Lung Health J2J Training: Lille 2011

The Journalist to Journalist Project of the National Press Foundation and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) are offering fellowships to attend a three-day journalist training program on lung health and related issues (tuberculosis; TB/HIV; asthma, COPD and other non-communicable diseases; childhood pneumonia, tobacco control) at the42nd Union World Conference on Lung Health in Lille, France.

The Union World Conference is the largest annual conference focusing on lung health issues as they affect low- and middle-income countries. The theme of this year’s conference is “Partnerships for Scaling Up and Care,” highlighting the need for all stakeholders to work together on behalf of global lung health. More than 2,500 delegates from 120+ countries are expected to attend. (For more details, www.worldlunghealth.org)

The three-day J2J program is designed for working journalists who want to increase their knowledge and skill at developing stories on lung health issues – from the extent of the problem to the new research that is in the pipeline. The sessions will feature presentations and discussions with experts, as well as practical training in turning scientific information into effective print and broadcast stories.

Applications are sought from journalists working in any medium. Special attention will be given to applications from journalists working in these countries/regions: Russia, Egypt, China and Peru. Up to 15 fellowships will be awarded, which will include conference registration, roundtrip travel by air and train (as needed), hotel accommodation and per diem.

All applicants must have strong English speaking and reading skills. (There will be NO translation at the J2J Program, although the World Conference offers English-French-English translation for principal sessions.)

All application materials must be submitted in English. Applicants will be asked to rate their English proficiency.

The deadline for applications is 5:00 PM EST, Monday, 8 August 2011. Only online applications are accepted.

To submit a complete application, you must:

• Fill out the online application form. Unfortunately, we cannot accept paper applications, or applications sent by email. ATTENTION: A cover letter, narrative biography, and letter of support should be saved as text or PDF documents BEFORE beginning the online application. You may not save and return to the application later. If these items are not uploaded to the online application, it will be considered ineligible for review.
• Attach a cover letter of 250 words or fewer. Explain why you should attend, with special attention to your background covering general health or lung health issues and your need for specialized training.
• Attach a narrative biography of 250 words or fewer (no CVs will be accepted). Please note this bio will be used in program material if you are selected.
• Attach a letter of support from a supervisor (limit one page). If you are an independent journalist, you may include a letter from a previous supervisor or recent editor, who should make clear how he or she knows your work.
• Attach web links or files containing two work samples. If your sample is not in English, you must include an English translation. These samples can be provided as web links, or as file attachments if the work is not available online. If you run into technical difficulty attaching files, please contact webmaster@nationalpress.org for help!

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM EST, Monday, 8 August 2011. All application materials must be submitted in English. Applications or application material sent via air mail or email will not be considered for review.

All applicants will be notified on Friday, 19 August 2011 and accepted fellows will need to commit to attending the programme by Friday, 26 August. Each accepted fellow will receive a letter of invitation to attend, but will be responsible for making the necessary visa arrangements for travel to France, according to the requirements of their own country.

This training opportunity is organised by the Journalist to Journalist Project of the National Press Foundation, a U.S.-based, non-profit independent journalism education organisation and The Union, a non-profit international scientific organisation based in Paris. Funding is provided by the The Union, Aeras Global and others. For more information, contact Ms. Kerry Buker at kbuker@nationalpress.org.

For more information about the 42nd Union World Conference on Lung Health and The Union, please go to www.worldlunghealth.org or www.theunion.org