Investigative Journalism Trainings
March-May 2026
Next-IJ is offering a series of three online investigative journalism trainings between March and May 2026, designed to help European journalists strengthen their expertise in data journalism, investigative techniques, and the ethical and legal frameworks essential to impactful reporting.
Each training is led by investigative journalists and researchers from OCCRP and Transcrime-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and will explore advanced tools and techniques for uncovering financial crime, political corruption, and transnational trafficking. Participants will gain practical skills in data-driven investigations—and selected attendees will receive a stipend to support their participation in an in-person Investigathon in 2026.
Trainings Dates and Deadlines
March 20 (deadline: March 13) APPLY HERE
22 April (deadline: April 15) APPLY HERE
16 May (applications open on 21st of March)
Who Can Apply
We’re looking for mid-career professionals working in journalism (freelancers are encouraged to apply) who meet the following criteria:
Location: Applicants must be based in or professionally affiliated with a Creative Europe country (EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, and Tunisia). ❗Please note that the U.K., Switzerland, and Türkiye are NOT current members of Creative Europe.
Background: Applicants who have a strong background in investigative journalism, data journalism, and/or in-depth reporting. Participation in investigative projects will be considered a plus. ❗Please note that journalism students are NOT eligible unless otherwise indicated in your application (i.e., an experienced journalist seeking a higher degree, etc.).
Inclusion: We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders and from underrepresented communities to foster a diverse and inclusive network.
Language Proficiency: Applicants should have a professional working proficiency in English.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
A brief statement of interest (150-200 words)
Your CV
A description of the investigative topics or cross-border issues you are currently exploring or interested in (100-150 words)
1-3 writing samples or links to previously published works
Learn more below:
NOW OPEN: Applications for the March Edition of the Next-IJ Cross-Border Investigative Training!
Why Attend
These hands-on trainings will help you build practical skills that are essential for high-impact investigative journalism. You’ll learn how to:
Follow the money through complex financial networks
Track assets across borders and expose hidden connections
Uncover corporate ownership structures that conceal illicit activity
Handle data in a legal and ethical way, aligning with international journalism standards
What You’ll Gain
Advanced investigative training: Focused on the latest technologies and ethical considerations.
Mentorship: Guidance from OCCRP’s global network of editors and reporters.
Certification: An official OCCRP-issued certificate upon successful completion.
Networking: Access to a growing network of peers working on impactful stories.
A chance to attend an Investigathon in person: Selected participants will be eligible to attend an in-person Investigathon – more details to follow.
Whether you're pursuing complex financial trails or exposing international corruption, these trainings are a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your investigative toolkit, and join a network of experts in the field.
About Next-IJ
Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ) is an EU-supported initiative designed to offer new, innovative training solutions for investigative reporting by equipping journalists with cutting-edge tools, advanced data analysis capabilities, and enhanced cross-border collaboration networks.
Next-IJ is organising three training sessions this year aimed at empowering European journalists, newsrooms, and media outlets with a combination of advanced tools (including artificial intelligence), data, training, legal and ethical guidance, and hands-on investigation opportunities to uncover and investigate corruption and organised and financial crime in multilateral cooperation and partnerships.
Partners
Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ) is led by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) – through the Joint Research Centre on Innovation and Crime (Transcrime) and the School of Journalism – and the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD). The initiative is supported by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EECEA) of the European Commission.
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