Applications Open for £5,000 Rupert Cornwell Award for Journalists

The Independent has announced the opening of applications for the annual Rupert Cornwell Award, a bursary worth £5,000 aimed at emerging foreign correspondents. This award honours the legacy of Rupert Cornwell, one of the publication’s longest-serving and most esteemed foreign correspondents, whose writing was celebrated for its elegance and depth of insight.

The award seeks to fund a journalistic project that aligns with the broad geographical focus of Cornwell’s career. This includes regions such as North America, Europe, and the territories of the former Soviet Union. However, applicants are reminded that proposed assignments should not be in areas experiencing conflict or deemed unsafe. Past winners have produced notable work from diverse locations, including Albania, Georgia, and the northern territories of Canada.

Eligibility and Application Details

To qualify for the award, applicants must be under 30 years old as of January 1, 2025. They should be based in either Britain or America, though they do not need to be nationals of these countries. The application must include a detailed project proposal, with funding potentially staggered as milestones are achieved.

The judging panel will include Susan Cornwell, former US congressional correspondent for Reuters, alongside several of Cornwell’s former colleagues. The winning entry will be intended for publication by The Independent, with all copyright resting with the publication. It is important to note that no additional fees will be provided, as the bursary will cover travel costs and other expenses associated with the project.

Previous Winners and Submission Guidelines

The award has previously recognized journalists such as Rachel Savage, Lemma Shehadi, Thomas Graham, and Eleanor Myers, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional reporting skills. Their works have contributed significantly to the field, showcasing the quality that the award seeks to uphold.

Interested candidates should submit their applications to [email protected] with “Cornwell Award” in the subject line. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2024. For those unsure about the suitability of their proposed project, guidance is encouraged to ensure alignment with the award’s criteria.

This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering new talent in foreign journalism, continuing Rupert Cornwell’s legacy of curiosity and excellence in reporting.