Burness, in collaboration with the American Public Health Association (APHA), is inviting health and science content creators to attend the APHA 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo in Washington, D.C. on November 2-5.
This is one of the largest domestic public health gatherings with more than 10,000 public health professionals attending annually. It is an opportunity to connect with leaders shaping the country’s public health agenda on critical issues ranging from vaccines and misinformation to climate change and nutrition, build connections and your network, create public health-centric content during a key moment, and showcase the future of digital storytelling, journalism, and public health on a national stage.
Travel stipend, registration, customized conference schedules, and connection to leading public health experts—all included. Apply here by September 30.
Who Are We Looking For?
We’re looking for curious, community-minded creators who want to help shape the future of journalism and public health. If you’re producing original news content through social media, video, podcasts, or newsletters (multi-platform is ok!)—this is for you. We welcome candidates with followings of all sizes.
What Fellows Receive:
A spot in the inaugural Burness Public Health Creator Fellowship
Complimentary APHA 2025 registration (Estimated value: $1,100)
$1,000 Travel and Lodging Stipend
Access to invite-only events with national public health leaders and Members of Congress
Customized conference itineraries based on area(s) of interest
Opportunities for networking and socializing
As a Fellow, You’ll:
Speak on a panel about how creators inspire action through digital platforms and lead a breakout session with public health leaders and peers (REQUIRED)
Expand your network of public health experts and content creators
Share key takeaways in a Burness-led recap of the fellowship
This year, APHA 2025 is spotlighting the biggest names in public health who will be unveiling why NOW is the time to invest in public health and how we can ensure it’s at the forefront of the national agenda.
APPLY NOW
Submit your application: https://forms.gle/Z3PGxkGEbBVdQg8B6
Applications close September 30 at 11:59 PM ET.
Join us in redefining how public health stories are told. If you have questions about the fellowship, please direct them to [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Fellows will be selected?
Up to 8 Fellows will be selected for the inaugural fellowship.
Q: What do we mean by “public health”?
We take a wide view: if your content explores health at the community or population level—not just for individuals—it falls under public health. We’re especially interested in creators who shine a light on health equity issues, on topics that are often missing from mainstream conversations about public health or are often mis-reported in conversations about public health.
Q: How will diversity be considered in selecting Fellows?
We’re committed to building a community that reflects a wide range of perspectives and experiences. In reviewing applications, we consider diversity of public health focus areas, geographic representation, sexual orientation and gender identity, race/ethnicity, and lived experience. Our goal is to bring together creators who will both benefit from and contribute to the fellowship—building a dynamic group eager to learn from one another and make the most of this opportunity.
Q: What additional opportunities exist after the Fellowship?
Ongoing connection, where Fellows stay connected with communications experts, content creators, journalists, and public health leaders.
Continued collaboration opportunities, from co-creating content with peers to partnering with organizations looking for creative storytellers.
Announcements for future events and projects led by Burness and our partners, keeping Fellows plugged into the latest opportunities in public health communication.
Q: What makes a strong candidate?
We’re looking for creators who bring both passion and skills to the table. Ideal applicants will:
Share a commitment to our mission of advancing public health and health equity
Show a solid grasp of public health topics and use credible, evidence-based information
Have a clear vision and strategy for growing their online presence
Offer a distinctive voice or perspective that adds depth to the conversation on public health
Demonstrate ability to produce consistent, high-quality content (digital and social media content, videos, podcasts, etc.)
About Burness
Burness is a team of communications experts who partner with nonprofits in the U.S. and around the world to inspire and drive social change, confront poverty, promote health, elevate science and protect our planet. Our strategists, writers, designers, trainers and policy experts translate research, advance ideas and solutions and amplify stories to improve people's lives. Since 1986, we have worked with more than 700 leading foundations, international agencies, government and non-governmental organizations, researchers and advocates around the world.