Sir Harry Evans Fellowship in Investigative Journalism: A Deep Dive

The Sir Harry Evans Fellowship in Investigative Journalism offers a unique nine-month program for early-career journalists. This fellowship, a collaboration between Durham University and Reuters, aims to cultivate rigorous, fact-based research and reporting skills. It provides a valuable opportunity for journalists to undertake an investigative project while receiving mentorship from top Reuters editors and access to academic resources at Durham. The program is designed to support journalists in developing their investigative capabilities and contributing impactful stories to the field.

Fellowship Overview

The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship is designed for exceptional early-career journalists. It spans nine months and allows fellows to work on an investigative project. This program is a partnership between Durham University and Reuters, offering a blend of practical newsroom experience and academic support. Fellows will be based in a Reuters newsroom located in London, New York, Sydney, or Toronto. They will also receive support from colleagues at Durham’s Institute of Advanced Studies.

A key component of the fellowship is the opportunity to share learnings. The fellow will deliver a public seminar at the Institute of Advanced Studies, discussing their experiences and contributing to the understanding of journalism at the university. The program’s impact is highlighted by the success of its inaugural fellow, Waylon Cunningham, who was part of a Reuters investigative team that received a Pulitzer Prize in national reporting in 2024.

Benefits and Compensation

The Sir Harry Evans Fellowship offers substantial financial support to its participants. The fellowship includes a monthly salary of approximately £4,444. This translates to a pro-rata annual salary of about £53,333. In addition to the salary, fellows receive a living stipend of £1,250 per month. This stipend is intended to help cover daily living expenses during the fellowship period.

Furthermore, the program provides a one-off payment of £1,800. This amount is designated for travel and related expenses, assisting fellows with the costs associated with relocating or undertaking travel for their investigative projects. These benefits are designed to allow fellows to focus on their work without undue financial stress.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Sir Harry Evans Fellowship, applicants must meet specific professional experience requirements. Qualified candidates should have between two and five years of professional journalism experience. This experience should demonstrate a commitment to and aptitude for investigative reporting.

The fellowship also considers applicants who may not currently be working as journalists but have relevant investigative experience. This includes individuals who have worked in an investigative reporting capacity in related professional fields. Examples include authors or researchers who have produced authoritative investigative work, or those who have developed in-field photo or video research projects, documentaries, or exhibitions. Such applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to assess their suitability for the program.

The fellowship is a global opportunity, welcoming applications from eligible candidates worldwide, regardless of their current location. There is a particular encouragement for applications from individuals belonging to groups that are under-represented in journalism. This initiative aims to foster diversity and bring varied perspectives to the field of investigative reporting.

Application Process

Prospective applicants must submit their applications by a strict deadline. Any applications received after 12:00 PM noon BST on July 10, 2026, will not be considered. It is crucial for interested individuals to ensure their applications are submitted well in advance of this cut-off time.

The application is submitted through an online form. Interested candidates can find the application link provided by the organizers. For more detailed information about the fellowship, including specific requirements and program details, applicants are directed to visit the official Sir Harry Evans Fellowship page on the Durham University website. This resource provides comprehensive details to help applicants prepare their submissions effectively.

Conclusion

The Sir Harry Evans Fellowship in Investigative Journalism represents a significant opportunity for emerging journalists to hone their skills and contribute to impactful reporting. By combining practical experience with academic support, the fellowship empowers individuals to undertake ambitious investigative projects. The generous benefits and global reach of the program underscore its commitment to fostering talent and diversity within the field of investigative journalism. Aspiring investigative journalists are encouraged to review the eligibility and application requirements carefully to take advantage of this unique program.