Apply for the GIJC27 Fellowship 2027 in the Netherlands: Fully Funded Opportunity for Investigative Journalists Worldwide

The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is offering fellowship opportunities for journalists to attend the 15th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC27), scheduled to take place in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from 19 to 23 October 2027. This international conference will bring together investigative journalists, data journalists, media professionals, and experts from more than 100 countries to exchange knowledge, develop investigative reporting skills, explore innovative technologies, and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

The GIJC27 Fellowship is an opportunity for eligible journalists, particularly those from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups, to participate in one of the world’s major gatherings dedicated to investigative journalism. Successful applicants may receive funding for international airfare, accommodation, conference registration, and specified meals and activities during the event.

With investigative journalism increasingly relying on digital research, artificial intelligence, data analysis, satellite imagery, and international cooperation, GIJC27 will provide participants with an opportunity to strengthen their professional skills and learn practical approaches to producing impactful, evidence-based reporting.

Application deadline: 31 January 2027.

About the Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027

The 15th Global Investigative Journalism Conference, known as GIJC27, will take place from 19 to 23 October 2027 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The conference is co-hosted by the Global Investigative Journalism Network and De Vereniging van Onderzoeksjournalisten (VVOJ), the Dutch-Flemish Association of Investigative Journalists. VVOJ has supported quality investigative reporting in the Netherlands, Flanders, and the wider European region since its establishment in 2002.

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The conference venue will be De Doelen ICC Rotterdam, a concert and congress centre located in the heart of Rotterdam. The event is expected to bring together investigative journalists, editors, researchers, data specialists, and other media professionals to exchange knowledge, learn new investigative techniques, and build professional relationships.

GIJC27 is designed to help journalists strengthen their ability to uncover wrongdoing, investigate complex issues, hold powerful institutions accountable, and produce journalism that serves the public interest. The conference will combine expert-led discussions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities to support journalists working in different media environments around the world.

Key dates and application information

Conference dates

19–23 October 2027

Location

De Doelen ICC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Application deadline

31 January 2027

Application language

English

Geographical focus

Journalists from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups are prioritized.

Information based on the official GIJN announcement.

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What participants can expect from GIJC27

GIJC27 is expected to feature more than 150 expert panels and workshops covering investigative reporting, new technologies, data-driven journalism, and international collaboration. The programme will provide opportunities to learn from journalists who have developed innovative methods of investigating complex stories and holding those in positions of power accountable.

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The main areas of focus include the following.

1. Investigative research and online search techniques

Participants will have opportunities to explore online research methods that help journalists find, verify, and connect information from different sources. These techniques are important for investigations involving public records, organizations, individuals, and events that may not be immediately visible through conventional reporting.

Improving online research skills can help journalists uncover information, identify leads, cross-check claims, and build stronger evidence-based stories.

2. Artificial intelligence and investigative journalism

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing the way journalists research, analyse, and present information. GIJC27 will feature discussions on investigating with AI and using AI in investigative work.

Participants can expect to engage with ideas about how emerging technologies may support investigative research while considering the need for verification, accuracy, and responsible use of technology.

3. Data journalism and evidence-based reporting

Data journalism will be another important area of the conference. Journalists increasingly use datasets, public records, statistical analysis, and other forms of evidence to identify patterns and explain complicated issues.

The conference will provide an opportunity to learn from professionals working with data and explore ways of transforming complex information into meaningful stories for the public.

4. Satellite imagery and climate investigations

The programme will feature expertise in satellite imagery and climate change reporting. These tools and subject areas can help journalists investigate environmental changes, document developments over time, and examine issues that may be difficult to understand through conventional reporting alone.

For journalists interested in environmental accountability, climate change, and public-interest reporting, these sessions could provide useful approaches to developing evidence-based investigations.

5. Investigating corruption and holding power accountable

Investigative journalism plays an important role in exposing corruption, abuse of power, and other matters of public concern. GIJC27 will bring together journalists who have used innovative reporting techniques to hold powerful individuals and institutions accountable.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about investigative approaches, evidence gathering, and ways to produce rigorous reporting in challenging circumstances.

6. Cross-border investigative collaboration

Many important stories extend beyond national borders. Financial transactions, environmental problems, organized crime, and other complex issues may involve people or institutions in several countries.

GIJC27 will explore best practices for cross-border collaboration, allowing journalists to learn how professional networks and international partnerships can strengthen investigations that cannot be completed effectively by one reporter or newsroom alone.

7. Reporting under press freedom restrictions

The conference will also feature journalists who have worked in environments where press freedom is restricted. They will share approaches to continuing investigative work while maintaining professional standards and reducing risks.

These discussions will be relevant to journalists who face legal, political, operational, or personal challenges while investigating matters of public interest.

8. Networking with international journalists

GIJC27 will bring together colleagues from more than 100 countries, creating opportunities to exchange experiences, develop professional relationships, and explore potential collaborations.

For participants, these connections could help establish international reporting partnerships, identify mentors, share investigative methods, and build professional networks that continue beyond the conference.

What does the GIJC27 fellowship cover?

The fellowship programme is supported by GIJN’s sponsors and partners to help eligible journalists attend the conference. A full fellowship includes several major travel and participation costs.

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Successful recipients of full fellowships can receive:

• Round-trip international airfare: Travel to Rotterdam from the fellow’s home country or the nearest major airport.

• Airport transfers: Transportation between the airport and the conference hotel.

• Accommodation: Hotel accommodation for four nights.

• Conference registration: The registration fee required to participate in the conference.

• Welcome reception: Access to the cocktail reception on the evening of 19 October 2027.

• Breakfast: Breakfast on conference days from 20 to 23 October 2027.

• Lunch: Lunch on full conference days from 20 to 23 October 2027.

• Award ceremony dinner: Participation in the dinner scheduled for 22 October 2027.

These benefits are intended to reduce the financial barriers that might prevent journalists from attending an international investigative journalism conference.

Are partial fellowships available?

GIJN has indicated that it is working to secure as much funding as possible for the programme. The final number of fellowships had not been determined in the published announcement.

In addition to full fellowships, partial fellowships may be offered to some applicants. Applicants will be asked through the application form whether they wish to be considered for partial funding.

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Applicants should therefore carefully assess their financial circumstances and indicate their interest in partial support where appropriate.

What expenses are not covered?

Applicants should understand that a full fellowship does not cover every expense associated with international travel.

The following costs are excluded:

• Daily allowances or per diem expenses.

• Visa application fees.

• Transportation between the applicant’s home and their departure airport.

Applicants must plan how they will meet these expenses if selected. Receiving a fellowship does not automatically guarantee that every personal or travel-related cost will be covered.

Who is eligible to apply?

The fellowship is open to professional journalists working across different media formats, including:

• Print journalism.

• Online and digital journalism.

• Television journalism.

• Video journalism.

• Radio journalism.

• Documentary journalism.

• Multimedia journalism.

• Freelance journalism.

GIJN specifically welcomes professional journalists working in developing or transitioning countries. Experience in investigative journalism or data journalism is an advantage, although the announcement does not make it a mandatory requirement.

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Applicants should also demonstrate that they will make meaningful use of the training and professional development opportunities offered by the conference.

What language skills are required?

Applicants need a working knowledge of English because the conference panels and workshops will be conducted in English. The fellowship application must also be submitted in English.

Applicants should be comfortable enough with English to follow professional discussions, participate in training sessions, and understand the investigative techniques presented during the conference.

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What are the responsibilities of selected fellows?

Receiving a fellowship comes with a responsibility to share the benefits of the experience beyond the conference itself.

After GIJC27, fellows must complete one of the following activities:

1. Produce a story directly related to GIJC27. This could involve applying knowledge gained through the conference to an investigative story.

2. Give a presentation based on the conference experience. The presentation should share knowledge gained at GIJC27 with colleagues or the wider journalism community.

GIJN provides detailed guidelines and examples to help fellows understand these requirements. Applicants should review them before applying and consider how they will use and share the knowledge gained.

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This requirement highlights the conference’s broader purpose: strengthening investigative journalism not only for individual participants but also for their newsrooms and professional communities.

How to apply for the GIJC27 Fellowship

Interested journalists should apply through the official application form provided by GIJN.

Tips for preparing a competitive application

Because the fellowship is competitive, applicants should explain clearly why the opportunity matters to their professional development.

Consider addressing the following points in your application:

• Your journalism experience: Describe your reporting, multimedia, documentary, or investigative work and the subjects you cover.

• Your learning objectives: Explain the specific investigative techniques, digital tools, or data journalism skills you hope to gain.

• Your professional challenges: Where relevant, describe the financial, technological, or working-environment barriers that make access to international training important.

• Your plans after the conference: Explain what story you might produce or how you would share your learning with other journalists.

• Your potential impact: Show how the knowledge gained could improve your reporting, benefit your newsroom, or strengthen journalism in your community.

Applicants should use concrete examples rather than relying only on general statements about their passion for journalism. The aim is to demonstrate that attending GIJC27 would be a meaningful investment in their work and the wider journalism community.

GIJN notes that, because of the high volume of applications, it cannot provide individual status updates to every applicant. Applicants should read the guidelines and application information carefully and contact the fellowship team at fellowships@gijn.org if they have questions that are not answered in the published information.

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Conclusion

The GIJC27 Fellowship offers eligible professional journalists an opportunity to participate in an international gathering focused on investigative reporting, digital research, artificial intelligence, data journalism, climate investigations, corruption, and cross-border collaboration.

The programme is particularly relevant to journalists from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups who want to strengthen their investigative skills, learn from international experts, and share knowledge with their professional communities. Full fellowships cover major travel and participation expenses, although visa fees, per diem costs, and transportation to and from the home-country airport remain the recipient’s responsibility.

Journalists interested in applying should review the eligibility requirements, prepare a strong application in English, and explain how they intend to use the training after the conference.

Application deadline: 31 January 2027.

Click HERE for more information on  the GIJC27 Fellowship 2027 in the Netherlands

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