Ochberg Fellowship — Fellowship

The Ochberg Fellowship is the flagship program of the Global Center for Journalism and Trauma (GCJT). It was established in 1999 and named for the psychiatrist Frank Ochberg, M.D., a pioneer in the study of trauma. Fellows spend a week in seminars with leading experts and journalism practitioners, exploring the many dimensions of psychological trauma, working through the ethical and craft problems their reporting raises, and building relationships with colleagues from around the world.

More than 250 journalists have come through the program. The 2026 cohort was announced on 7 January 2026: 15 fellows from six continents, together with one senior fellow drawn from the 2025 class. That group convened in Paris, the first edition held under the Global Center’s banner; earlier editions were held at Columbia University in New York and in Montreal, Canada.

Benefits & funding

A week-long seminar program with leading trauma experts and working journalists.
GCJT has run the Ochberg Fellowship as an expenses-paid fellowship, covering the cost of attending.
Entry to a network of more than 250 Ochberg Fellows worldwide.
The 2026 edition was made possible by support from the Trust for Trauma Journalism.
The exact package for each cycle is published with that year’s call for applications.

Eligibility

Senior and mid-career journalists working in all media: reporters, photographers, editors and producers, in print, broadcast and online.
At least five years of professional journalism experience, per the program’s published guidance.
Open to journalists anywhere in the world; the 2026 cohort came from six continents.
The program selects journalists who specialize in covering violence, conflict and tragedy.
No degree requirement and no age limit are stated.

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.

Experience required
≥ 5 yrs

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Application process

1
Check whether a cycle is open. GCJT takes applications through its Submittable portal, which currently lists no open calls.
2
Sign up for the GCJT newsletter and follow its channels; fellowship opportunities and application deadlines are announced there.
3
When a cycle opens, apply through the portal and follow the guidelines published with that call.
4
GCJT names the cohort ahead of the seminar week; the 2026 fellows were announced on 7 January 2026.

Program timeline

7 January 2026
The 2026 Ochberg Fellows are announced (15 fellows from six continents).
The cohort convenes in Paris; exact seminar dates are not published.
2026
Next cycle
no call for applications has been announced. GCJT publishes openings and deadlines through its newsletter and social channels.