Christo Grozev Fellowship for Courageous Journalism

Program Summary
About the Fellowship

Program Summary

Our program includes in-person immersion at AUBG, mentorship from seasoned investigative journalists, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. You will also have access to resources and support to undertake significant investigative projects that uphold democratic principles and promote human rights.

The fellowship is named in honor of Christo Grozev, an esteemed alumnus of AUBG, who has distinguished himself as a formidable investigative journalist, gaining international acclaim for his courageous work including the exposure of the operatives behind the poisoning of Alexei Navalny in 2020. His work is the basis for the Academy Award winning documentary, Navalny.
Grozev’s investigative reporting, which has landed him on Russian President Vladimir Putin's "most-wanted" list, is characterized by meticulous research and unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth. His work underscores the critical role of journalism in safeguarding democracy and advocating for justice. Grozev’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and media professionals worldwide, embodying the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of truth in the face of adversity. Through his fearless pursuit of truth and dedication to unveiling injustices, Grozev exemplifies the profound impact that courageous journalism can have on society. The Christo Grozev Fellowship aims to cultivate a new generation of journalists who embody the same relentless spirit and commitment to democracy and human rights.
The mission of the Fellowship is to foster an empowered, globally connected cohort of investigative journalists equipped to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century, safeguard democracy, and counter disinformation through meticulous, fearless, and ethically grounded journalism. The fellowship will empower journalists with the skills, resources, and ethical grounding necessary to conduct in-depth investigations in an increasingly complex global landscape, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, which are essential for the health and wellbeing of democratic societies.
The Grozev Fellowship represents a vital step toward fostering a network of journalists who are not only adept at uncovering the truth but also resilient in the face of attempts to silence them.
The world is at a pivotal moment in the fight against disinformation and the defense of democratic principles. The strategic importance of engaging journalists from Eastern Europe to regions directly impacted by Russian disinformation campaigns cannot be overstated. Journalists in these areas operate in environments where the freedom of the press is often restricted, and the risks associated with exposing truths are significantly heightened. By involving journalists from these regions, the fellowship will not only amplify voices that are crucial to the global discourse on democracy and governance but also foster a collaborative network of media professionals committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and informed public debate.

About the Fellowship

Each year, through a competitive selection process, two to five fellows will be invited to participate in a transformative journey aimed at bolstering their commitment to democracy and accountable governance.

The program includes:

In-Person Immersion at AUBG: Fellows will visit the AUBG campus for a two-week intensive program featuring seminars and workshops, training sessions, and insightful exchanges with faculty, students, and members of the local media community. This immersive experience will not only enhance their investigative skills but also deepen 7 their understanding of the principles underpinning democratic societies. As part of their in-person visit, fellows will engage in a panel discussion, sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations with the AUBG community and external audiences. This will foster a dialogue on the importance of courageous journalism in safeguarding democracy.

Mentorship and Collaborative Projects: Fellows will benefit from mentorship by seasoned journalists and experts. They will collaborate on investigative projects that aim to uncover truths vital to the public interest and the democratic health of their home countries, regions and the world.

Christo Grozev Award for Courageous Journalism: An award will be bestowed upon the fellow or fellows whose work during the program most effectively embodies the spirit of courage, integrity, and societal impact, serving as a testament to the power of journalism in the face of adversity.
Participants in the fellowship are selected through a competitive process, based on their demonstrated commitment to journalistic integrity, courage, and a proposal for an investigative project with potential for significant national, regional or global impacts. The program encompasses intensive training workshops, a robust mentorship program linking fellows with experienced journalists, opportunities for networking and professional development, and financial support in the form of a stipend to cover travel and project costs.
Empowering Voices for Democracy: The fellowship aspires to empower a network of investigative journalists with the skills, courage, and ethical grounding needed to hold power to account. By doing so, we aim to strengthen the fabric of democracy, which relies on transparency and accountability

Counteracting Disinformation: In an era where disinformation campaigns are increasingly sophisticated and globally orchestrated, particularly by authoritarian regimes, the fellowship seeks to bolster the capacity of journalists to identify, expose, and counter such narratives. This is not just about fact-checking but involves deep investigative work that gets to the root of disinformation sources and methods.

Global Network of Courageous Journalists: The fellowship envisions the creation of a vibrant, global network of fellows and alumni who support each other across borders. This network will serve as a powerful collective that shares resources, collaborates on cross-border stories, and provides mutual support in times of challenge.

Innovation in Journalism: The fellowship will foster innovation in journalism, encouraging fellows to leverage new technologies and storytelling methods to engage audiences and bring critical issues to light in compelling ways that resonate across diverse populations.
The Christo Grozev Fellowship for Courageous Journalism will cultivate a cadre of journalists who are not only adept at navigating the complexities of the modern information landscape but also committed to the principles of democracy and accountable governance. By equipping these individuals with the necessary tools, networks, and platforms, the fellowship is designed to achieve the following impact and legacy:

Strengthen Democratic Institutions: By increasing public awareness and understanding of critical issues, the work of our fellows will lead to more informed public discourse, greater civic engagement, and pressure for policy changes that strengthen democratic governance.

Build Resilience Against Disinformation: Journalists trained through the fellowship will be on the frontline of the fight against disinformation, helping to inoculate societies against the corrosive effects of false narratives and ensuring that truth prevails.

Promote Press Freedom: By highlighting the work of our fellows and advocating for their protection, the fellowship will contribute to a global movement for press freedom.

Inspire Future Generations: Through education, mentorship, and the example set by fellows, the fellowship will inspire students and future generations of journalists to pursue investigative journalism with integrity, courage, and a commitment to democracy.

Fellows

Finn Perelstein is an emerging Journalist driven by a deep-rooted sense of justice and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. He spent two years investigating and reporting in the Middle East for his short-documentary called ‘Love Your Neighbor’ about peacemaking in Israel and Palestine. Finn’s leadership in student activism and passion for social change are central to his work, with mobilizing the public at the root of his approach to journalism. Finn seeks to expand his investigative skills—particularly in data analysis and ethical reporting—to expose abuses of power and inspire civic action.

In the last six years, Philip Obaji has documented up to 100 human rights abuses and exploitation by Russian paramilitaries deployed in West and Central Africa. He has investigated and reported gut-wrenching massacres, rape, torture and oppression of vulnerable villagers by mercenaries from the Wagner Group and its successor, the Africa Corps, in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in Mali, despite threats in an incredibly risky context including being held hostage by CAR rebels and detained by CAR soldiers who tortured him on the orders of Russian paramilitaries. Obaji, whose investigative work has been published by some of the world’s most authoritative media outlets, has also spent the last decade uncovering trafficking of refugees in West and Central Africa and rightly portraying it as an overlooked consequence of war.

Obaji has received several recognitions for his work, including winning the 2022 Jaime Brunet International Human Rights Prize and the 2023 One World Media International Journalist of the Year award, becoming the first Nigerian to receive both honors in the process.