Call for Applications: Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence 2022

Journalists from Central and South-Eastern Europe can apply by 31 March for the Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence. The program provides a 3,000-euro bursary and sustained editorial support to 10 selected journalists seeking to report in depth on the forces shaping societies and democracies across 14 countries in Central, Eastern and South-eastern Europe.

This year's theme is "Choices."

The Fellows selected are mentored by the programme editor in the course of their reporting, and can also draw on the support of BIRN’s regional network of journalists. In addition to financial and editorial support, the Fellowship offers: 

• The chance to participate in an introductory seminar focused on reporting and storytelling techniques
• The chance to win additional awards, worth between 3.000 and 1.000 euros, for the three best stories
• Publication of finished stories in regional languages and in English, through BIRN’s network of media partners
• Membership of the Fellowship alumni network, designed to support networking between journalists who have participated in the programme

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and ERSTE Foundation set up the Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence in 2007. Since then, more than 140 journalists from 14 countries in Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe have taken part in the Fellowship’s world-class programme for professional development.