Achilles Data is a two-month course for aspiring journalists and media students from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland. The aim of the program is to familiarize participants with the basic tools, current trends, and in-depth methods of modern investigative journalism.
The course is free of charge for successful candidates, and the Bakala Foundation covers costs associated with participation in the training (course fee, travel, accommodation).

 

ONLINE APPLICATION

Applications to the 7th iteration of the program are now open! (The deadline is October 1, 2023.)

 

 

The Course

  • This course accepts 3- to 5-member teams of students. (Exceptions are possible. The organizer reserves the right to form teams of registered individuals).
  • Teams first undergo a three-day series of workshops held between November 2 and 4, 2023, in Prague.
  • This is followed by a practical part, during which students work in teams on real investigative cases. Each team is assigned a mentor, whom the students consult with for the duration of the course. Regular meetings of the team with their mentor usually happen at the place of their study, online or as agreed within the team.
  • Teams submit their final project by mid January 2024; it usually consists of an article, interview, and infographics.
  • The course ends with a final meeting (expected date: February 2024) during which the best project is chosen and participants receive certificates of participation and a written evaluation of their work from the jury.

 

2022 Program Mentors 

Jana Ustohalová (Deník N)
David Klimeš (Aktuálně.cz)
Tereza Engelová (HlidaciPes.org)
Zuzana Petková (Stop Corruption Foundation)
Xénia Makarová (Stop Corruption Foundation)
Lukáš Diko (Ján Kuciak Investigative Centre)
Michal Šverdík (Olomoucká Drbna)

2022 Program Speakers

Jan Boček (Czech Radio)
Jan Cibulka (Czech Radio)
Lukáš Diko (Ján Kuciak Investigative Centre)
Justin Elliott (ProPublica)
Anna Gielewska (Fundacja Reporterow)
Tomáš Němeček
Jan Žabka (HlidaciPes.org)

 

The course is organized by the Bakala Foundation, the Czech Centre for Investigative Journalism, and the Stop Corruption Foundation, with the kind support of the U.S. Embassy in the Czech Republic.

Information for candidates

Admission and selection criteria

  • A team of 3-5 students or recent graduates from journalism and media universities or higher vocational schools in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary or Poland.
  • Submission of a complete online application.
  • Very good knowledge of English.

Price of the course

The Achilles Data course is tuition-free for all teams and their members selected to the program. Costs related to the students’ participation in the opening series of workshops in Prague are covered by the Bakala Foundation.

Conditions for successful completion of the course

  • Participation in the opening three-day training course in Prague.
  • Independent investigative team activities throughout the duration of the course, brief written notes from a team meeting once a week will be sent to the BF contact person.
  • Active cooperation with the mentor.
  • Submission of the investigative project and its presentation at the final event.