Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ): Empowering European journalists with cutting-edge tools and hands-on trainings

Through the combination of AI-powered applications, data, training, legal and ethical guidance, and hands-on investigation opportunities, Next-IJ equips journalists with the expertise and technology to uncover and investigate corruption and organised and financial crime with greater efficiency and impact. Recognising that criminal enterprises operate across borders and with increasing sophistication, Next-IJ also strengthens international collaboration to ensure investigative reporters stay ahead with the latest tools and intelligence in an increasingly complex media landscape.

Join our exclusive online training workshops

As part of this initiative, Next-IJ is organising three online investigative journalism workshops on the following days:

• Thursday, 26 June 2025
• Friday, 18 July 2025
• Saturday, 20 September 2025

These workshops will provide European journalists with expert training in investigative techniques, data journalism, and the ethical and legal frameworks essential for impactful reporting. Selected participants will also receive a stipend to support their attendance.

🚨 A formal call for applications will be launched soon! Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list and visiting our website to be the first to apply and secure your spot.

How can you get involved

• Enhance your investigative skills – Participate in Next-IJ workshops and investigathons covering advanced tools, data journalism techniques, and legal frameworks.
• Access global data – Leverage Next-IJ interconnected databases for cross-border investigative projects and reliable data-driven reporting.
• Expand your network – Join a network of investigative journalists, newsrooms, and media organisations dedicated to uncovering corruption and organised crime worldwide.
• Stay Updated – Subscribe to the Next-IJ mailing list to stay informed about upcoming trainings, investigative opportunities, tools, and resources, as well as the latest project developments.

About Next-IJ Partners

Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ) is led by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) – through the Joint Research Centre on Innovation and Crime (Transcrime) and the School of Journalism – and the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD). The initiative is supported by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EECEA) of the European Commission.

Stay Connected

• Visit our website: https://next-ij.eu/
• Subscribe to our mailing list: https://groups.io/g/next-ij
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Bluesky

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, and additional information, please contact: nextij.communications@gfmd.eu

Please access this Communications toolkit that includes suggested emails, social media post samples, and visuals if you would like to help us spread the word about the Next-Level Data and Tools for Investigative Journalism (Next-IJ).