This call supports three journalistic or research projects that examine structural, legal, technological, or social factors shaping the environment for independent journalism. Selected applicants will receive financial support to cover research and reporting costs, as well as editorial mentoring by experienced BIRN editors.
The call is implemented within the framework of the EU-funded project “Strengthening Media Freedom, Professionalism and Journalists’ Safety in Albania”, implemented by BIRN Albania together with SCiDEV and Qendra Faktoje.
The project seeks to strengthen monitoring and public accountability around freedom of expression and journalists’ safety by equipping local journalists and researchers with the skills, resources, and editorial support needed to document violations, risks, and systemic challenges.
The grants to local journalists and researchers to produce research papers or media analyses should prioritize one of the following topics:
- Impact of media concentration and political interference in the editorial independence;
- Impact of social media and technology on professional journalism;
- Threats and online harassment of journalists;
- Protection mechanisms / impunity for attacks on journalists;
- Challenges in reporting from local and rural areas;
- Barriers to female journalists’ safety and advancement;
- Ethical reporting on gender, minorities or marginalized communities;
- Working conditions and labour rights of journalists and media workers in Albania;
- Role of disinformation, propaganda or foreign information manipulations and interference (FIMI) in the information ecosystem.
The awarded journalists and researchers will receive a scholarship of 1,500 euros gross (minus personal income tax). They will have three months to dig deeper and research their ideas. They will also have the opportunity to work with experienced editors as mentors to guide them through the process of writing in accordance with ethical standards.
We encourage the submission of proposals for the production of relevant content by individuals or teams. We support various forms, including investigations, data-rich stories and research papers. The call only applies to journalists and researchers from Albania with previous experience on this topic.
All applicants must be independent and free from conflicts of interest in the responsibilities they undertake. Applicants may submit more than one application, but only one proposal per candidate may be awarded.
Interested candidates should send their proposals in Albanian language by email to: [email protected], including: completed application form (Click here to download the form); a CV and two examples of their previous work.
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026.