Published on 21st Oct, 2026
Globally, we are witnessing a worrying disconnect between journalism, the reporting of issues experienced by disadvantaged and sanctuary seeking communities and the voices given a platform to speak about these communities.
Powerful actors are discrediting journalists and eroding trust in independent journalism and, simultaneously, narratives are being shaped to create division and the impression of deep polarisation.
In a modest response to this, SCI launched a Participatory Journalism Fellowship in 2025 and awarded eight grants. The programme supports the independent work of journalists, filmmakers and storytellers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and builds on the success of previous SCI fellowship programmes which included a small number of journalists and documentary makers.
The journalism fellowship allows participants to investigate and surface critical issues and voices that are often unheard or silenced.
In 2026/27, SCI has awarded six fellowships to support projects that:
- Raise awareness of child poverty and its impact on children’s educational outcomes
- Investigate the effects of online health misinformation on disadvantaged communities
- Share stories of strength and resilience that change the narrative around marginalised groups
- Document the ways in which AI companions are reshaping everyday life
- Investigate the impact of violence inflicted on women and girls in Northern Ireland
- Highlight the lived experience of sanctuary seekers and people from ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland
The 2026 fellows are:
In addition to financial support, participants also receive mentorship, access to SCI’s activist networks which connects them to communities and perspectives often overlooked in mainstream journalism and guidance from leading figures in journalism and documentary filmmaking. SCI also amplifies fellows' work to ensure the impact of their investigations and storytelling is felt across society.
The fellows in the inaugural Participatory Journalism Fellowship were:
- Brian Pelan
- Colm Teague
- Elton Sibanda
- Clodagh Traynor
- Harry Bateman
- Claire Dickson
- Tommy Greene
- Martin Warde
