# Investigative Journalism Trainings

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**](https://www.occrp.org/en/about-us) and [**Transcrime**](https://www.transcrime.it/en/who-we-are/)-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.**

## <mark style="color:blue;">Trainings Dates and Deadlines</mark>

* **March 20** (applications now **closed**)&#x20;
* **22 April** (applications now **closed**)&#x20;
* **16 May** (deadline: May 8) [**APPLY HERE**](/news/training-may-2026.md)

## <mark style="color:blue;">Who Can Apply</mark> <a href="#who-can-apply" id="who-can-apply"></a>

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**](https://culture.ec.europa.eu/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.

## <mark style="color:blue;">How to Apply</mark> <a href="#what-youll-need-to-apply" id="what-youll-need-to-apply"></a>

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:**

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th><th data-hidden data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>NOW OPEN: Applications for the May Edition of the Next-IJ Cross-Border Investigative Training</td><td><a href="/files/txh4MvegCUVVc0MPEJrW">/files/txh4MvegCUVVc0MPEJrW</a></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/ZMkfIu2RvBQOzokA0i3N">/pages/ZMkfIu2RvBQOzokA0i3N</a></td></tr><tr><td>(Closed) Applications for the April Edition of the Next-IJ Cross-Border Investigative Training</td><td><a href="/files/IgiJxrkWsoKJOIi6BlKe">/files/IgiJxrkWsoKJOIi6BlKe</a></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/ZMkfIu2RvBQOzokA0i3N">/pages/ZMkfIu2RvBQOzokA0i3N</a></td></tr><tr><td>(Closed) Applications for the March Edition of the Next-IJ Cross-Border Investigative Training</td><td><a href="/files/TuIB7I47HugcfGvksANO">/files/TuIB7I47HugcfGvksANO</a></td><td><a href="/pages/vOU4OhIeghatEevuSHrY">/pages/vOU4OhIeghatEevuSHrY</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

## <mark style="color:blue;">Why Attend</mark>

These hands-on trainings will help you build practical skills that are essential for high-impact investigative journalism. You’ll learn how to:

* <mark style="color:blue;">**Follow the money**</mark> through complex financial networks
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Track assets across borders**</mark> and expose hidden connections
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Uncover corporate ownership structures**</mark> that conceal illicit activity
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Navigate and analyse complex datasets**</mark> using cutting-edge tools like [**Aleph Pro**](https://aleph.occrp.org/) and [**DATACROS**](https://www.datacros3.com/)
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Handle data in a legal and ethical way**</mark>, aligning with international journalism standards
* <mark style="color:$primary;">**Use AI tools**</mark> efficiently and responsibly

## <mark style="color:blue;">What You’ll Gain</mark> <a href="#what-youll-gain" id="what-youll-gain"></a>

* <mark style="color:blue;">**Advanced investigative training**</mark><mark style="color:blue;">:</mark> Focused on the latest technologies and ethical considerations.
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Mentorship**</mark><mark style="color:blue;">:</mark> Guidance from OCCRP’s global network of editors and reporters.
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Certification:**</mark> An official OCCRP-issued certificate upon successful completion.
* <mark style="color:blue;">**Networking**</mark><mark style="color:blue;">:</mark> Access to a growing network of peers working on impactful stories.
* <mark style="color:blue;">**A chance to attend an Investigathon in person:**</mark> Selected participants will be eligible to attend an in-person [Investigathon](/investigathon.md) – 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* <a href="#about-next-ij" id="about-next-ij"></a>

*Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (*[*Next-IJ*](https://next-ij.eu/)*) 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* <a href="#partners" id="partners"></a>

*Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ) is led by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (*[*OCCRP*](https://www.occrp.org/en)*), the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) – through the Joint Research Centre on Innovation and Crime (*[*Transcrime*](https://www.transcrime.it/)*) and the School of Journalism – and the Global Forum for Media Development (*[*GFMD*](https://gfmd.info/)*). The initiative is supported by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (*[*EECEA*](https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/index_en)*) of the European Commission.*

<figure><img src="/files/UGUqBh8X3TkBAvXufcm6" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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