National Science Foundation Invites Media to Apply for
Antarctica Reporting Slots
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 17 October 2007
For further information, please go to:
http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=ma07029
The National Science Foundation (NSF), manager of the U.S. Antarctic
Program, is accepting written requests from professional journalists to
report from Antarctica during the 2007-2008 research season.
Selected journalists will deploy to Antarctica for approximately one
working week between November 2007 and February 2008.
NSF annually selects a small group of journalists, representing a range
of news organizations, to make individual visits to Antarctica to report
on NSF's scientific program. As logistics permit, it may be possible to
visit a limited number of additional field science projects. The
reporting plan submitted below lists these requests in detail.
How to apply: Applicants must submit the equivalent of two printed pages
detailing specifically what they plan to cover while in Antarctica. NSF
public affairs officers can help applicants to craft a proposed
reporting plan that has the best chance of meeting minimum criteria.
Competition is expected to be intense for a limited number of slots and
space on aircraft is severely constrained. Logistical limitations make
it nearly impossible to modify reporting plans once in Antarctica. It is
important to note that because of NSF-wide efforts to support education
and outreach projects during the International Polar Year (IPY), the
selection of media visitors is expected to be even more competitive than
usual.
A committee of Antarctic program personnel and media officers from NSF's
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs reviews all proposals and
selects finalists. The committee will look for proposals that indicate
an understanding of the nature and challenges of NSF's scientific
enterprise in Antarctica and the desire and ability to communicate that
understanding to the public.
The application deadline is Wednesday, 17 October 2007. U.S. media
receive preference in selection.
Application: Focused applications with thorough reporting plans that
indicate solid working knowledge of the U.S. Antarctic program and its
science goals stand the best chance of selection. Feature-film proposals
and general reporting about Antarctica, travel or logistics are not
given priority.
Expenses: Reporters or their employers pay for round-trip transportation
to and accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand. Reporters must visit
NSF headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, at their own expense for
pre-trip planning. NSF furnishes at no cost cold-weather clothing solely
for use in the field as well as housing, transportation, and food while
in Antarctica.
Medical: Finalists must pass comprehensive physical and dental exams
conducted at their own expense by their personal physicians and dentists
and are subject to screening by the U.S. Antarctic program. Certain
medical conditions may disqualify a candidate from visiting Antarctica,
even if initially selected as a media visitor.
Related Program: NSF's Office of Polar Programs offers a separate
program to support artists and writers in Antarctica whose primary form
of expression is not journalistic. For information see:
http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/aawr.jsp, or contact: Kim Silverman at
703-292-8033, ksilverm [at] nsf.gov.
How To Apply: Contact NSF (by phone or by e-mail) as soon as possible to
express intent and to discuss areas of professional interest.
Freelancers must supply evidence of a firm commitment from a prospective
employer to publish or air their work.
Send the letter and any supporting materials (such as a limited number
of clips or videotaped segments) to:
National Science Foundation
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
Attn: Peter West
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1245
Arlington, VA 22230
NSF Media Advisory 07-029
Program Contact:
Peter West, NSF
Phone: 703-292-7761
E-mail: pwest [at] nsf.gov