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Technology Journalism Fellowship
This year, Publix is awarding the Publix Tech Journalism Fellowship for the first time, a unique continuing education programme that gives journalists the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the fields of technology and technology policy. The main topic of the first year, ‘Ethical AI’, focuses on the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence systems. Applications for one of the five places in the first year can be submitted until 15 November 2025.
Given the rapid development of AI systems and their growing importance for politics, business and society, there is a need for journalists who can contextualise these technologies, highlight opportunities and risks, and facilitate a fact-based public debate. With the Technology Journalism Fellowship, Publix aims to promote independent, critical and forward-looking reporting on AI and its ethical implications. Journalists will be supported in deepening their expertise, developing new perspectives and building strong networks. The Publix Tech Journalism Fellowship is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
The continuing education scholarship for technology journalism is primarily aimed at political, science and digital journalists who work either freelance or for local and national media outlets and news agencies and have a long-term interest in reporting on this topic. Support is provided to journalists and media professionals who are interested in critically assessing AI-based technologies and reporting on their responsible use.
The programme offers intensive networking and research opportunities in Germany and other European countries in two phases (14 days each), as well as insights into how AI systems work and how they are regulated at EU and federal level. It also facilitates exchange with editorial teams, researchers, developers, entrepreneurs and legislators.
Programme period: 13-24 April 2026; 14-25 September 2026 in Berlin, Brussels and other European countries.
Scholarship benefits: Participation is free of charge. Part of the travel and accommodation costs will be covered, and fellows will also receive a one-off salary compensation payment of €4,300.
Application: Eligible to apply are journalists, editors or media professionals who work either on a permanent basis or as freelancers for German editorial offices (public or private media), news agencies, or who publish their own formats on online and social media platforms. Fellows must be resident in Germany and speak German and English.
The application must include:
- A compelling letter of motivation (describing your personal, professional or journalistic interest in technology journalism in the context of ‘ethical AI’, max. 1,500 characters)
- Curriculum vitae
- A topic proposal (What would you like to report on? What context interests you? Who would you like to speak to? max. 1,000 characters)
- Two to three compelling work samples (texts, graphics, links, videos, audio), to be submitted as PDF files
The application deadline is 15 November 2025.
Fellows will be selected by an independent jury.
Please direct any questions about the content and structure of the programme or the application and selection process to Dr Eva von Grafenstein: eva.vongrafenstein@publix.de
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