of Pulitzer Center has officially launched the application process for the fifth group of AI Accountability Fellowships, inviting journalists around the world to submit proposals for in-depth research into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-2027 fellowship cycle, with a submission deadline of July 12, 2026.
Supporting investigative reporting on AI accountability
As artificial intelligence continues to shape governments, businesses, workplaces, and communities around the world, the demand for rigorous, independent reporting on its real-world impact has increased significantly. Recognizing this need, the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Fellowship aims to support journalists investigating the opportunities, risks, labor issues, governance challenges, and social impacts associated with AI technologies.
The program provides selected Fellows with funding, mentorship, training, and access to the global community of Fellows. Through these resources, journalists can pursue ambitious reporting projects that investigate how AI systems are financed, developed, deployed, and regulated by governments, businesses, and other influential institutions.
In light of four years of global impact
Since its inception in 2022, the AI Accountability Fellowship program has supported 35 journalists across five continents. Fellows conduct impactful research examining a wide range of AI-related issues, including:
• Role of data labeler and relationship with military projects
• Environmental and economic impacts of data center expansion.
• Algorithmic flaws impacting Peru’s poverty targeting system
• Exporting facial recognition technology to countries with weak regulatory frameworks.
• Influence of large technology companies on AI infrastructure development
These studies have produced tangible results, including contributing to new Brazilian legislation, providing evidence for legal proceedings, and fostering education and public engagement efforts focused on AI accountability.
Opportunity for journalists around the world
For 2026-2027, the Pulitzer Center will select eight to 10 journalists from around the world. The Fellowship welcomes proposals that investigate the impact of algorithms and automated systems on communities and encourages reporting across the AI supply chain.
In particular, the following people are encouraged:
• Journalists from the Global South
• Reporters from underrepresented communities.
• Investigative journalist covering technology, labor, governance and public policy.
• Independent newsroom-based reporters interested in AI accountability.
Applicants are also encouraged to attend the Pulitzer Center’s AI Spotlight Series training sessions and explore the program’s materials available online in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
New impact-focused funding component
A notable addition to this year’s Fellowship is our dedicated support for audience engagement and impact strategies. For the first time, fellows will receive funding, mentorship, and training specifically designed to help research reach strategic audiences and create measurable social impact.
Potential engagement activities include:
• Collaboration with digital content creators
• Creating community-focused educational materials.
• Developing public awareness campaigns
• Host discussions involving civil society organizations, policy makers, industry representatives, and researchers.
• Creating localized resources such as zines, exhibitions, and educational toolkits.
This new component reflects the Pulitzer Center’s commitment to ensuring that investigative reporting promotes meaningful public dialogue and accountability.
Fellowship benefits and requirements
This fellowship will run for 10 months starting September 2026. Selected fellows will receive up to $25,000 in funding allocated as follows:
• Up to $20,000 in reportable expenses.
• Up to $5,000 for engagement and impact activities.
Funds can be used for:
• Travel expenses
• Log requests
• Data analysis
• Research expenses
• Incentive reporting
• Other approved project-related expenses.
In addition to financial support, fellows will have access to experienced mentors and specialized training opportunities designed to enhance research reporting on AI systems.
Successful candidates are expected to:
• Attend mandatory monthly meetings that last approximately 1.5-2 hours.
• Participate in at least one community activity during the fellowship period.
• Engage with fellow journalists through virtual discussions and collaborative platforms
• Share reporting methods and lessons learned.
• Attend optional training sessions to support project development.
The Pulitzer Center emphasizes that collaboration among journalists from different regions and backgrounds often leads to stronger investigations and new perspectives on complex global issues.
Part of the AI Accountability Network
The AI Accountability Fellowship operates under the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Network. The network is an initiative launched in 2022 to strengthen and diversify public interest journalism with a focus on artificial intelligence.
The network is managed by Senior Editor Joanna S. Cao and Editor Karol Ilagan, with support from the Pulitzer Center’s editorial leadership team.
In addition to the fellowship program, the network supports several complementary initiatives.
• AI Reporting Grants for short-term research projects
• AI Spotlight Series, a free online training program for journalists and editors.
• South-to-South AI Accountability CoLab, which brings together journalists, researchers, and civil society organizations from Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The AI Accountability Network receives support from organizations such as the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Humanity AI, Open Society Foundations, Ford Foundation, Luminate, Omidyar Network, Park Foundation, and individual donors.
Application deadline
Journalists interested in investigating the social, political, economic, and ethical impacts of AI technologies should submit applications for the 2026-2027 AI Accountability Fellowship by July 12, 2026.
With financial support, mentorship, training, and a global community of investigative reporters, this fellowship provides a unique opportunity for journalists to produce impactful stories that hold powerful actors accountable and improve public understanding of artificial intelligence in society.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization providing this opportunity. For inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not submit your application or resume to GSO as it cannot be processed by GSO. Due to the large volume of emails we receive every day, we may not be able to reply to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
