Free media is essential to hold the less-than transparent governments of Central and Eastern Europe to account. Key political and business actors are increasingly obfuscating their actions and limiting data access to escape public scrutiny. Effective investigative journalism requires a set of skills for obtaining and working with large datasets, and interpreting the patterns emerging from such data. 

This course will bring together junior journalists and researchers from the CEE regions with global experts of data journalism with the aim of teaching the necessary tools and methods, as well as to build professional networks. 

Pedagogical Concept - Project Approach

Classes will be hands-on, where learners use their own computer to access the tools and technologies taught and discuss problems in small groups. A key component of several modules is “live demo,” where instructors and learners work on their problems together. This practice enables effective learning with frequent interaction and feedback from instructors and peers.

The program will be based on project-approach. Participants will be working in small groups on journalistic projects chosen from 3-4 options offered by the organizers. They will be able to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the plenary sessions on their own projects, and consult with instructors and experts on a daily basis. The projects are