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Host Institution: Durham University, United Kingdom
Program Name: Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship 2026
Location: London (Reuters Newsroom) & Durham University
Category: International Fellowships for Journalists
Eligible Applicants: All Countries
Program Duration: Varies (typically one academic year)
Reward: £66,383 annual salary + £1,250/month stipend + £1,800 travel allowance
Deadline to Apply: June 18, 2025
Visa Sponsorship: Yes (for international fellows)
Overview: What Is the Evans Global Fellowship at Durham University?
Are you an early-career journalist or investigative researcher seeking a global platform to elevate your reporting skills under the guidance of the world’s top editors and university academics? The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship 2026 is your gateway to a transformative experience — blending the rigor of academic research with the adrenaline of investigative journalism.
Offered by Durham University, this prestigious fellowship includes a placement in the Reuters newsroom in London or another suitable media partner, giving recipients unique access to global reporting resources and world-class mentorship.
This fellowship is named in memory of Sir Harry Evans, one of the most revered and impactful editors in British journalism, best known for his fearless investigative work and reformist editorial style. Through this program, Evans’ legacy lives on, offering a platform for passionate journalists committed to truth and accountability.
The fellowship is designed to be fully immersive, allowing the fellow to develop and execute an ambitious investigative journalism project over the course of the year. Alongside working in one of the world’s most prestigious newsrooms, the fellow also becomes part of Durham University’s vibrant research and academic community.
The program serves as a unique bridge between academic excellence and journalistic integrity — empowering fellows with the tools, mentorship, and networks necessary to produce impactful, deeply researched, and well-substantiated reporting.
Fellowship Financial Package: What You’ll Receive
This is one of the most financially competitive journalism fellowships globally. Selected fellows will receive:
- £66,383 annual salary (equivalent to approx. £4,444/month) paid directly by Durham University.
- £1,250 monthly living stipend, designed to support housing and day-to-day expenses.
- £1,800 one-off relocation/travel grant to assist with flights, relocation costs, and travel associated with the fellowship.
- Academic mentorship by Durham University faculty, including structured feedback and access to institutional resources.
- Professional mentorship by senior Reuters editors, providing real-world experience and editorial development.
- Employer compensation scheme: If you’re currently employed by a news organization and are taking time off to participate, Durham University can reimburse your employer up to £12,000 for temporary staffing costs.
The financial structure ensures fellows have both the security and freedom to pursue high-quality reporting without the pressure of freelancing or maintaining part-time work.
Key Features of the Evans Global Fellowship
The Evans Fellowship stands apart from other journalism scholarships and training programs due to its unique integration of newsroom placement and academic access.
- Named in honor of Sir Harry Evans, a pioneer of investigative journalism and a lifelong advocate for journalistic integrity.
- Aims to foster the next generation of investigative journalists who prioritize rigor, truth, public interest, and global accountability.
- Designed to empower journalists working in underreported regions, marginalized contexts, or challenging media environments.
- Access to Durham University research departments, institutes, and libraries. Fellows are treated as researchers, gaining invaluable tools for deeper, evidence-based storytelling.
- Opportunity to engage with the Reuters global network and gain access to international correspondents, newsroom strategy, and editorial innovation.
- Full freedom to define and refine your investigative project, with the goal of eventual publication in a major outlet.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Durham University Global Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be early in their journalism or storytelling careers.
- Have prior professional experience in journalism, editorial work, research publishing, or investigative reporting.
- Possess an existing body of work that demonstrates critical inquiry, investigative thinking, or public interest relevance.
- Show a clear and credible plan for an investigative project that aligns with the goals of the fellowship.
- Be capable of working independently, conducting thorough research, and communicating findings effectively.
- Have a high level of written and spoken English.
Applicants who are not currently employed by a news outlet but have a background in documentary filmmaking, research writing, human rights advocacy, or socio-political journalism will also be considered.
Examples of eligible profiles include:
- Human rights investigators working with NGOs
- Independent documentary journalists
- Academics publishing in investigative subject areas
- Data journalists
- Visual journalists and photographers pursuing evidence-based projects
Application Requirements: What You’ll Need
When applying, candidates must submit:
- Completed Fellowship Application Form (available on the official Durham University website)
- A 500-word personal statement, covering:
- Your motivations and values
- What you hope to gain from the fellowship
- Why your work fits within the legacy of Sir Harry Evans
- An 800-word detailed proposal, including:
- Investigative theme
- Methodology and scope
- Potential sources, collaborators, or locations
- Ethical considerations and risk assessment
- Expected impact or contribution to public discourse
- Current CV/resume with examples of previous publications, reports, or media projects
- Letters of recommendation (optional but beneficial, especially from editors, mentors, or collaborators)
All documents should be submitted in English.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this structured guide to apply:
- Visit the official program site: Durham University Global Fellowship
- Review eligibility criteria and ensure all materials are in English
- Download and complete the official application form
- Prepare your written statements and proposal in .PDF or .DOCX format
- Submit all documents using the portal before the June 18, 2025 deadline
Tip: Start your application early. The selection process is highly competitive, and incomplete or rushed applications rarely make the final cut.
The Importance of the Fellowship in Today’s World
The Evans Global Fellowship is more than just a professional development opportunity — it is a platform for social accountability and journalistic bravery.
In a media landscape threatened by disinformation, shrinking press freedom, and economic instability, this program restores a vital focus on facts, integrity, and investigative grit.
By equipping fellows with institutional backing, editorial training, and financial support, Durham University and Reuters jointly enable critical storytelling that might otherwise go unreported.
Past fellows and applicants have tackled issues such as:
- Environmental crimes and climate change corruption
- Corporate fraud and financial irregularities
- Human rights violations in marginalized communities
- Government transparency and accountability
This is not just about learning — it’s about changing the world through informed, impactful, and fearless journalism.
About Sir Harry Evans: A Legacy of Truth and Tenacity
Sir Harry Evans (1928–2020) was one of Britain’s most celebrated journalists, widely respected for his courage, editorial innovation, and devotion to public interest.
As editor of The Sunday Times, he led groundbreaking campaigns that uncovered massive political and corporate negligence — including the exposure of the Thalidomide scandal, where he championed compensation for thousands of victims.
His books, editorial work, and journalistic teachings continue to inspire generations of writers, reporters, and editors.
The Evans Global Fellowship carries his mission forward by supporting projects that echo his core values: integrity, truth-telling, and courage in the face of power.
Why Choose Durham University?
Durham University is a member of the UK’s Russell Group and consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.
Key benefits of working at Durham include:
- Access to interdisciplinary research across 22 departments and 9 research institutes
- Close partnerships with policy-makers, civil society groups, and media stakeholders
- Modern library systems and digital research tools
- A diverse and welcoming international student and faculty body
- Strong support for visa sponsorship and relocation
Durham’s setting in northeast England offers a blend of academic tradition, beautiful landscapes, and easy access to major cities including London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
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Other Related Opportunities You Should Explore
If you’re looking to apply for more programs like this, we recommend the following:
- Chevening Fellowships – Fully Funded UK Government Program
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Knight International Journalism Fellowships (ICFJ)
- John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University
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Evans Global Fellowship 2026 – Durham University x Reuters
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