About Achilles Data
Are you attracted to the career of a journalist but lack enough experience? Do you want to find out if journalism is your passion for life?
Through the Achilles Data program you will experience what a profession of a journalist really is about and you will gain the necessary experience for any future projects.
In five months, you will learn how to write an engaging analysis or an in-depth text using the techniques of a journalistic work. Mentoring throughout the course is provided by the most qualified journalists in the field.
The course is free of charge for successful candidates; the costs associated with attending the training (course fees, travel, accommodation) are covered by the Bakala Foundation.
What skills will you gain in the program?
- verifying information and work with open sources
- conducting an interview, including confrontational ones
- basic techniques of investigation, data journalism, reporting
- crafting engaging texts and creating infographics
- using OSINT and geolocation tools
- working in a team
- following the principles of journalism ethics
„It's like reading a thrilling detective novel, but you can also write it at the same time," says Alena, an Achilles Data 2022/2023 participant.
Who is the program for?
- Students who have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate/graduate higher education and have a serious interest in journalism.
- Young professionals from media newsrooms
- Active and motivated students with fluency in English.
- Age: 18–26 years.
Candidates from the following countries may apply:
Czech republic
Slovakia
Poland
Hungary
Ukraine
How does the program work?
- The course accepts teams of 3-4 students. (Exceptions are possible, the organizer can form teams from registered individuals.)
- Members of accepted teams will first attend a four-day series of lectures and workshops on journalism in Prague. Top figures in global investigative journalism and experts from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and abroad will share their experience with the participants.
- This is followed by a practical part, during which students work in teams on real cases of their choice, either at their place of study or online, as agreed by the team. Each team is always assigned to a mentor (an experienced journalist) with whom the students continuously consult throughout the duration of the course on their methods of working on the chosen topic.
- At the end of the program, teams submit their work (consisting of an article, an interview, and an infographic).
- The course concludes with a final day of workshops and project presentations, during which the best piece is announced and awarded. All participants who meet the requirements receive a certificate of completion and feedback on their work from an independent jury.
- The costs of the students' participation in the initial training and the final meeting in Prague are covered by the Bakala Foundation. The costs include travel, accommodation, course fees and meals during the attendance sessions.
What are the requirements for successful completion?
- Acceptance into the Achilles Data course.
- Participation in an introductory four-day training course in Prague.
- Independent journalistic work of each team for the duration of the course, brief team meeting minutes once a week.
- Active collaboration with mentor.
- Submission of the investigative project by March 1, 2026, and participation in the final workshop, presentations, and the announcement of the best project.
Application schedule
April 4, 2025 | Opening of applications. Teams of 3-5 students apply for the course, each of whom completes an application form. | |
September 30, 2025 | Closing of applications. | |
October | The expert committee will select the participants of the program from the received applications that meet all the criteria, and we will subsequently contact and communicate the logistical details of their participation with them. | |
November 6–9, 2025 | Start of the program: four-day training in Prague (Thursday to Sunday). | |
November–February | Participants work on their cases, usually at their place of study, online or by agreement within the team. | |
March 1, 2026 | Submission of team work. | |
April 10–11, 2026 | Final event including team presentations of projects in Prague. |
The program step-by-step
The Achilles Data program is organised by the Bakala Foundation in cooperation with its partners Stop Corruption Foundation and Ján Kuciak Investigative Centre, with kind support of the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic.
Mentors 2024/2025
Czech republic
Slovakia
Poland
Hungary
Ukraine
Lecturers 2024/2025
Achilles Data in numbers
8
iterations
183
alumni
5
countries
8 | iterations |
183 | alumni |
5 | countries |
Alumni
I have previous experience with journalistic work, but at Achilles Data I had the opportunity to work on my first investigative case. I found this work very fulfilling. It's like reading a thrilling detective novel, but writing it at the same time. Going forward, investigative journalism will definitely be one of the avenues I consider for my next career.
Alena Harciníková
Achilles Data 2022/2023
Czech republic
During my work in the program, I learned that it is not enough to just find information, but to see the connections and think critically. We were surprised by how much so-called "non-public information" can be found at publicly available sources. Investigative journalism is essential for a functional democracy, and in the future I would like to devote myself to uncovering issues that harm our society.
Dominika Chrastová
Achilles Data 2021/2022
Slovakia
A big challenge for us was the huge amount of data we got from open sources that we had to read through, get our bearings and select what's critical. Fortunately, we had a great support from an experienced mentor. I learned to work effectively in a team and to rely on each other. I don't think we could have handled such a demanding task working individually.
Klára Pukovcová
Achilles Data 2022/2023
Czech republic
Published articles of course participants
Articles, images, graphs, infographics, and other content published on this page are created by student contributors as part of an educational project. While Bakala Foundation provides the platform for their work to be showcased, we are not the authors or owners of the content. The students retain full responsibility for their respective works, including proper attribution and copyright compliance. Bakala Foundation does not assume any liability or responsibility for the content or its use. Any concerns regarding the ownership or proper credit of materials should be directed to the respective student authors.
Questions and answers
What language is the program in?
Is it necessary to have a team to join the program?
Is it mandatory to attend the initial three-day training in Prague, or is it possible to participate only in team work on an investigative case?
Can I apply even if I study only a high school?
What level of English is required to participate in the program?
Contact
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