Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy

John Honderich (right), chair of  the board at Torstar, presented the 2012 Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy to Michael Valpy, journalist, author and teacher.

The Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy is an annual award for a Canadian journalist to undertake a year-long research project on a topical public policy issue. It culminates in the publication of a series of articles in the Toronto Star, which the journalist may later develop into a book or documentary.

Founded in 1988, this prestigious fellowship promotes social and economic justice as well as the commitment to liberal journalism espoused by Joseph E. Atkinson, former publisher of the Toronto Star.

The award is jointly sponsored by The Atkinson Charitable Foundation, the Toronto Star and The Honderich Family.

Terms

The Fellowship is held for a one-year period from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014. During this time, the Fellow is expected to work exclusively on his or her research.  The Fellow is paid a stipend of $75,000 and up to $25,000 for research expenses.

How to Apply

The competition is open to experienced, full-time Canadian journalists in print or broadcast media who have achieved distinction in reporting on public policy issues.

To be considered, send a 3-page letter of intent and your curriculum vitae to fellowship@atkinsonfoundation.ca no later than Friday, January 18, 2013.

Letters of Intent should summarize the topic of interest, its importance to Canadian society and include a brief outline of articles. In their letters of intent, applicants should demonstrate a considerable familiarity with their chosen area of focus. Applicants should also suggest concrete policy questions that they seek to examine and answer.  

The Selection Committee is open to new and imaginative research ideas on any number of topics. Preference will be given to issues that are at the forefront of public policy debates and have implications for Canadian society at large.

Applicants are encouraged to draw inspiration from The Atkinson Principles, which serve as a guide for the Selection Committee.

All applications will be reviewed and 5 finalists will be invited to present full proposals, for which they will receive an honorarium.

For more information about the award and how to apply, please visit:
www.atkinsonfoundation.ca/fellowship

Read the most recent report from 2010-2011 Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy recipient Ann Dowsett Johnston.

See the past fellows.