The Ochberg Fellowship is the flagship seminar programme of the Global Center for Journalism & Trauma (GCJT), named for psychiatrist Frank Ochberg. It is aimed at mid- and senior-career journalists who cover violence, conflict and tragedy.
Fellows spend an intensive week of seminars at Reid Hall in Paris, learning the science of emotional trauma and how to interview survivors and report on them ethically.
Benefits & funding
- Round-trip air travel to Paris, six nights of hotel accommodation and all meals.
- A stipend for ground transport, visa and related costs.
- A week of seminars on trauma science and ethical reporting, with peer journalists.
Eligibility
- At least five years of professional journalism experience; internships do not count.
- Print, broadcast and digital reporters, photographers, editors and producers; staff and freelance both welcome.
- Open to journalists from any part of the world.
- Fluent spoken English: all seminars are in English.
- Students (undergraduate or graduate) cannot apply.
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
- 1Apply on GCJT’s Submittable form by 20 October 2026, 5:00 pm ET; late applications are not accepted.
- 2Include a CV, a letter of interest of up to two pages and two work samples published or broadcast in the last 24 months by a professional news outlet.
- 3Name two recommenders; their letters are due by 27 October 2026, 5:00 pm ET.
- 4Selected fellows are notified through Submittable.
Program timeline
Application deadline (5:00 pm ET)
20 Oct 2026
Recommendation letters due
27 Oct 2026
Fellowship week in Paris
22–27 Mar 2027