Tag: 2026

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

👉 Apply here: https://birnsummerschool.org/news-and-events/birn-summer-school-of-investigative-reporting-2026-dont-just-report-the-news-investigate-it/

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.

This is a space for curious minds and future journalists who want to understand the step by step process through which investigative stories are built, from the initial idea to final publication.

Over one week, you will work closely with experienced journalists, editors, and open-source intelligence experts. You will learn how to find and verify information, work with data and public records, and develop stories that truly matter.

In the coming weeks, we will open the call for applications and share more details about the programme, including scholarships, mentors, speakers, and trainers from leading local and international newsrooms.

If you have ever wanted to understand how investigations are really done, this is your chance. Stay tuned.

The next generation of investigative journalism starts here.