The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship: A Deep Dive for Aspiring Investigative Journalists
The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship represents a premier opportunity for early-career investigative journalists looking to hone their skills and make a significant impact. This prestigious program, a collaboration between Durham University and Reuters, offers a nine-month immersive experience in investigative journalism. It combines hands-on newsroom work with academic support, all while honoring the legacy of Sir Harry Evans, a journalist celebrated for his dedication to factual reporting and editorial integrity. For those aiming to deepen their investigative capabilities and contribute to global journalism, understanding the fellowship’s structure, benefits, and requirements is key.
About the Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship
The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship is designed to identify and nurture exceptional early-career journalists. It seeks individuals who show a strong aptitude for investigative work, possess sharp critical thinking skills, and are committed to reporting based on facts. The fellowship provides a unique platform for these journalists to develop their craft.
The chosen fellow will spend nine months working within a Reuters newsroom. This experience will take place in one of several major global cities, including London, New York, Sydney, or Toronto. During this period, the fellow will actively work on a significant investigative journalism project. They will collaborate closely with experienced Reuters journalists and editors, gaining invaluable practical knowledge. Beyond the newsroom, the fellow will also receive academic support and access to research resources from Durham University’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS). This dual focus on practical newsroom experience and academic rigor creates a rich environment for the advancement of investigative journalism.
Fellowship Benefits
The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship 2027 offers a compelling package of financial and professional advantages for its selected applicant. These benefits are structured to allow the fellow to concentrate fully on their investigative work without undue financial worry.
Financial Support
Selected fellows will receive a competitive monthly salary of approximately £4,444, equating to an annual pro-rata salary of around £53,333. In addition to this salary, a monthly living stipend of £1,250 is provided. To help with initial costs, a one-time payment of £1,800 is allocated for travel and related expenses.
Professional and Academic Growth
Participants will benefit from extensive professional and academic development opportunities. This includes close mentorship from top Reuters editors and investigative journalists, offering hands-on experience and expert guidance. Fellows will also gain access to the extensive academic and research infrastructure at Durham University, particularly through the Institute of Advanced Studies. The program emphasizes the development of key investigative reporting skills, such as fact-based journalism, research methodology, data-driven reporting, investigative storytelling, and ethical journalism practices. Furthermore, the fellowship provides international exposure, fostering global newsroom connections and networking opportunities. A notable academic component is the opportunity for the selected fellow to deliver a public seminar at Durham University’s Institute of Advanced Studies, sharing their experiences and contributing to discussions on journalism.
Legacy and Impact
The Sir Harry Evans Fellowship has a proven track record of producing impactful work. The inaugural fellow, Waylon Cunningham, was part of a Reuters investigative team that earned a Pulitzer Prize in National Reporting in 2024. Previous fellows, including Waylon Cunningham (USA), Rosa Furneaux (United Kingdom), and Pete McKenzie (New Zealand), have gone on to make significant contributions to the media industry, building a strong international network of investigative journalists.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to applicants from around the world, regardless of their nationality or current location. To be considered, applicants generally need to meet specific requirements. These include having between two and five years of professional journalism experience. They must also demonstrate strong potential in investigative reporting, a clear commitment to factual and ethical journalism, and excellent research and storytelling abilities.
Applicants from Related Fields
The fellowship also welcomes applications from individuals who may not be traditional journalists but possess relevant investigative experience in related professional areas. This can include authors working on investigative projects, researchers producing investigative work, documentary creators, photojournalists, video researchers, and exhibition developers focused on investigative themes. Applications from these candidates are reviewed on an individual basis.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups within journalism. Reuters and Durham University are committed to supporting a diverse new generation of investigative journalists and future newsroom leaders from across the globe.
Placement Locations and Immigration
The final placement city for the fellowship is determined by the Fellowship Committee. Selected fellows are responsible for meeting the applicable immigration and visa requirements for their assigned location. The potential placement cities are London (United Kingdom), New York (United States), Sydney (Australia), and Toronto (Canada).
Application Guidelines
Applicants must adhere to specific rules when submitting their applications. Proposals generated by artificial intelligence will be disqualified. Late applications will not be accepted, and all submissions must be made before the official deadline. Candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare original and authentic investigative project proposals that reflect their unique approach and interests.
Application Timeline
The application period for the 2027 fellowship opens on 6 May 2026, at 9:00 AM BST. The deadline for submissions is 10 July 2026, at 12:00 Noon BST. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Durham University fellowship portal. It is also recommended that applicants review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on the fellowship website before submitting their application.
About Reuters and Durham University
Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is recognized as one of the world’s largest multimedia news providers. Reuters partnered with Durham University to create this significant initiative, honoring Sir Harry Evans, who previously served as Editor-at-Large at Reuters. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to advancing investigative journalism.
Why Apply for the Fellowship
The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship stands out as a leading international opportunity for early-career investigative reporters. It uniquely combines competitive financial support with unparalleled access to global newsrooms, expert mentorship, academic research resources, international networking, and prestigious institutional partnerships. For aspiring investigative journalists aiming for global recognition and significant professional growth, this fellowship offers a truly career-transforming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship?
It’s a nine-month program for early-career investigative journalists, a collaboration between Reuters and Durham University, offering newsroom experience and academic support.
What financial support does the fellowship provide?
Fellows receive a monthly salary of approximately £4,444, a £1,250 monthly living stipend, and a £1,800 one-time payment for travel.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants generally need 2-5 years of professional journalism experience or relevant investigative work in fields like writing or documentary creation.
Where will the fellowship take place?
The fellow will work in a Reuters newsroom in cities like London, New York, Sydney, or Toronto, with the final location decided by the Fellowship Committee.
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