The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and Incubator for Media Education and Development (iMEdD) are calling for applications for their introduction to investigative journalism training course, which is aimed at equipping reporters around the world with the skills to navigate the intricacies of investigative journalism, “enabling them to uncover hidden truths and shed light on issues that resonate across diverse beats and topics.”
The plan to organise the 2026 training course, which is designed specifically for journalists and reporters with little or no experience in investigative journalism, follows the first successful collaboration by GIJN and iMEdD in 2024.
With a March 6, 2026, deadline for applications, the training is free and will be delivered online through 10 hands-on practical sessions, in two different cohorts. The first one starts in May, while the second one will begin in October. The sessions will be led by some of the world’s leading investigative journalism trainers. Fellows will also be assigned a mentor and will have the opportunity to discuss their work with them.
According to the organisers, “In a world where information flows rapidly and boundaries between truth and misinformation blur, investigative journalism is a cornerstone for fostering transparency, accountability, and an informed citizenry. From exposing corruption to unveiling systemic injustices, investigative journalists serve as societal watchdogs, scrutinising the powerful and amplifying the voices of the marginalised.”
The training programme aims to equip reporters globally with the skills to navigate the intricacies of investigative journalism, enabling them to uncover hidden truths and shed light on issues that resonate across diverse beats and topics.
The objective is to empower journalists to undertake thorough investigations, fostering a media environment where truth prevails and the public remains informed and engaged.
The organisers said by the end of this programme, the participating journalists will be equipped with the tools and know-how to conduct their own investigations.
The course will be limited to 20 participants per cohort, who will be selected through the open call. Online classes will take place each Tuesday and Thursday for five consecutive weeks at 9:00 am EDT, lasting three hours each. The estimated time commitment is at least seven hours a week.
Applicants must be proficient in understanding and reading English, and selected applicants will be required to attend all sessions, and trainers might provide homework, which all the participants will be expected to complete.
The organisers said in selecting applicants, priority will be given to journalists who can demonstrate five years of experience in journalism, but have very little or no experience in investigative journalism.
Persons with no professional journalism experience are not eligible to apply, and selection will be based on the quality of the application and the level of work submitted, while the organisers will also ensure diversity in their selection.
Topics to be covered during the training sessions include: Introduction to Investigative Journalism; Finding Sources (People and Documents); Collaborating across-borders; Interviewing Techniques and Pitching; Open Source Research; Follow the Money; Developing a Data Set of Mind; Digital Security; Fact-Checking; and editing.
More information is available at: https://gijn.org/event/announce-second-cohort-introduction-investigative-journalism-training-course/, and questions should be directed to: ij.training@gijn.org.
