About Achilles Data
Do you study journalism or media studies (or a related program) and are you interested in investigative journalism? Would you like to try what it's like to work on a real investigative case with the help of an experienced mentor, a professional journalist?
Then the Achilles Data program is right for you. This three-month intensive course introduces participants to the core tools, current trends and practical methods of investigative journalism.
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.
„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?
- Journalism and media studies students who have completed at least two semesters of undergraduate/graduate education and have a serious interest in journalism.
- Students of other programs, if they have experience of working as a journalist or if they demonstrate a strong motivation to become a journalist.
- Active and motivated students with fluency in English.
Candidates from the following countries may apply?
Czech republic
Slovakia
Poland
Hungary
How does the program work?
- The course accepts teams of 3-5 students. (Exceptions are possible, the organizer can form teams from registered individuals.)
- Members of accepted teams will first attend a three-day series of lectures and workshops on investigative journalism at the Bakala Foundation in Prague. Outstanding investigative journalists 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 investigative cases, 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 (usually an article + interview + infographic).
- The course ends with a final meeting during which the best paper is announced and rewarded. All participants receive a certificate of completion and feedback on their work from the judges.
- 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 session.
What are the requirements for successful completion?
- Acceptance into the Achilles Data course.
- Participation in an introductory three-day training course in Prague.
- Independent investigative work in a team for the duration of the course, brief team meeting minutes once a week.
- Active collaboration with mentor.
- Submission of an investigative project and presentation at the final award ceremony.
Current year
We are now accepting applications for the class of 2023/2024. Application deadline has been postponed till October 8.
Application schedule
June 2023 | Opening of applications. Teams of 3-5 students apply for the course, each of whom completes an application form. | |
October 8, 2023 | 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 2-4 | Start of the program: three-day training in Prague (Thursday to Saturday). | |
November–January | Participants work on their investigative cases, usually at their place of study, online or by agreement within the team. | |
End of January | Submission of team work. | |
February/March | Final event including team presentations of outcomes in Prague. |
The program step-by-step
The Achilles Data program is organised by the Bakala Foundation in cooperation with its partners Czech Centre for Investigative Journalism (investigace.cz) and Stop Corruption Foundation, with kind support of the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic.
Mentors 2023/2024
Czech republic
Slovakia
Poland
Hungary
Lecturers 2023/2024
Achilles Data in numbers
6
iterations
153
alumni
4
countries
6 | iterations |
153 | alumni |
4 | countries |
Alumni
Alena Harciníková
Dominika Chrastová
Klára Pukovcová
Published articles of course participants
The outcomes of the investigative cases worked on by the participants of the Achilles Data course were also published in the media:
Questions and answers
What language is the program in?
The 2.5-month team work on an investigative case is always led by a mentor from the country of origin (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland), so it is conducted in the native languages of the team members. The language in which the investigative project is to be written is also the native language of the team members (Czech, Slovak, Hungarian or Polish). The final presentation of the team project at the final meeting will be in English.
Is it necessary to have a team to join the program?
We prefer entries from whole teams, but if you are unable to form a team, you can enter as an individual. If we get more individual entries, and if the individual entries are strong, we may be able to put together a separate team.
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?
Completion of the initial training by all team members is a condition for successful completion of the Achilles Data, i.e. also for participation in the team's investigative work under the guidance of a mentor/mentee.
Can I apply even if I study only a high school?
Unfortunately no, the Achilles Data program is for college and university students. However, the program is held regularly, so we look forward to receiving your application in a future edition!
I have already graduated from a university (or higher vocational school). Can I still apply for the Achilles Data program?
Yes, however, only if you graduated in the same year as the current run of the program.
What level of English is required to participate in the program?
Investigative papers of each team will be written in the teams' native languages (Czech/Slovak/Hungarian/Polish), however, the initial workshops, held in Prague, will be conducted in English. Therefore, the participant needs to have good oral skills in English (min. B2 level).
Contact
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