Applications are officially open for the prestigious Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC) Fellowship 2027. The 15th edition of the world’s premier investigative journalism gathering (GIJC27) will take place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, from October 19 to October 23, 2027.
Co-hosted by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and De Vereniging van Onderzoeksjournalisten (VVOJ) - the Dutch-Flemish Association of Investigative Journalists - this fully funded fellowship brings talented journalists from developing and transitioning nations to Europe’s most dynamic maritime hub for world-class investigative training, cross-border collaborative networking, and cutting-edge digital workshops.
The conference venue is de Doelen ICC Rotterdam, a state-of-the-art concert and congress center located directly in the heart of Rotterdam. The application deadline is January 31, 2027.
Quick Facts - GIJC Fellowship 2027
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Title | Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC) Fellowship 2027 |
| Host Organizations | Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) & VVOJ |
| Conference Dates | October 19 - 23, 2027 (Pre-conference Oct 19; Main sessions Oct 20 - 23) |
| Location | Rotterdam, The Netherlands |
| Venue | de Doelen International Congress Centre (ICC) Rotterdam |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Travel, Hotel, Meals, Registration) |
| Target Audience | Professional journalists & freelancers from Global South / transitioning nations |
| Working Language | English (all sessions and applications) |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2027 (23:59 UTC) |
| Direct Application Form | Online Google Application Form |
About the Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC27)
Since its founding in 2001, GIJN conferences have trained more than 10,000 journalists across the globe, catalyzed groundbreaking cross-border investigations, and defended press freedom in high-risk environments. GIJC27 in Rotterdam is anticipated to assemble over 1,500 investigative reporters, data editors, documentary makers, and media leaders representing 100+ nations.
The 2027 program features more than 150 specialized panels and hands-on workshops, including:
- Investigating with Artificial Intelligence: Practical machine learning workflows, verifying deepfakes, auditing algorithms, and LLM-driven forensic document parsing.
- Cross-Border Collaborative Reporting: Managing multi-jurisdictional whistleblowers, tracking offshore financial networks, illicit money flows, and organized crime syndicates.
- Advanced OSINT & Geolocation: Satellite imagery, vessel tracking, flight telemetry, digital verification, and open-source intelligence investigative techniques.
- Environmental & Climate Accountability: Exposing environmental crimes, supply chain violations, biodiversity destruction, and carbon fraud.
- Reporting in Repressive Environments: Operational security, operational resilience for exiled newsrooms, encrypted workflows, and hostile environment protection.
Fellowship Benefits & Financial Coverage
GIJC27 full fellowship awardees receive comprehensive financial sponsorship covering:
- Round-Trip Airfare: Economy flights between the fellow’s country of residence and Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) or Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS).
- Ground Transportation: Coordinated transit between the arrival airport in the Netherlands and the conference hotel.
- Hotel Accommodation: Four (4) consecutive nights at an official conference hotel in central Rotterdam.
- Official Meals & Receptions:
- Welcome cocktail networking reception on the evening of October 19, 2027.
- Complimentary breakfast on all conference days (October 20 - 23, 2027).
- Buffet lunches during full conference working days (October 20 - 23, 2027).
- Global Investigative Journalism Awards Gala Dinner on October 22, 2027.
- Full Conference Access Pass: Complete waiver of the GIJC27 delegate registration fee granting access to all 150+ sessions, masterclasses, and networking lounges.
Please Note: In line with standard GIJN fellowship guidelines, the award does not provide a separate per diem cash stipend, nor does it cover transit to/from your home airport or Schengen visa processing fees. Fellows must handle their own passport and visa procedures with their local Dutch consular mission.
Eligibility Criteria
GIJC fellowships are competitive and merit-based. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Professional Background: Open to full-time staff reporters, editors, producers, documentary makers, photojournalists, radio/podcast reporters, and established freelance journalists.
- Geographic Eligibility: Applicants must be based in and report from developing or transitioning nations, with priority accorded to journalists from the Global South and historically underrepresented media ecosystems.
- Track Record: Demonstrated experience or clear portfolio in investigative journalism, watchdog reporting, or data-driven investigative storytelling is strongly advantageous.
- Language Proficiency: Strong working command of the English language. All conference panels, hands-on masterclasses, and presentation sessions are conducted in English without simultaneous translation.
- Self-Representation: Journalists from countries not strictly on developing-country lists who face acute financial hardship or media exile are also encouraged to apply and detail their circumstances under the application form’s "Additional Notes" section.
Fellowship Requirements & Post-Conference Deliverable
To maximize the international multiplier effect of the training, fellows commit to one of two post-conference deliverables within three months of returning home:
- Publish an Original Investigative Story: Produce and publish a report directly informed by methods, sources, tools, or collaborative partnerships formed at GIJC27; OR
- Deliver a Community Knowledge-Sharing Presentation: Conduct a formal training workshop, newsroom brown-bag session, or public lecture transferring GIJC27 methods, digital tools, and investigative protocols to peers in your home media organization or national journalism union.
How to Apply Step-by-Step
- Prepare Professional Materials: Prepare an up-to-date resume (CV) detailing your journalism experience, employer/clients, and 2 - 3 links or citations of your published investigative stories.
- Draft Pitch & Statement of Motivation: Articulate clearly how attendance at GIJC27 in Rotterdam will impact your ongoing watchdog reporting, what sessions you will target, and how you plan to share acquired expertise.
- Complete the Application Form: Access the official GIJC27 Fellowship Application Form. Fill in all contact, biographical, and professional details.
- Indicate Partial Fellowship Interest: If your newsroom or an external grant can contribute toward your flights or lodging, select the option indicating willingness to accept a partial fellowship, which expands the pool of supported journalists.
- Submit Early: Submit your completed application well in advance of the deadline on January 31, 2027. Due to the volume of submissions, GIJN notifies successful awardees directly via email.
Official Sources & Contact
- Official Fellowship Announcement: GIJN Stories - GIJC 2027 Fellowship Call
- Direct Application Form: GIJC27 Google Application Portal
- Conference Website: GIJC2027 Rotterdam Portal
- Questions & Inquiries: Direct questions to the fellowship committee at fellowships@gijn.org
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the GIJC Fellowship 2027?
The GIJC Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded travel and registration grant administered by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and VVOJ. It brings investigative and data journalists from the Global South and transitioning economies to Rotterdam, The Netherlands, for the 15th Global Investigative Journalism Conference.
When and where is GIJC 2027 held?
GIJC27 takes place from October 19 to October 23, 2027 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, hosted at the world-renowned de Doelen International Congress Centre (ICC) Rotterdam.
What does the full fellowship cover?
The full fellowship covers round-trip international flights to the Netherlands, hotel lodging for four nights in Rotterdam, ground transit between the Dutch airport and hotel, daily breakfasts and conference lunches, entry to the welcome reception and Gala Awards dinner, and the complete conference registration fee.
Are freelance journalists eligible to apply?
Yes. Freelance investigative reporters, documentary directors, and independent multimedia storytellers are eligible, provided they show a portfolio of published investigative reporting and demonstrate clear commitment to investigative journalism.
What is required of fellows after the conference?
Fellows must either publish an investigative story related to knowledge or cross-border connections made at GIJC27 or give a formal presentation/training workshop to colleagues or the journalism community in their home country.
What is the deadline to apply for the GIJC 2027 Fellowship?
The deadline to submit your fellowship application is January 31, 2027 (23:59 UTC) via the official online form.
