The Pulitzer Center is currently accepting applications for its 2025/2026 AI Accountability Fellowship program. This initiative seeks to foster comprehensive, impactful journalism that explores and analyses the benefits, risks, regulatory challenges, and workforce implications of artificial intelligence technologies.
Read more about Opportunities
Selected fellows receive financial backing, peer networking opportunities, expert guidance, and specialised training to conduct thorough investigative reporting on how AI systems are financed, developed, and implemented by corporations, governmental bodies, and other influential organisations.
The AI Accountability Fellowship program will select eight to ten journalists worldwide to examine how algorithmic and automated technologies affect their local communities.
Program Details and Expectations
The fellowship spans 10 months, commencing in September 2025, with participants receiving up to $20,000 in funding support for their investigative work. These funds may cover various project expenses, including freedom of information requests, transportation costs, data processing services, and living allowances.
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
Beyond financial support, fellows gain access to expert advisors across multiple disciplines and participate in targeted training alongside their cohort to enhance their reporting capabilities. Program participants must attend mandatory monthly meetings lasting 1.5 to 2 hours, lead at least one community discussion during their fellowship term, and actively participate in virtual gatherings and the program’s dedicated online community platform.
Fellows are strongly encouraged to join monthly virtual training workshops. These collaborative elements and educational components are essential fellowship obligations. Collaborating and learning alongside an international group of diverse journalists can reveal unexpected story connections and enrich individual projects through fresh viewpoints. Those interested in pursuing quality stories but unable to meet fellowship commitments may consider applying for an AI Reporting Grant instead.
Required Application Materials
- Statement of Intent: Explain how this fellowship aligns with your professional goals and demonstrate why you are ideally suited to serve as an AI Accountability Fellow (maximum 500 words).
- Project Proposal: Provide a comprehensive description of your intended reporting project during the fellowship period. Avoid broad topic suggestions; instead, present a specific project demonstrating preliminary research on your subject. A persuasive, thoroughly researched proposal with a clear reporting strategy will distinguish you among numerous candidates (maximum 500 words).
- Financial Plan: Outline expected project expenses across categories such as public records requests, software tools, data analysis services, travel and accommodation, and stipends. If your projected costs exceed the fellowship’s $20,000 maximum, identify additional funding sources that will enable project completion.
- Portfolio Samples: Provide three links to your strongest published work from the previous three years (artificial intelligence focus not required).
Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
- Editorial Support Documentation: Submit a commitment or interest letter from media organisation (s) that would publish your resulting story or stories. Staff reporters must provide a signed letter from their editor or newsroom leadership confirming organisational support for their fellowship application. This documentation should explicitly confirm that your workplace will provide time for fellowship participation and support the publication of fellowship-generated content. The letter may also explain why your supervisor believes you are well-suited for this opportunity.
- Professional References: Include contact details for three professional references or submit letters of recommendation.
- Professional Background: Attach your current resume or curriculum vitae.
Application Deadline: August 11, 2025. Click HERE TO APPLY.
Did you find this article useful? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
A great opportunity for journalists looking to delve into the impact of AI on society – great financial support, expert mentorship agario and global connections!