Photo: BIRN / Igor Vujcic
Fast stories fade. The important ones need digging.
Applications are now open for the BIRN Summer School of Investigative Reporting 2026. This is a space for journalists who want to move beyond daily reporting and focus on real investigative work.
This is not about producing more content. It is about learning how to ask sharper questions, follow stronger leads and turn ideas into investigations that matter.
The Programme
From August 17 to 23, 2026 in Ohrid, North Macedonia, participants will join an intensive, hands-on investigative programme focused on cross-border reporting, open-source investigations and data-driven storytelling.
This year’s focus is on how investigative journalism is evolving in a complex information environment, combining traditional reporting with digital verification, OSINT tools and structured data work.
Alongside the main investigative sessions, participants will take part in practical workshops on verification, digital security and visual investigations. These are designed to strengthen both technical skills and editorial judgment.
Who This Is For
We are looking for journalists from the Western Balkans and across southeast Europe who want to move from reporting events to uncovering systems, patterns and accountability.
We especially encourage applications from early and mid-career journalists, particularly those working in difficult or under-resourced media environments where investigative reporting is both challenging and essential.
BIRN is providing up to 30 full scholarships for selected participants from the Western Balkans and across southeast Europe.
Self-funded participation is also welcome.
Mentorship and Editorial Support
This is a working environment, not a lecture series.
Participants will develop their own investigative ideas from the very beginning and receive continuous editorial feedback from experienced international journalists and trainers. The focus is practical and hands-on throughout the week.
Mentorship includes guidance on sourcing, verification, story development, structure and investigative methods, with close support as each project develops.
Trainers
This year’s programme includes Blake Morrison from Reuters, who leads complex cross-border investigations, Jonathan Soma from Columbia University, who specialises in making data clear and usable in storytelling, Sharbil Nammour, a media safety expert focused on secure reporting in challenging environments, and Reade Levinson from Reuters Visual Investigations, known for uncovering stories through open-source and visual evidence.
More trainers will be announced as the programme develops.
Why It Matters
Investigative journalism takes time, patience and space to think. That space is becoming harder to find. This programme is built to give it back.
Join Us
If you have a story idea that has stayed with you, one that deserves more than a headline, this is the place to take it further.
Prepare your pitch, apply and join us in Ohrid.
Applications are now open.
Apply here: Application Form for BIRN Summer School of Investigative Reporting 2026 | ECR Platform.
The deadline to submit your application is July 10, 2026. Take the next step towards developing your investigative story with leading journalists and trainers from the region and beyond.
More information here