FAQ

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Who is eligible to apply for the Incubator? 

The program is open to teams of professional journalists, either employed or freelance, who are active in the local press in Greece. It is not open to students. 

Details: 

• Journalists from different cities, regions, or prefectures, either employed by local media or freelancers in Greece.

• Applicants must provide work samples that demonstrate their involvement in the local press. 

• Applicants must attach two letters of intent for publication from two different local media outlets. 

What types of projects can be supported? 

Text, photojournalism, audio reports/podcasts, and short journalistic videos. 

What is the application deadline? 

The application platform will be open from Monday, January 20, to Sunday, February 16, 2025 (11:59 PM). 

What are the criteria for evaluating a project? 

Each project is evaluated based on: 

• The originality of the subject of the applicants

• The added value of the proposal compared to the main coverage of the topic/issue

• The thoroughness of research methods, including presentation/narration

• The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed budget and timeline. 

Who evaluates the applications and selects participants? 

Applications will be evaluated by an independent committee based on the above criteria after an initial review by the iMEdD team to ensure completeness. Applicants may be asked to provide clarifications or additional materials. The committee’s members will be disclosed only after the evaluation process concludes, along with the announcement of results. 

Can I submit more than one application? 

Yes, multiple applications from the same team are allowed. However, only one application can be implemented in a single cycle. If the committee selects more than one proposal from the same team, the team must choose which one to include in the program. 

What kind of work samples are required? 

Any published work samples that best support your application and help the committee gain a comprehensive understanding of your team (e.g., photos, videos, articles, reports). The samples must be published in a Greek local media outlet. 

Do all team members need to submit work samples? 

Yes, as submitting samples of published work not only adds value to your application, but also, in case the applicant is a freelancer, demonstrates his/her activity in the region.

When will I be notified of the results? 

All applicants will be informed of the results via email as soon as the evaluation process is complete. 

What is the duration of the program? 

Projects must be completed within two (2) months from the official selection and according to the submitted timeline. During implementation, there will be specific progress evaluation points set by the iMEdD project manager, where participants must report on the project’s status to ensure its continuation. 

What does the Incubator offer? 

• Coverage of research costs (travel, accommodation, food, etc.). 

• Production support through iMEdD’s network of collaborators (photographers, sound engineers, videographers, editors, graphic artists, subtitlers) based on the needs outlined in the application. 

• Collaboration opportunities with the iMEdD Data Unit for data gathering, analysis, and visualization, if required for the project. 

• Mentoring from iMEdD’s international network of collaborators. 

What expenses are not covered? 

• No participant fees or fixed costs (e.g., equipment purchases) are covered. 

• Expenses not directly related to project implementation or focused on promotion and communication are excluded. 

• Production needs are covered by iMEdD’s network of collaborators. The team will work with participants to identify and select suitable professionals for the project. 

What rights does iMEdD have over the finished project? 

iMEdD does not acquire any intellectual property rights over the produced work. The result belongs exclusively to the participants. 

Additionally, the project managers and collaborators overseeing the support process have no editorial control over the reports. They may offer advice only if requested by participants. Editorial responsibility lies solely with the participants and the media outlets publishing the work. 

Who is responsible for research methods and the final output? 

iMEdD bears no responsibility whatsoever for both the research methods and the final result. The responsibility lies solely with the participants and the media in which their work will be published. The iMEdD takes as a given and as a prerequisite for participation the observance of the rules of journalistic ethics, and reserves the right to ask for explanations and to withdraw its support at any stage of the implementation if sufficient convincing explanations are not provided.

What are the participants’ obligations toward iMEdD? 

The only obligation of the participants is to acknowledge iMEdD’s support of the project at the time of its publication, in the manner specified in the relevant support agreement, which will include the general and specific terms of cooperation.

Tips 

• Provide as much information as possible about your project’s pre-research stage. 

• Describe your report idea in detail. 

• If your topic has been previously covered, explain how your work will add value and highlight its originality and innovation. 

• Fill out the timeline and budget with as many details as possible. 

Can I submit a new project proposal if I’ve received support for a previous one? 

Yes, there are no restrictions on participation in any of iMEdD’s programs. 

What should I do if I have more questions? 

Send an email to [email protected] with the subject: Incubator 2025.