The Pulitzer Centre, a non-profit organisation based in Washington, DC, in the United States of America, is now accepting applications from journalists for its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Accountability Fellowship, which seeks to support journalists and newsrooms that represent the diversity of the communities impacted by AI technologies.
The AI Accountability Fellowship aims to back in-depth stories that scrutinise the use of predictive and surveillance technologies by governments and corporations. These technologies guide decisions in areas such as policing, medicine, social welfare, the criminal justice system, and hiring. The Fellowship is open to journalists from all beats, desks, and formats who are interested in exploring AI through an accountability lens.
Prospective applicants should submit a reporting project proposal for consideration. The Centre particularly encourages projects focused on enterprise and accountability, which employ diverse methods, such as data analysis, records requests, and on-the-ground reporting. These projects aim to explore the tangible effects of algorithms on policy, individuals, and communities.
Projects on a broad range of issues related to the impact of AI in society are accepted, but this year, the focus will be on at least two projects on transparency and governance concerning AI. This includes projects that follow the money across borders; shed light on opaque and harmful AI supply chains; or report on legislation, business practices, and organisations that exacerbate the lack of accountability and transparency of AI systems.
During the 10-month fellowship, Fellows will receive up to $20,000 to support their reporting projects. These funds can cover expenses such as records requests, travel costs, data analysis, and stipends. Additionally, Fellows will gain access to mentors and relevant training, enhancing the quality of their reporting initiatives. They are expected to share methodologies and insights gained during their projects. This way, each story can serve as a valuable guide for other newsrooms undertaking similar initiatives.
Successful applicants will attend a mandatory 90-minute meeting each month, contribute to at least one community call during the fellowship, and actively participate in virtual meetings and discussions on the community’s dedicated online platform.
To apply for the Fellowship, applicants are expected to provide the following:
- A short Statement of Purpose: Explain how this Fellowship aligns with your career goals and why you are ideally suited to be an AI Accountability Fellow. (500 words)
- Project Description: Provide a detailed description of the reporting project you plan to pursue during the Fellowship. Ensure your proposal is specific, well-researched, and includes evidence of pre-reporting on the subject. A compelling project proposal with a clear reporting plan will distinguish your application. (500 words)
- Budget: Outline the anticipated costs for your project. Categories may include records requests, software, data analysis, travel and lodging, and stipends.
- Work Samples: Submit three links to your best stories published in the past three years (these do not need to be on artificial intelligence).
- Letter of Commitment or Interest: Provide a letter from a media organisation (s) expressing interest in publishing your stories. If you are a staff reporter, include a signed letter from your editor or newsroom manager confirming their support for your application. This letter should explicitly state that your newsroom will allocate time for you to participate in Fellowship activities and support the publication of your stories produced through the Fellowship. It may also include reasons your manager believes you are suited for this Fellowship.
- References: Provide contact information or letters of recommendation from three professional references.
- A copy of the applicant’s resume or curriculum vitae.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a staff or freelance journalists working on a wide range of platforms, including print, radio, video, and multimedia; team players with the experience and/or ability to work collaboratively across newsrooms and borders; reporters with a deep interest in how AI impacts the world, and why this issue matters to global well-being and reporters willing to participate in outreach activities related to their investigations, such as events at schools and universities.
The Fellowship will be done remotely so reporters can be based anywhere, and is expected to start in early September 2025 and last through July 2026.
The Centre encourages proposals from journalists and newsrooms that represent an array of social, racial, ethnic, and underrepresented groups, and economic backgrounds.
Proposals can be submitted through this online form at https://pulitzercenter.submittable.com/submit/218563/ai-accountability-fellowships. The deadline for submission of applications is August 11, 2025. For additional questions, applicants should please contact reacheditorial@pulitzercenter.org.
