# Next-IJ: Empowering European journalists with cutting-edge tools and hands-on trainings

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&#x20;As corruption, organised crime, and financial misconduct grow more sophisticated, investigative
&#x20;journalists need cutting-edge resources to expose wrongdoing. **The Next-Level Data and Tools for
&#x20;Investigative Journalism** [(Next-IJ)](https://hub.next-ij.eu/) initiative empowers European journalists, newsrooms, and media organisations with **cutting-edge tools, advanced data analysis capabilities, and enhanced cross-
border collaboration networks** necessary to investigate complex crimes effectively.&#x20;

Through the combination of **AI-powered applications, data, training, legal and ethical guidance,
and hands-on investigation opportunities,** Next-IJ equips journalists with the expertise and
&#x20;technology to uncover and investigate corruption and organised and financial crime with greater
&#x20;efficiency and impact. Recognising that criminal enterprises operate across borders and with increasing
&#x20;sophistication, Next-IJ also strengthens **international collaboration** to ensure investigative reporters stay ahead with the latest tools and intelligence in an increasingly complex media landscape.

## <mark style="color:blue;">**Join our exclusive online training workshops**</mark>

As part of this initiative, Next-IJ is organising three online investigative journalism workshops on the
&#x20;following days:

* **Thursday, 26 June 2025**
* **Friday, 18 July 2025**
* **Saturday, 20 September 2025**

These workshops will provide European journalists with expert training in investigative techniques, data
&#x20;journalism, and the ethical and legal frameworks essential for impactful reporting. Selected participants
\
will also receive a stipend to support their attendance.

🚨 **Applications for this year's Next-IJ are now closed! Stay connected by subscribing to our** [**mailing list**](https://groups.io/g/next-ij) **and visiting our** [**website**](https://hub.next-ij.eu/) **to make sure you are the first to apply for our next online workshop.**

## <mark style="color:blue;">**How can you get involved**</mark>

\-  <mark style="color:blue;">**Enhance your investigative skills**</mark> – Participate in Next-IJ workshops and investigathons covering
&#x20;advanced tools, data journalism techniques, and legal frameworks.
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\- <mark style="color:blue;">**Access global data**</mark> – Leverage Next-IJ interconnected databases for cross-border investigative
&#x20;projects and reliable data-driven reporting.
\
\- <mark style="color:blue;">**Expand your network**</mark> – Join a network of investigative journalists, newsrooms, and media
&#x20;organisations dedicated to uncovering corruption and organised crime worldwide.
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\- <mark style="color:blue;">**Stay Updated**</mark> – Subscribe to the Next-IJ [mailing list ](https://groups.io/g/next-ij)to stay informed about upcoming trainings,
&#x20;investigative opportunities, tools, and resources, as well as the latest project developments.

## <mark style="color:blue;">**About Next-IJ Partners**</mark>

Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ) is led by the [Organized Crime and
&#x20;Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)](https://www.occrp.org/en), the [Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC)](https://www.transcrime.it/en/) – through the
&#x20;Joint Research Centre on Innovation and Crime ([Transcrime](https://www.transcrime.it/)) and the School of Journalism – and the
&#x20;[Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD).](https://gfmd.info/) The initiative is supported by the [European Education
&#x20;and Culture Executive Agency](https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/index_en) (EECEA) of the European Commission.

## <mark style="color:blue;">**Stay Connected**</mark>

Visit our website: [https://next-ij.eu/](https://hub.next-ij.eu/)&#x20;
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Subscribe to our mailing list: <https://groups.io/g/next-ij>
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Follow us on [**LinkedIn**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-ij/) and [**Bluesky**](https://bsky.app/profile/next-ij.bsky.social)

*For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, and additional information, please contact:* [*nextij.communications@gfmd.eu*](https://app.gitbook.com/u/eRetLDdEYKOmVFLvGekdcBVZY7D3)

***

The Communications toolkit below supports the promotion of the Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ) project. It includes suggested emails, social media post samples, and visuals:

{% file src="<https://1552297641-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTU7fJ2UUgT8Wwf2wzYEi%2Fuploads%2FP4KxXkXtw6rnKXWTzxN6%2FNext-IJ%20Press%20Release%2BComms%20Toolkit.pdf?alt=media&token=2b7fb345-0af2-48f9-a259-6214454223a9>" %}

***

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