Investigative Journalism Trainings

June-September 2025

Next-IJ is offering a series of three online investigative journalism trainings between June and September 2025, 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 Milan in 2026.

Trainings Dates and Deadlines

• Thursday, 26 June 2025 - APPLY HERE (Deadline: 9 June)

• Friday, 18 July 2025 - APPLY HERE (Deadline: 5 July)

• Saturday, 20 September 2025 (Applications open in July)

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:

Second Open Call: Apply Now for the Next-IJ Investigative Training on 18 July 2025!

First Open Call: Apply Now for the Next-IJ Investigative Training on 26 June 2025!

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).
• 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.

• 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.

Please note that journalism students are not eligible unless otherwise indicated in your application (i.e., an experienced journalist seeking a higher degree, etc.).

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

• Navigate and analyse complex datasets using cutting-edge tools like Aleph and DATACROS
• 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 Milan: Selected participants will be eligible to attend an in-person Investigathon in Milan – 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.