Bay Bridges

Call for Application

Bay Bridges: A Science Communication Residency in the Sundarbans

Hello, early career researchers (pursuing a PhD or Postdoctorates), and communicators (journalists/multimedia and social media enthusiasts/science writers).

If you’re passionate about the ecosystem of the Sundarbans, or communicating stories about science and research in accessible and understandable ways to a wide range of audiences, then we’re looking for you to be a part of the Bay Bridges residency.

What is Bay Bridges?

We are a unique science communication project centered on the Bay of Bengal. The program will bring together eight communicators and eight scientists for an extraordinary skills exchange residency and experiential learning in the Sundarbans in mid-January 2025. Virtual engagements with the 16-member cohort begin in October 2024 and conclude in March-April 2025.

Why are we excited about it?

Despite consensus among scientists about the seriousness of climate change, its complexity and multifaceted nature continue to make it a difficult topic to discuss. The use of ‘subject-specific’ terms to explain climate change often discourages conversation with the larger audience. Scientists have now realized the need for inclusive, plain-language conversations. Given that climate change is an ‘everybody’ problem, discussion around it should not remain confined to the scientific community.

Bay Bridges aims to bring together climate scientists and science communicators to indulge in deep conversations around the subject. Our goal is to instigate contextualized climate reporting and communication as a partnership between climate scientists and communicators, encouraging creative responses to science and building awareness about the interconnectedness of science, law, and policy to conserve the Sundarbans.

We aim to focus on the climate-related stories of Sundarbans. We will discuss ‘what to say’, and ‘how to say it’. We will focus on the charm of storytelling. We will also try to demystify and clarify many climate aspects to explain the underlying scientific theories.

Residency Overview

The residency will take place in Kolkata and the Sundarbans, the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest, which lies at the intersection of complex ecosystems, climate change challenges, and cultural heritage. During the residency, participants will share best practices and knowledge from their respective fields, pair up and engage in hands-on collaborative projects, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecological and socio-cultural significance of the Bay of Bengal.

Residency Objectives

Skills Exchange: Facilitate co-learning between scientists and communicators/journalists.
Experiential Learning: Provide a unique opportunity to explore the Sundarbans through guided fieldwork and informal discussions, gaining firsthand insights into its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts grounded in science and evidence.
Collaboration: Foster long-term partnerships between communicators and scientists that can amplify the reach and impact of research on the Bay of Bengal and related environmental issues.

Who Should Apply?

Communicators with 3 to 10 years of experience in journalism (including science journalism), storytelling, or public engagement, who are interested in translating complex scientific ideas into accessible and impactful narratives. Applications from West Bengal will be given preference. We encourage Bangla/Hindi communicators.

Early-career researchers (PhD, Postdoctorates) with expertise in mangrove ecology (mangrove forest/soil biology/aquatic biology, etc.) and a keen interest in sharing their knowledge with a wider non-scientific community.

What We Offer

Hands-On Learning: Workshops on inclusive science communication, storytelling, science and policy, and immersive science-related field activities in the Sundarbans.
Collaborations: A chance to co-create content as a communicator-scientist pair, which will be published on Prameya Foundation’s website. In addition, you can also create content separately for your organization/own work/channel with attribution to the project.
Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by leading science communicators, science editors, and researchers. Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and editorial guidance on content ideation and execution.
Networking: Build lasting professional relationships with fellow participants and facilitators, creating opportunities for future collaborations.

Eligibility Criteria

Communicators/journalists must demonstrate a strong interest or experience in science communication or in using science and data in reporting/communication.

Early career researchers (ECRs) enrolled in PhD program in India and working in the Sundarbans. Postdocs with a PhD degree with current or previous work experience in the Sundarbans. Preference will go to ECRs with a demonstrated interest in writing popular science articles.

Residency Details

In-person residency dates: Jan 11-15, 2025 (Tentative)

Location: Kolkata and Sundarbans, West Bengal, India

Online sessions: Once a month (October, November, December, February and March)

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

CV/Resume (maximum of 2 pages)
Statement of Interest: A 1,200-character statement explaining your motivation to participate in the residency and how you hope to contribute (what skills would you want to share with your peers, for example, insights into podcasting or basics of mangroves and their conservation). (non-AI generated, please!)
Portfolio (Communicators/Journalists only): 3 samples of published work showcasing your experience in journalism or communication.
Research Summary (Scientists only): A brief summary (200 words max) of your research related to the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal and how you envision communicating it to a non-specialist audience (non-AI generated, please!)

By submitting the application, you express commitment to attend at least three online meetings/trainings and surveys and be present in person for five days for the residency and engagement after the residency (October 2024 to March 2025). You also commit to collaborating and co-developing content to be published on Prameya’s website.

Important Dates

The application submission deadline is September 27, 6 PM.

Selected participants will be notified by October 11.

For any inquiries, please contact baybengalbridges@gmail.com

Join us in the Sundarbans for this unique opportunity to shape the future of science communication in the Bay of Bengal!

FAQs

What kind of projects will we work on during the residency?

A: Participants will work on collaborative projects on science communication and storytelling. This may include field reports, explainers, multimedia content creation, game design, science writing, or environmental campaigns. The aim is to develop skills and ideas that can be applied to your ongoing work while helping to communicate key research and conservation issues related to the Bay of Bengal.

How will participants be selected?

A: Participants will be selected based on their demonstrated interest and experience in science communication or research, their motivation to participate, and their potential to contribute to collaborative projects. The selection committee will also aim for diversity in expertise and backgrounds to ensure a rich exchange of ideas.

How intensive is the schedule during the residency?

A: The residency schedule will balance online introductory meetings in October-November, in-person structured workshops and field excursions with downtime for ideation and editorial guidance in January, and content submission by February. After field visits, we will also have a fireside chat with the US Consulate in Kolkata. Updates and engagements, such as climate quizzes and fact checks, through a WhatsApp channel and surveys will be in store from October to March. Our sessions will be primarily in English, but we expect an infusion of Bangla and Hindi as we go deeper into dialogues. Expect a dynamic environment for open conversations, sharing ideas, and innovative practices combining hands-on activities with time for storyboarding, all designed to foster creativity and learning.

What is the level of physical activity involved in the residency?

A: The residency will include outdoor fieldwork, which may involve walking through natural terrains such as mangroves and wetlands and considerable boat travel. While the activities are not extreme, a moderate physical fitness level is recommended to fully participate in the immersive field experiences. If you have any concerns, please mention them in your application.

Will travel expenses to the Sundarbans be covered?

A: The residency will cover accommodation, meals, and local transportation within the Sundarbans.

What should I expect in terms of accommodation?

A: Accommodation in Kolkata will be provided at the IISER-Kolkata guesthouse on a twin-sharing basis. In the Sundarbans, the eco-friendly lodges of Prameya Foundations on a twin-sharing basis will be our home for two nights. While basic and comfortable, the facilities are designed to blend with the natural environment, so expect a simple, rustic experience, close to nature.

Can I apply if I am not a journalist or scientist but have a strong interest in science communication?

A: The residency is primarily aimed at communicators/journalists and scientists, but you are welcome to apply if you have significant experience in science communication, advocacy, or public engagement and can demonstrate how you will contribute to the residency.

Will there be any follow-up after the residency?

A: Yes! We encourage participants to continue collaborations beyond the residency. There will be opportunities for post-residency engagement, including publication of joint projects, contributions to science communication platforms, and participation in a digital network connecting residency alumni for future collaboration.

Do I need to bring specific equipment for the residency?

A: While most necessary materials will be provided, we encourage communicators/journalists to bring their equipment for media creation, such as cameras, microphones, and laptops. Scientists may also want to bring field tools related to their work that they want to showcase. A full list of recommended gear will be shared with selected participants before the residency.

Supported by US Consulate Kolkata