Next-IJ Cross-Border Investigative Training

Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ) is back with its its second cross-border investigative training of the year on April 25, 2026 (09:15–17:00 CEST).

Sharpen your cross-border investigative skills through expert-led, hands-on sessions designed for collaborative journalism during the second Next-IJ training of the year. Join for a free, full-day intensive online training session tailored for European mid-career journalists tackling complex, cross-border investigations.

What the training offers

Delivered by investigative experts from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Transcrime – Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the training focuses on the latest techniques, tools, and cross-border strategies used in real-world investigations. You’ll learn how to:

• 🔍 Follow the money
• 🕵️ Track assets across borders
• 🏢 Uncover hidden corporate ownership
• 📊 Navigate and analyse complex datasets using Aleph Pro and DATACROS
• ⚖️ Handle data in a legal and ethical way

What You’ll Gain

• Advanced investigative training: Focused on the latest technologies and ethical considerations.
• Mentorship: Guidance from OCCRP’s global network of editors and reporters.
• Certification: An official OCCRP-issued certificate upon successful completion.
• Networking: Access to a growing network of peers working on impactful stories.
• A chance to attend an in-person Investigathon: Selected participants will be eligible to attend an in-person live collaborative investigation event – more details to follow.

Eligibility

Next-I is J looking for mid-career professionals working in journalism (freelancers are encouraged to apply) who meet the following criteria:

• Location: Applicants must be based in or professionally affiliated with a Creative Europe country (EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, and Tunisia). Please note that the U.K., Switzerland, and Türkiye are NOT current members of Creative Europe.
• Background: Applicants who have a strong background in investigative journalism, data journalism, and/or in-depth reporting. Participation in investigative projects will be considered a plus.Please note that journalism students are NOT eligible unless otherwise indicated in your application (i.e., an experienced journalist seeking a higher degree, etc.).
• Inclusion: We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders and from underrepresented communities to foster a diverse and inclusive network.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants should have a professional working proficiency in English.

Requirements

To complete your application, you will need to submit:

• A short statement of interest (150-200 words)
• Your CV
• A brief description of the investigative topics or cross-border issues you are currently working on or interested in (100-150 words)
• 1-3 links to published works

How to apply

Please apply using this application form. The last date to submit applications is 17 April 2026.

For more information, please visit this page.