Applications must be submitted in English via the EJC Platform. Journalists from all media formats – print, broadcast, digital, multimedia, and documentary – are welcome to apply. Scientists from any relevant discipline may participate as co-investigators.

To be eligible, each team must include at least one media outlet (lead applicant) and one research or academic institution (co-lead) based in a country participating in the Creative Europe Programme. Freelancers and additional partners may join the team, but cannot apply independently.

A media outlet refers to a legally registered platform or organisation that distributes news, information, entertainment, or other forms of content to the public. These outlets can include traditional forms of media such as newspapers, television stations, and radio stations, as well as digital platforms like websites and online news services. Media outlets are responsible for producing, curating, and disseminating content to their audience.

A research institution is a legally registered public or private organisation dedicated to conducting systematic investigations and studies in order to generate new knowledge, develop technologies, or solve specific problems across various fields of science. These institutions can include universities, government laboratories, independent research centres, or nonprofit organisations.

Eligible countries include all 27 European Union (EU) member states and the following non-EU countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Ukraine.

Selected teams are expected to design, execute, and publish a rigorous investigative project that addresses a topic of public interest, such as climate change, healthcare, emerging technologies, or local governance. In addition to funding, teams receive tailored mentorship, access to training sessions, and opportunities to participate in networking events with other grantees.

All grants are awarded through a transparent and independent jury process, free from donor influence, and based on the merit of each proposal.

The Journalism Science Alliance encourages submissions from staff journalists, media outlets, scientists, academia, research institutions, freelancers, and NGOs engaged in journalism or academic/scientific research. We are committed to fostering diversity, both geographically and in terms of gender, ethnicity, and other factors. We also emphasise inclusion as a fundamental aspect and we aim to support journalists working in environments with declining media freedom.