About Achilles Data
Are you interested in investigative journalism, uncovering scandals, and working with data? Do you want to gain real-world experience, build contacts in newsrooms, and publish your own investigative piece?
In the 10th edition of the Achillova Data program, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to work on a real-life case. The program is designed for teams of three students and young journalists from five countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine). (Don’t have your own team? Sign up as an individual, and we’ll connect you with others!)
Over the course of 5 months, we’ll teach you the latest investigative techniques, how to work with open-source intelligence (OSINT), and how to use generative AI. Throughout the program, your team will also receive one-on-one mentoring from experienced journalists at leading media outlets.
All costs associated with participating in the training sessions in Prague (tuition, lodging, meals, and travel expenses) are fully covered by the 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 students. (Exceptions are possible, the organizer can form teams from registered individuals.)
- Members of accepted teams will first attend a compulsory 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 two final days of workshops and project presentations, during which the best project is announced and awarded a prize. Upon fulfilling the requirements, all participants will 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?
- Admission to the course: Successful completion of the selection process for the 10th year of the Achillova Data program.
- Active participation in introductory workshops: Mandatory in-person attendance at a four-day introductory training course in Prague.
- Teamwork and Independent Work: Developing a journalism project as part of a team throughout the duration of the course and submitting a brief weekly meeting summary.
- Active Collaboration with a Mentor and the Team: Regular consultations with an assigned mentor and close cooperation with other team members.
- Collaboration with the foundation: Active communication with the Bakala Foundation team, adherence to the schedule, and cooperation in organizing the program.
- Project submission and final presentation: Timely submission of the journalism project by June 22, 2027, and participation in the final workshop, presentations, and the announcement of the best project in Prague.
Current year
Application for the 10th annual Achillova Data program is now open!
Want to try working on a real investigative case under the guidance of top mentors? Apply with a team or as an individual and kickstart your journalism career!
We are accepting applications from October 5, 2026, through December 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET).
Schedule for the 10th Annual Event
October 5, 2026 | Application is now open. Teams of three students and young journalists may apply for the course (individuals may also apply). Each member must fill out their own application form. | |
December 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. CET) | Closing of applications. | |
December 2026 – January 2027 | Selection Process. An expert committee will select program participants from among the applications received that meet all criteria. We will then contact the selected candidates and discuss the logistical details with them. | |
February 17–20, 2027 | Program kickoff in Prague. A four-day introductory course filled with lectures, hands-on workshops, and meetings with mentors (Wednesday through Saturday). | |
February–June 2027 | Case Studies. Participants work on their projects at the study site or online and regularly consult with their assigned mentor regarding their progress. | |
June 22, 2027 | Submission of team work. | |
September 16–18, 2027 | Official Closing Ceremony and Awards Announcement. Final meeting in Prague, project presentations, and announcement of the best case study of the 10th annual competition. |
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 2025/2026
Czech republic
Slovakia
Poland
Hungary
Ukraine
Lecturers 2025/2026
Erika Kinetz
AP
Achilles Data in numbers
9
iterations
226
alumni
5
countries
9 | iterations |
226 | 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?
What is required in the application form?
Contact
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