The Journalism Science Alliance Investigative Journalism Grants 2026 are now open, offering a major funding opportunity for journalists and scientists across Europe to collaborate on investigative journalism projects backed by scientific evidence. Co-funded by the European Union, this grant programme supports high-quality investigative journalism that addresses issues of public interest and produces meaningful local, regional, and transnational impact.
The Journalism Science Alliance grants are designed to strengthen collaboration between media outlets and research institutions, ensuring that investigative reporting is grounded in credible scientific research. Following a successful first call in 2025, the 2026 call will award an additional €1 million in grants to selected journalist–scientist teams.
Introduction and Background of the Journalism Science Alliance Grants
The Journalism Science Alliance (JSA) was established to bridge the gap between journalism and science by funding investigative projects that rely on rigorous scientific evidence. In an era of misinformation, declining media freedom, and complex global challenges, the Alliance aims to reinforce public-interest journalism through cross-sector collaboration.
The 2026 Journalism Science Alliance grants build on the success of the 2025 call, which supported 24 investigative projects from 15 countries, distributing nearly €1 million in funding. With a continued focus on transparency, independence, and merit-based selection, the programme offers journalists and scientists the opportunity to work together over an eight-month period to produce impactful investigations.
Eligibility Criteria for the Journalism Science Alliance Grants 2026
The Journalism Science Alliance grants are open to journalist–scientist teams that meet the following eligibility requirements:
Who Can Apply
- Journalists working in any media format, including:
- Print journalism
- Broadcast journalism
- Digital journalism
- Multimedia projects
- Documentary journalism
- Scientists and researchers from any relevant discipline may participate as co-investigators.
Team Composition Requirements
Each application must include:
- At least one media outlet as the lead applicant
- At least one research or academic institution as the co-lead applicant
Freelancers and additional partners may join the team but cannot apply independently.
Definition of Eligible Institutions
- A media outlet is a legally registered organisation or platform that distributes news or information to the public, including newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and digital news platforms.
- A research institution is a legally registered public or private organisation engaged in systematic research, such as universities, government laboratories, independent research centres, or nonprofit research organisations.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be based in a country participating in the Creative Europe Programme. Eligible countries include:
- All 27 European Union (EU) member states
- Non-EU countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Ukraine
Journalism Science Alliance Grant Programme Details
Funding Amount and Duration
- Total budget for the 2026 call: €1,000,000
- Grant duration: 8 months
Grant Tiers
Applicants may request funding under one of three tiers, depending on project scope and complexity:
- €10,000 – Tier 1
- €20,000 – Tier 2
- €50,000 – Tier 3
The grant amount should reflect the complexity of the investigation, number of partners involved, proposed tasks, and project timeline.
Project Scope and Focus
Funded projects must:
- Be investigative journalism projects backed by scientific evidence
- Address topics of public interest
- Demonstrate local, regional, or transnational impact
- Be relevant to European audiences, even when addressing global issues
Additional Benefits for Selected Teams
Beyond financial support, successful applicants to the Journalism Science Alliance grants will receive:
- Tailored mentorship throughout the project period
- Access to training sessions
- Opportunities to participate in networking events with other funded teams
All grants are awarded through a transparent and independent jury process, free from donor influence and based solely on the merit of each proposal.
How to Apply for the Journalism Science Alliance Grants 2026
Applications must be:
- Submitted in English
- Completed and submitted through the European Journalism Center (EJC) Platform
Applicants are required to provide detailed information about their investigative project, team structure, proposed methodology, and expected impact. Teams should ensure that their proposal clearly demonstrates collaboration between journalism and scientific research.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Opening Date: 19 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 23 March 2026 at 17:00 CET
Late applications will not be considered.
Why Apply for the Journalism Science Alliance Grants
The Journalism Science Alliance Investigative Journalism Grants 2026 offer a unique opportunity for journalists and scientists to collaborate on evidence-based investigative reporting. With substantial funding, professional mentorship, and a strong emphasis on public-interest journalism, the programme supports impactful investigations that contribute to informed public discourse across Europe.
By fostering partnerships between media and research institutions, the Journalism Science Alliance continues to strengthen the quality, credibility, and reach of investigative journalism grounded in science.
Application Portal
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