics, energy access and affordability, and climate change, will be discussed.
While participants are not expected to emerge as experts in the topics addressed, they should have greater awareness of addressed topics and how they relate, thus creating the potential for fuller stories in the future.
Applicants should note that the programme does not teach basic journalism skills, as that is outside the goals of the programme and the expertise of the lecturers. It also does not assign stories to reporters or participate in any reporting efforts.
The programme is open to journalists covering energy, climate, and other related topics for print, online, and broadcast media.
Applications from journalists in other fields are welcome. If you do not currently cover energy or the environment, please describe how these energy policy issues impact your area of expertise and include any relevant writing samples.
Freelance journalists can apply, although they will need a letter of recommendation from an editor for whom they have done reporting. All other conditions must still be met.
Participants will be expected to complete an evaluation form examining the topics and sessions, which will be consulted in improving the programme going forward.
Participants will also be required to produce a brief report six months after the seminar, explaining how EJF affected reporting on energy and environmental issues during the intervening period and referencing 2-4 articles that illustrate the programme’s impact.
In addition, the participant’s direct manager will be required to fill out a short questionnaire during the six months after the seminar to provide an independent assessment of the progress of the reporters and whether the manager believes that EJF contributed to those gains. Managers will be made aware of this requirement when they sign off on the attendance of their reporters.
The programme is expected to start on June 9, 2026 and end on June 12, 2026. Submission of applications end on March 2, 2026.
Please visit https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/energy-journalism-initiative-application/ to apply.
