The Association for Investigative Journalism in Sweden - The Journalist Fund Scholarship for the further training

What the Journalist Fund research scholarship gives you

You will receive up to about 8,900 EUR (100,000 SEK) as a tax-free grant for academic research in the field of journalism and media. You can use this money to cover your living expenses whilst working on the project, as well as travel and material costs. The grant does not cover computers, telephones, lost earnings or your regular accommodation during research trips. The grant is provided by Journalistfonden, a Swedish foundation established in 1969 that supports practising journalists in their professional development. In this funding round, the foundation has allocated 200,000 SEK to grants of up to 100,000 SEK each.

Who can apply

• Your job: You work as a journalist, either as a permanent employee or on a freelance basis.
• Experience: After completing your basic training, you worked as a journalist for at least four years.
• What the money funds: You are conducting research in the field of journalism and media at a university, either as part of a PhD or within four years of completing your PhD.
• Track record: Your previous work demonstrates that you are capable of carrying out the research project.
• Swedish link: You work for Swedish-language media organisations or media organisations with some other connection to Sweden, which are subject to Swedish legislation on freedom of the press and freedom of expression and have a responsible editor.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome. What matters is your connection to the Swedish media, not your passport.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Foundation’s website. You must submit a clearly defined research proposal along with six supporting documents, including your research objective and methodology, a budget and a timetable, proof of your affiliation with a research institution, and your CV. The application deadline for the call for applications described here was 12. The Foundation’s Board will make the decision and contact successful applicants directly. There will be no interview.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined. You must be working as a journalist and have at least four years’ professional experience, whilst also conducting research as part of a PhD or postdoctoral programme in the field of journalism – the pool of eligible applicants is therefore small. The committee places particular emphasis on the quality of your application, so a concise, well-reasoned research plan is more important than your professional experience. If you clearly meet the criteria and put forward convincing arguments, your chances are good.