• panel (60 min) – dynamic discussions featuring 3–5 speakers. Strong moderation and a clear narrative are required
  
• workshop/masterclass (90–120 min) – practical sessions focused on skills, tools, or methods (note this is the preferred format)
  
• roundtable (60–90 min) – interactive problem-solving sessions with active participant engagement 
  
• lab (by invitation/limited capacity) – small-group sessions allowing for deep immersion in the topic; focused on collaboration, journalistic quality, investigations, or innovation

We particularly encourage proposals in the following areas:

• cross-border investigations and data exchange;
• financial crime, sanctions evasion, and corruption networks;
• organized crime and state capture;
• advanced OSINT techniques and verification;
• artificial intelligence in journalism (risks and opportunities);
• data journalism processes and tools;
• effective methods of collaboration in investigative journalism;
• effective business models for independent journalism;
• digital, legal, and physical security;
• protection against surveillance and harassment;
• editorial resilience in a hostile environment;
• disinformation ecosystems and influence operations;
• media manipulation and platform dynamics;
• rebuilding audience trust and credibility;
• working in exile and cross-border editorial models;
• reporting from conflict zones and authoritarian regimes;
• supporting emerging journalists in high-risk regions;
• new formats (video, audio, interactive);
• new methods of telling investigative stories to a wider audience.

• investigative journalists, editors, and editors-in-chief
• experienced non-fiction reporters
• data journalists, OSINT analysts, and new technology specialists
• trainers, researchers, and scientists
• civil society organizations and watchdog groups

Proposals will be assessed by an international programme committee based on best practice:

Relevance and urgency
Does the topic address key challenges currently facing journalism and democracy?

Practical value
Will participants gain specific skills, tools or insights that they can put to use?

Originality and depth
Does the session offer new insights, strong case studies or rarely discussed perspectives?

Engagement and format design
Is the session interactive, well-organised and audience-focused?

Diversity and inclusivity
Does it incorporate international perspectives and voices from high-risk or under-represented contexts?

Speakers’ expertise
Do the proposed speakers have proven experience and credibility?

• Call for proposals opens: 16 April 2026
• Deadline for submissions: 20 May 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Review period: June 2026
• Notification of acceptance: 16 June 2026
• Programme announcement: end of June 2026

Please include:

• session title
• format type (panel / workshop / discussion / lab)
• a description of the session (max. 200–250 words)
• key takeaways for participants (2–4 points)
• speaker’s information (first and last name, role, organization, country)
• contact information.

• For facilitators/speakers: in addition to guaranteed free admission to the festival, remuneration or reimbursement of expenses may be provided on a case-by-case basis; travel and accommodation costs may be covered; priority is given to participants from resource-limited and high-risk communities and those working in exile
  
• Workshops will be incorporated into the festival’s training paths and labs
  
• Selected sessions may be recorded, broadcast, or adapted into educational materials. Submitting an application constitutes consent to the recording and dissemination of the speaker’s presentation and likeness, particularly in the form of audio and video recordings, including on the organizer’s websites and social media, for educational and promotional purposes, without time or territorial restrictions.