That’s the idea behind the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Summer School of Investigative Reporting.
Each year, it brings together journalists and journalism students from across Europe for an intensive week where participants don’t just learn about investigative journalism; they learn how to do it.
The programme combines learning and practice. Participants are introduced to key elements of investigative journalism, such as story development, open source intelligence OSINT, data journalism, fact checking and digital security.
These are explored through real examples and hands on exercises guided by experienced national and international journalists, editors and experts in the field.
What makes it stand out is the way learning happens in practice. Instead of staying in theory, participants apply what they learn immediately, developing ideas, testing information and improving their reporting step by step with feedback from trainers and peers.
As one participant shared: “I came to the Summer School hoping to learn new investigative techniques and meet journalists from across the region. It turned out to be much more than that.
“The programme was intensive, every day brought something new, and by the end of the week it felt like we had known each other for years. Learning from experienced editors, receiving feedback from different mentors, and building lasting friendships made it an unforgettable experience.” – Tamara Kanuchova, Reporter, VSquare.org & The European Correspondent (Slovakia)
Another added: “What I loved most was that we were not just sitting in lectures. We worked with journalists from different countries, challenged each other’s ideas, travelled for field reporting, and turned our pitch into a published investigation. I still use what I learned during the Summer School, and I am still in touch with many of the people I met there.” — Patrik Galavits, Reporter, Direkt36 (Hungary)
By the end of the week, participants don’t just understand investigative journalism, they have actually practiced it in a collaborative environment shaped by international expertise.
A key part of the programme is that participants come with their own investigative story ideas and develop them throughout the week. From the start, they work on their pitches through all sessions, refining them with guidance from experienced national and international journalists, editors, and trainers. Participants also can work one-on-one with trainers to strengthen their ideas.
At the end of the programme, they formally pitch their investigations. Selected pitches receive financial support as well as continued editorial mentorship from experienced editors at Balkan Insight, helping participants further develop and pursue their stories beyond the Summer School.
Join the 2026 BIRN Summer School in Ohrid
In 2026, the programme will take place in Ohrid, North Macedonia, from 17 to 23 August. It is designed for journalists and journalism students who want to strengthen their investigative journalism skills and learn directly through practice from experienced national and international journalists, editors and experts.
📍 Ohrid, North Macedonia
📅 17–23 August 2026
🗓️ Application deadline: 10 July 2026