Cynefin Fellowship: How to Apply

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Cynefin Fellowship – a groundbreaking opportunity for journalists in or from Wales, with three or more years experience, who are eager to transform the sector through inclusion and innovation.

This new Fellowship is being created in partnership with the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, and aims to instigate systemic change, shift narratives and instigate systemic change. (You can read more about the story behind the Fellowship in our blog post here.)

The Cynefin Fellowship will offer a unique opportunity for a Welsh or Wales-based journalist, researcher or changemaker to undertake a focused period of research and reflection at the Reuters Institute in Oxford. This will take place during the spring term (January – April 2026). 

The Fellow will explore a project of their own design, that should address a question of systemic inclusion and/or innovation in journalism. During their time at the Reuters Institute, they will collaborate with leading global researchers and practitioners, and produce a report which will be published and promoted by the Institute and Inclusive Journalism Cymru.

Once the Fellowship is over, the Fellow will spend time as a Network Weaver for Inclusive Journalism Cymru, on a public engagement programme to share and apply what they’ve learned during their time in Oxford with communities and industry stakeholders.

Hear from Mitali Mukherjee (Director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism) and Shirish Kulkarni (Founder of Inclusive Journalism Cymru) in the recording of our info session here.

Cynefin is an untranslatable Welsh word which refers to a habitat or familiar place. We believe its underlying meaning of rootedness and belonging perfectly encapsulates the aim behind this Fellowship (and our work in general): to connect communities of all kinds through inclusive and representative storytelling. 

All Oxford tuition and accommodation fees (£18,000) will be covered, and the Fellow will also receive a stipend of £5000 (approximately £500 per week) during their time at the Institute (paid directly by Inclusive Journalism Cymru). 

The details of the Fellow’s programme as a Network Weaver will be agreed with the Inclusive Journalism Cymru team and paid at our standard day rate of £200.

Launched in November 2024, our Network Weaver programme aims to empower our members with confidence, skills and experience; giving them the opportunity to take up positions of leadership. So far we have onboarded four members, each of whom have been paid to design their own projects which we have then funded and supported, and which benefit our wider membership – and the industry as a whole. Examples of projects from our Network Weavers include a partnership with the Wales Broadcast Archive involving paid commissions and showcase events, an environmental writing masterclass, and panel discussions for aspiring journalists wanting to break into the industry. Network Weavers are also invited to our directors meetings, where they are encouraged to feed into our decision making process and act as ambassadors for our wider membership. 

In their Network Weaver role, the Fellow will be supported to carry out their public engagement programme to share insights from their time in Oxford.

Both freelance and employed journalists are welcome to apply. The stipend of £5000 is designed to make it financially possible to commit the time to the Fellowship.

If you do currently work for a newsroom, you may need to consult with your employer before applying, to confirm that they’re supportive. Inclusive Journalism Cymru has already contacted several Welsh journalism employers to share with them the details and benefits of the Fellowship. We are also happy to follow up in support of your application if that would be helpful.

Your project proposal should advance one or more of Inclusive Journalism Cymru’s aims, for example:

• Enhancing inclusive recruitment and retention, like our Inclusive Recruitment Guide
• Supporting sustainability and innovation, like our Inclusive Media Development Lab
• Offering platforms or spaces for unheard and underrepresented voices, like Cymru & I
• Researching the needs of marginalised people and communities, like News for All
• Centering the Welsh language and/or culture in journalism, like our event in Caernarfon

Visit the Reuters Institute website here to fill in the application form by 23:59pm (UK time) Monday 29th September. 

Note, you will need to submit a CV, at least one professional reference, your project proposal and work samples, along with a personal statement clearly explaining why you feel you / your community will benefit from this fellowship.

You will need to be a member of Inclusive Journalism Cymru, but there is no charge and no test – everyone is welcome. You can sign up here with just your name and email address.

The shortlisting, interviewing and selection process will all be carried out by members of the Reuters Institute and Inclusive Journalism Cymru teams. We believe the combined knowledge and experience of both organisations will ensure that the most suitable candidate is chosen.

Aside from the financial support mentioned above, the Reuters Institute has a well-developed pastoral care programme – as they regularly welcome students from all walks of life, and from all over the world. 

These services include: 

• Access to the full range of libraries, research resources and talks
• College amenities including healthcare and sporting facilities
• Pastoral care via access to journalism-specific counselling
• 24-hour access to the Institute
• Course content including cultural and emotional awareness, and moral injury for journalists
• Staff that are available for help and support

We at Inclusive Journalism Cymru aim to place care at the centre of everything we do, and are committed to supporting those we work with – whether that’s through inviting access riders, providing professional guidance, or regular check-ins. You won’t be alone, and we will do our best (within our capacities) to make the experience as accessible as possible.

If you have any questions about access or further support, do come along to our online Q&A, or you can get in touch directly by emailing: silvia@inclusivejournalism.cymru.   

• 10th September – Online Q&A (sign up here) 
• 29th September – Applications close 
• 3rd October – Invitations to interview
• 13th October – Interviews take place
• 14th October – Successful applicant notified 
• 17th October – Unsuccessful applicants notified 

Please make sure you are available from mid January – mid April 2026. The term starts on Monday 19th January and ends with a showcase on Wednesday 25th March. Fellows are expected to stay in Oxford for 2 – 3 weeks after that to finish off their projects.