Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Fellowships: A Deep Dive

The Pulitzer Center is offering its fifth cohort of AI Accountability Fellowships, a global program designed to support journalists investigating the real-world effects of artificial intelligence. As AI systems become more integrated into our lives, understanding their impact is crucial. This fellowship provides journalists with the resources and support needed to conduct in-depth investigations into how AI is developed, used, and overseen, especially in areas where accountability might be lacking.

About the AI Accountability Fellowships

Launched in 2022, the AI Accountability Fellowships have supported 35 journalists across five continents. The program aims to empower journalists to explore the human, social, political, and economic consequences of AI technologies. The 2026-2027 cohort will select 8 to 10 journalists globally who are dedicated to uncovering these critical issues.

Why This Fellowship is Important

Artificial intelligence is no longer a specialized field; it influences many aspects of society. AI is used in government decision-making, business operations, labor management, social services, security, and online platforms. With the expansion of these technologies come potential risks such as bias, exclusion, exploitation, lack of transparency, and the concentration of power. The fellowship offers journalists a chance to investigate these complex topics with thoroughness and a global viewpoint.

What the Fellowship Provides

Selected fellows can receive up to $25,000 in total support. This includes:

Reporting Funds

Up to $20,000 is available for reporting costs. This can cover travel expenses, data analysis, requests for public records, research assistance, and stipends.

Engagement Activities

An additional $5,000 can be used for engagement activities. These might include community outreach, public events, collaborations with other creators, or local distribution of reporting through zines or workshops.

Mentorship and Training

Fellows gain access to experts in AI, policy, data, and investigative journalism. They will also participate in monthly virtual training sessions and learn from a global cohort of peers.

A Global Community

The program includes mandatory monthly meetings, which last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Fellows are also expected to join community calls and engage on the fellowship’s online platform, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Impact-Driven Storytelling Support

For the first time, fellows will receive structured guidance to create an impact plan. This plan will help ensure their reporting reaches the audiences who can take action based on the findings.

Examples of Past Investigations

Previous fellows have produced significant reports on various AI-related topics. These include investigations into data labelers unknowingly working on military projects, the strategies large technology companies use for global data center expansion, and flaws in algorithmic systems used for poverty targeting in Peru. Other investigations have looked into the export of facial recognition technology to countries with less strict regulations and the use of AI in detecting welfare fraud in Europe.

These past investigations have led to tangible outcomes. For instance, reporting has influenced new legislation in Brazil, provided evidence for legal cases, inspired student-led investigations in Indonesia, and encouraged creative civic engagement through poetry and community storytelling.

Fellowship Requirements

To ensure a strong and collaborative learning experience, fellows must commit to several requirements. These include attending the monthly mandatory meetings, joining at least one community call, and actively participating in virtual discussions. Fellows are also expected to share their methodologies and lessons learned, and engage in peer review and collaborative learning with their cohort. If a journalist has a compelling story idea but cannot commit to these requirements, the Pulitzer Center suggests applying for an AI Reporting Grant instead.

Program Structure and Timeline

The AI Accountability Fellowships program lasts for 10 months, with the next cohort beginning in September 2026. The application deadline for this cohort is July 12, 2026.

Additional Programs Under the AI Accountability Network

The fellowship is part of the Pulitzer Center’s larger AI Accountability Network, which was established in 2022 to broaden and strengthen global reporting on AI. This network also includes AI Reporting Grants, which offer short-term support for in-depth AI stories, and the AI Spotlight Series, which provides free online training in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Additionally, the South to South AI Accountability CoLab works to improve collaboration between civil society and journalism in Africa, Latin America, and South/Southeast Asia. The AI Accountability Network is supported by various philanthropic organizations, including the MacArthur Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Ford Foundation, Luminate, and Omidyar Network.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the fellowship details and explore examples of past reporting. Attending an AI Spotlight Series training session is also recommended. All applications must be submitted before the July 12, 2026 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions