Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is offering a free online training program to help journalists investigate digital threats, cybercrime, disinformation, malware, spyware, and online influence operations in today’s AI-driven environment. The program combines expert-led practical training with hands-on exercises, enabling participants to develop digital investigation skills and learn how artificial intelligence can support investigative journalism.
The course runs from early October through the third week of November, requires approximately six hours of study per week, and is open to journalists worldwide, with priority given to applicants from the Global South and those covering AI, cyber investigations, or disinformation.
Overview of the GIJN Digital Investigations Training Program
The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) has launched its fifth edition of this specialized online training program to strengthen journalists’ ability to investigate digital threats and cyber-related issues.
The course is designed to help reporters understand emerging digital risks while learning practical investigative techniques that can be applied across multiple reporting beats, including technology, politics, security, human rights, elections, and organized crime.
Purpose of the Training Program
The program aims to:
- Strengthen digital investigative journalism skills.
- Help journalists investigate cyber-related issues.
- Improve reporting on AI, disinformation, and online threats.
- Teach practical digital investigation techniques.
- Develop investigative skills using AI tools responsibly.
- Build capacity for cross-disciplinary investigative reporting.
Training Topics
Participants will receive practical instruction in areas including:
- Digital investigations fundamentals
- Digital threat landscape
- Artificial intelligence in investigations
- Malware investigations
- Spyware investigations
- DNS investigations
- Website and digital infrastructure analysis
- Disinformation investigations
- Online trolling investigations
- Network analysis
- Cybersecurity reporting
- Open-source investigative techniques
The curriculum focuses on practical skills that journalists can immediately apply in their reporting.
Program Delivery
The course will be delivered through:
- Live online sessions
- Practical workshops
- Hands-on investigative exercises
- Expert-led discussions
- Real-world case studies
Participants will learn directly from experienced investigative journalists and digital investigation specialists.
Expert Trainers
For the fifth edition of the program, GIJN is partnering with renowned investigative journalist Craig Silverman alongside a team of experienced digital investigative journalism trainers.
Participants will benefit from expert guidance and practical insights into modern digital investigations.
Program Schedule
The training will run:
- Start: First week of October
- End: Third week of November
There will be a scheduled break:
- 26–30 October (to avoid overlap with IJ WEEK)
Participants selected for the program will also have access to sessions and workshops held during IJ WEEK.
Time Commitment
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately:
- Six hours per week
Applicants should ensure they can commit to the full duration of the program before applying.
Who Is Eligible?
The training is open to:
- Journalists
- Investigative reporters
- Media professionals
Applicants must:
- Be proficient in understanding and reading English.
- Commit to the entire training program.
- Attend all required sessions.
- Complete the pre-course survey.
- Present a story or project pitch at the end of the course.
Priority Applicants
Priority will be given to journalists who demonstrate experience or strong potential in reporting on:
- Artificial intelligence
- Disinformation
- Malware
- Spyware
- Online trolling
- Digital investigations
- Cybersecurity
Journalists based in the Global South are especially encouraged to apply.
Participant Requirements
Selected participants must:
- Complete a pre-course survey.
- Attend all training sessions in full.
- Participate actively throughout the course.
- Develop and present a final investigative story or project pitch.
Successful completion requires full participation.
Why This Training Matters
Digital threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, affecting elections, public discourse, cybersecurity, human rights, and democracy worldwide.
This program helps journalists:
- Investigate cyber threats effectively.
- Understand AI’s role in investigative reporting.
- Detect disinformation campaigns.
- Analyze online networks.
- Report responsibly on emerging digital technologies.
- Improve investigative reporting across multiple beats.
The training equips journalists with practical tools needed for modern investigative journalism.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a strong application demonstrating their interest in digital investigations.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you:
- Are a journalist.
- Can read and understand English.
- Can participate throughout the program.
Step 2: Demonstrate Relevant Experience
Highlight any reporting related to:
- AI
- Disinformation
- Cybersecurity
- Technology
- Investigative journalism
- Digital threats
Relevant experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
Step 3: Submit a Strong Application
Explain:
- Why you want to participate.
- How the training will support your journalism.
- Your investigative interests.
- Your reporting experience.
Step 4: Commit to the Program
Selected participants should be prepared to:
- Complete approximately six hours of work each week.
- Attend all sessions.
- Complete the pre-course survey.
- Present a final story or project pitch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without demonstrating an interest in investigative journalism.
- Underestimating the weekly time commitment.
- Missing mandatory live sessions.
- Failing to complete the pre-course survey.
- Submitting a weak or incomplete application.
- Not explaining how the training relates to your reporting.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of selection:
- Highlight investigative reporting experience.
- Demonstrate an interest in digital threats and AI.
- Explain how you will apply the training in your journalism.
- Showcase previous investigative work where possible.
- Emphasize your commitment to completing the full program.
- Clearly describe your motivation for participating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the GIJN Digital Investigations Training Program?
Journalists who are proficient in English and able to commit to the full duration of the online training program are eligible to apply.
Is the training free?
Yes. The program is offered free of charge by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN).
What topics will the course cover?
Participants will learn digital investigations, malware, spyware, DNS investigations, disinformation, trolling, network analysis, AI applications in journalism, and cyber investigations.
How long does the program last?
The course runs from the first week of October through the third week of November, with a scheduled break during 26–30 October.
How much time is required each week?
Participants should expect to spend approximately six hours per week on training activities.
Who receives priority during selection?
Priority is given to journalists with experience or strong interest in AI, disinformation, malware, spyware, digital investigations, and applicants from the Global South.
What is required to complete the program?
Participants must complete the pre-course survey, attend all training sessions, actively participate throughout the course, and present a final investigative story or project pitch.
Conclusion
The GIJN Free Online Training Program on Digital Investigations and AI provides journalists with valuable practical skills to investigate cyber threats, digital misinformation, online influence operations, and emerging technologies. Through expert-led instruction, hands-on exercises, and collaboration with leading investigative journalists, participants will strengthen their ability to produce high-quality digital investigations and report confidently in today’s rapidly evolving AI-driven media landscape.
For more information, visit GIJN.
