Brief Information
Journalist Scientist Collaborations 2026 is a major European funding opportunity supporting cross-sector teams of journalists and scientists. The program funds investigative journalism projects grounded in scientific evidence and addressing topics of high public interest. Selected teams receive both financial support and professional mentorship to strengthen impactful, cross-border reporting across Europe.
This call is launched by Journalism Science Alliance and is open to teams based in Creative Europe countries.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: 23 March 2026, 17:00 CET
- Location / Type: Europe | Cross-border & collaborative
- Eligible Countries: Creative Europe countries
- Total Budget: €1,000,000
- Grant Amounts: €10,000 / €20,000 / €50,000
- Project Duration: Up to 8 months
- Target Group: Journalists, researchers, academic institutions, media outlets
- Project Focus: Investigative journalism based on scientific evidence
- Organiser: Journalism Science Alliance
Table of Contents
Overview
Journalist Scientist Collaborations 2026 aims to strengthen evidence-based journalism by encouraging deep cooperation between media professionals and the scientific community. In an era of misinformation and growing societal challenges, the program supports investigative projects that translate complex scientific knowledge into accessible, high-impact journalism for European audiences.
Funded projects may address a wide range of public-interest topics, including (but not limited to) climate change, public health, technology, environment, social justice, data ethics, and science policy. Cross-border collaborations are strongly encouraged, especially projects that bring a European or transnational perspective.
Beyond funding, Journalist Scientist Collaborations 2026 offers tailored mentorship, capacity-building training sessions, and networking opportunities. Special attention is given to diversity, inclusion, and the support of journalists working in challenging or under-resourced media environments.
The initiative strengthens trust in science through rigorous, collaborative, public-interest journalism.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Journalist Scientist Collaborations 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applications must be submitted by teams, not individuals
- Each team must include:
- One media outlet (lead applicant)
- One research or academic institution (co-lead applicant)
- Both lead and co-lead organisations must be based in a Creative Europe country
- Journalists may come from:
- Print media
- Broadcast media
- Digital journalism
- Documentary filmmaking
- Scientists and researchers may be from any relevant discipline
- Freelancers, NGOs, or independent experts may join projects, but cannot apply alone
- Projects must focus on investigative journalism grounded in scientific evidence
Application Details
Applicants to Journalist Scientist Collaborations 2026 must submit a project proposal outlining the investigative idea, collaboration model, target audience, and expected impact.
Funding Levels
- €10,000 – Small-scale or pilot investigations
- €20,000 – Medium-scale collaborative projects
- €50,000 – Large or cross-border investigative initiatives
What Selected Teams Receive
- Financial grant support
- Tailored editorial and scientific mentorship
- Training sessions on cross-sector collaboration
- Access to a European network of journalists and researchers
- Visibility within the Journalism Science Alliance ecosystem
Applications must be submitted no later than 23 March 2026 at 17:00 CET. Late submissions will not be considered.
For background on science-based journalism in Europe, you may also explore resources from the European Journalism Centre.
FAQ
1. Can freelancers apply alone?
No. Freelancers may participate, but applications must be led by a media outlet and an academic institution.
2. Are cross-border projects mandatory?
No, but cross-border and European-wide projects are strongly encouraged.
3. What languages are projects expected to use?
Projects should aim to reach European audiences; language choice depends on the target audience and outlets involved.
4. Can early-career journalists and researchers apply?
Yes. Early-career professionals are welcome as part of eligible teams.
Official Link
👉 Apply now via the official call page:
🔗 https://journalismsciencealliance.eu/grants2026/
