CIJ Investigate Europe Lyra McKee Fellowship

About the Role

Investigate Europe will be offering journalists from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to work with our team of reporters and editors through a part-time, paid fellowship of up to five months, in partnership with the Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Lyra McKee Bursary programme.

The selected Investigate Europe fellows will gain hands-on training, mentorship and cross-border investigative experience with our pan-European team, working across a variety of stories and formats. This fellowship seeks to support individuals from underrepresented and/or disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to develop their skills and hone their talent in a working investigative newsroom.

The selection process will be run in tandem with the Centre for Investigative Journalism, with a flexible start date after September 2026.

Responsibilities

The #CIJLyra McKee Bursary Scheme is a five-month programme which incorporates training at #CIJSummer Conference 2026 and online, as well as a mentoring programme with regular meetings.

It builds towards a Pitch to the Editors session, where the trainees will pitch stories to working UK and Ireland editors.

After completing the scheme, the best graduates will have a chance to apply for the CIJ Investigate Europe Fellowship 2026, which will be offered exclusively to the CIJ Lyra McKee bursary scheme graduates.

Read more about the fellowship.

Skills & Experience

Time Commitment

  • Mentoring: 9-10 x 1.5-2 hours online evening sessions: Middle of May – late July, weekly in September 2026. (Exact dates – TBC). #CIJSummer Conference: 2 full days of training at Goldsmiths, University of London. Dates: 25-26 June 2026. Online data course: 6hrs of online data journalism course. Dates: 30 June, 1 July 2026.
  • CIJ Investigate Europe Fellowship – duration will depend on the selected individual(s)’ availability.

Apply here
    Application DEADLINE: Mon 6 April 2026 at 23:59 BST.