The Ochberg Fellowship

The Fellowship was established in 1999 by the Dart Center in partnership with the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.The fellowship is named in honor of psychiatrist Frank Ochberg, M.D., a pioneer in trauma study.

Fellows attend an intensive weeklong program of seminars and discussions held at Columbia University in New York City. Program activities include briefings by prominent interdisciplinary experts in the trauma and mental health fields; conversations with journalist colleagues on issues of ethics, craft and other aspects of professional practice; and other opportunities for intellectual engagement and peer learning.

• The Ochberg Fellowships are open to outstanding senior and mid-career journalists (with at least five years experience) working across all media.
• Past Fellows have ranged from small-town and regional general-assignment and crime reporters to war photographers and foreign correspondents for international news organizations.
• Applicants’ work must demonstrate journalistic excellence and a strong track record of covering violence and its impact on individuals, families or communities.
• Fellowships are open to print, broadcast and online reporters, photographers, editors and producers with no fewer than five years’ full-time journalism experience.
• Approximately half of the Fellows will be based in North America, with the balance drawn from Central and South America, Europe, the Asia Pacific region, Africa and the Middle East.
• All fellowship seminars are conducted in English. Fellows must be fluent in spoken English to participate in the program.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants are reviewed by a judging committee comprised of Dart Center staff, core Fellowship faculty and past Fellows. Selection is not based on any single factor. Judges’ consider many factors, with an emphasis on whether applicants:

• demonstrate consistent and thoughtful journalistic engagement with issues of violence, conflict, tragedy and their aftermath;
• have demonstrated journalistic excellence and leadership;
• will likely benefit personally and professionally from the Fellowship experience and contribute meaningfully to the program.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Dart Center Ochberg Fellowship for Journalists