Burness, in collaboration with the American Public Health Association (APHA), is inviting health and science content creators to attend APHA's 2026 Annual Meeting and Expo “Together We Thrive: Health Across the Lifespan” in San Antonio, Texas on November 1-4.
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 and the next generation shaping the country’s public health agenda on critical issues ranging from vaccines and misinformation to climate change and nutrition. It's an opportunity to build connections and your network, create public health-centric content during a key moment and to showcase the future of digital storytelling, journalism, and public health on a national stage.
Travel and content stipend, complimentary hotel accommodations and registration, guidance on itineraries, and connection to leading public health experts—all included. Apply here by June 19.
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.
As for specific issue areas, to align with this year’s annual meeting theme, we are looking for creators who cover topics across the lifespan, from preventive health and early childhood development to healthy aging, mental health, and the social determinants that shape health outcomes at every stage.
What fellows receive:
Complimentary APHA 2026 registration (Estimated value: $1,200)
Two nights of complimentary hotel accommodations
$1,000 travel and content stipend
Access to invite-only events with national public health leaders
Guidance on building customized itineraries based on area(s) of interest
Opportunities for networking and socializing
As a fellow, you'll:
Speak on a high-profile champion conversation panel (audience size typically 1,500-2,000 meeting attendees), moderated by epidemiologist and award winning science communicator Jessica Malaty Rivera, about the unique approach creators take to build awareness about an issue, disseminate evidence-based information, break through a crowded news environment and connect with their audiences to inspire engagement and action
Expand your network of public health leaders and content creators
Gain firsthand insights into the critical issues shaping public health from the nation’s top experts.
Capture your experience/learnings from the annual meeting in three social media posts
APPLY NOW
Submit your application: https://forms.gle/VTL4gPNTSZL4ZUHy7
Applications close Friday, June 19 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 four fellows will be selected for the 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 on health at different stages of life, 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.