The Global Center for Journalism & Trauma runs this institute with the Centre for Journalism and Trauma Asia Pacific. Twenty-five Australia-based reporters and content creators meet in Melbourne for panels, workshops and practical sessions on science-informed, trauma-aware reporting about young children and caregivers.
After the in-person program, each fellow develops an original early-childhood story with a $3,000 grant and six months of editorial mentoring. The institute is part of a multiyear initiative connecting early-childhood reporting with inequality, education, public health, child care, and social and economic policy. Applications for the 2026 institute are closed.
Benefits & funding
- Three days of panels, workshops and skills sessions with researchers, clinicians, child-development specialists and journalists.
- Round-trip travel from anywhere in Australia to Melbourne, three hotel nights, airport ground transport and program meals are covered.
- Each fellow receives a $3,000 story grant and six months of editorial mentoring after the institute.
- Health insurance and travel insurance are not covered.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be based in Australia and work as reporters or content creators in print, digital, audio, photography, television or video.
- At least three years of professional journalism experience is required.
- Student journalists are not eligible.
- The official page states no academic degree, nationality, age or gender restriction beyond the Australia-based requirement.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Residence required
Australia
Experience required
≥ 3 yrs
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Application process
- 1Create a free Submittable account and open the application linked from the official program page.
- 2Provide a résumé or CV, a professional biography and a letter of interest of no more than two pages.
- 3Submit two recent, relevant work samples published or broadcast within the previous three years; the applicant must have reported or edited each sample, and non-English samples need an English transcript.
- 4Enter the email address of one professional referee so Submittable can request the recommendation directly.
- 5Submit the main application by the stated deadline; the 2026 round is now closed.
Program timeline
Application deadline
May 29, 2026, 10:00 AM AEST
Recommendation deadline
June 5, 2026, 10:00 AM AEST
Applicants were due to receive decisions by email
July 2026
The 25-person cohort was announced
August 27, 2026
Institute begins in Melbourne
November 11, 2026
Institute ends
November 13, 2026