Investigative Reporting Summer School, Slovenia

Deadline: 5 August 2013 for scholarship applicants and 12 August 2013 for other applications
Open to: journalists from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia with at least three years of experience in journalism
Venue: 25-31 August 2013 at Lake Bled, Slovenia

Description

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network’s Summer School is an opportunity to work and unwind at the same time. Come along for a productive summer break and pick up valuable new ideas, network with leading investigative journalists – and learn new tips and tricks of the investigative trade. Spend a week learning investigative reporting skills and recharging your batteries at charming Lake Bled in Slovenia from August 25 until 31. 

Top-notch trainers from the world’s investigative scene will teach you how to research and deal with data, get reluctant sources to talk find out more about on- and off-shore companies. The five-day course in investigative journalism is especially tailored to boost your investigative reporting skills and knowledge. This year’s focus is on organized crime and BIRN will be gathering international experts from the field of drug smuggling and human trafficking.

Trainers for this year’s Summer School include journalists and editors from the UK Guardian, The New York Times in the US, Columbia University, OCCRP and others.

As well, as in previous years, BIRN will offer the means for an Investigative Initiative Fund. Participants in the school will be divided into groups to work on pitches for investigative ideas. The three best will be rewarded with financial aid to pursue their research.

Costs

The course fee of 790 euros is all-inclusive, covering tuition, room and all meals. The fee also includes BIRN’s published textbook Digging Deeper: A Guide for Investigative Journalists in the Balkans

A limited number of full scholarships will be available to exceptional candidates. These will be awarded on a merit and need basis and may additionally cover up to €100 in travel cost. 

Eligibility

  • Mid-career journalists, young journalists interested in finding out more about investigative reporting techniques.
  • Editors interested in encouraging investigative reporting in their media outlets.
  • Representatives of higher education establishments interested in incorporating investigative journalism into their curriculum.
  • International correspondents from the Balkans or elsewhere, interested in finding out about the challenges faced by their regional colleagues.
  • Representatives of organizations involved in the fight against organized crime and corruption.

Eligibility criteria for Scholarships

  1. Journalists from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia
  2. At least three years of experience in journalism
  3. Applicants must supply a sample of their published work translated into English 

Application process

Applications for scholarships must be received by 5th August 2013. No application for an assisted place will be considered after this deadline. Standard applications (for no scholarship applicants) must be received by 12 August 2013.  All participants will receive a BIRN Summer School certificate. 

All applicants should submit the following:

  1. Completed on-line application form 
  2. Letter of motivation
  3. C.V.
  4. Sample of work (for scholarship applicants only)

For more information please check the official website.

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