Opportunity for Journalists: Residency Program Applications Open

 

To delve into these topics, Cyber Valley invites journalists to apply for its Journalist-in-Residence (JIR) program. The residency provides an environment that fosters creativity and encourages innovative thinking about the future tools and methods for AI-driven or AI-supported journalism. 

The Cyber Valley Journalist-in-Residence (JIR) program is for experienced journalists interested in exploring the intersection of journalism and AI. Participants will learn about advancements in machine learning, computer vision, and robotics, with full access to researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, the University of Tübingen, and the University of Stuttgart. Journalists can conduct independent research on a chosen topic in collaboration with AI researchers without the obligation to report on specific AI topics or Cyber Valley itself. 

Journalists can apply until April 24th, 2025, for a three- to six-month paid stay at Cyber Valley's campus in Tübingen. The residency is aimed at staff and freelance journalists, who can undertake it on a full- or part-time basis. Remuneration via a work contract is based on TV-L E13. 

 

What does Cyber Valley offer? 

Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation and a collaboration between the Center for Rhetorical Science Communication on Artificial Intelligence (RHET AI) and Cyber Valley, the JIR program offers:  

• An introduction to the basics of machine learning, computer vision, and robotics  

• Access to a network of researchers  

• Insights into the Cyber Valley Community  

• Freedom for creativity and reflection on the methods and tools for AI-supported journalism  

• A remunerated work contract  

• A budget for events (e.g. workshops, expert talks, travel)  

• Accommodation 

• Full-/part-time 

• Salary based on TV-L E13  

 

How to apply 

Interested journalists can apply via e-mail to Janis-Anne Fischer (Public Engagement Manager, Cyber Valley) by April 24, 2025. They should include the following materials:  

• Cover letter 

• CV 

• Two-page idea paper covering which journalistic challenge the applicant will address during their stay  

 

The selection criteria include journalistic quality, scope, previous data journalism experience, creativity, relevance, and project feasibility. Applications may be made in German or English. 

An independent jury will choose up to two candidates by the end of April 2025 and make their final decision at the beginning of May 2025.  

The JIR program offers space for two journalists for a three-month stay, or one journalist for six months beginning in summer 2025. For more information on the call for applications and the Cyber Valley JIR program, contact Janis-Anne Fischer.