FAQ
Who are we?
The Constructive Institute Asia Pacific Hub (CIAPH) is part of Monash's wider agenda to address one of the key social problems of the modern age - tackling misinformation and disinformation in a radically transformed media environment.
CIAPH is based in Monash University's School of Media, Film and Journalism and is a partnership with Constructive Institute in Aarhus, Denmark.
What is the aim of the fellowship?
This Fellowship is designed to give journalists the space, support and inspiration to step back from daily demands and reimagine their craft, through a constructive lens.
Over two transformative fortnights in Melbourne, you’ll step away from the news cycle to explore how constructive approaches to reporting and storytelling can help rebuild trust, deepen understanding, and strengthen democracy by supporting engaged and informed communities.
If you want to improve the state of public discourse and believe journalism can be a vital part of the solution, this Fellowship is for you.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for journalists eager to lead with intention, by exploring and expanding new models of reporting that inform, engage, and empower rather than divide audiences.
We welcome applicants from all media platforms who
- Lead and inspire change within their teams and beyond
- Apply an innovation mindset to their approach to journalism
- Champion constructive, solutions-focused reporting that informs and empowers audiences
- Bring at least seven years of experience and a readiness to learn, share and innovate.
We strongly encourage applications from First Nations journalists and news leaders.
What kind of project are you looking for?
A bold, ambitious constructive journalism idea that can be implemented, tracked and measured!
Every fellow will bring a totally unique area of focus – this is your space to test ideas, draw on a diverse and expert brains trust, challenge conventions, and develop a constructive journalism project that you would not otherwise have the time to explore.
With guidance from a highly experienced team and access to one of Australia’s leading universities, you’ll have both the intellectual freedom and institutional support to turn your ideas into impact.
It is important that your project has the support of your news organisation, including a project sponsor who will work with you to provide guidance and feedback along the way, ensuring that your idea can be implemented.
Project sponsors need to commit to a 30-minute weekly online session over the course of the month-long fellowship, to provide feedback and guidance as you develop your ideas.
Where possible, the same applies to freelance applicants. Alternatively, you can provide evidence of an ongoing relationship with at least one media organisation and a delivery plan for your nominated project.
What commitment do I need to make?
The program is a full-time commitment, in person, in Melbourne on the following dates
Monday April 20 to Friday May 1 2026
Monday 7 to Friday 18 September 2026
Participants will also be required to participate in two online sessions in the lead-up to each of the Melbourne programs.
Fellows will be asked to commit to the development and delivery of a constructive journalism project.
Fellows will be asked to participate in Monash University feedback surveys to help us refine the program and to help us track the implementation of fellowship projects.
Fellows will be invited to take part in a one panel discussion or masterclass with Monash Journalism students in 2026.
Do I – or my employer - need to pay to participate in the fellowship?
No. As this is a pilot program, there is no participation fee for the successful applicants.
Note that no per diem is offered. You will need to cover daily expenses including local travel to and from the Fellowship while in Melbourne. Lunch is not provided, onsite café options are available.
Applicants who have independent access to a stipend/funding that will cover costs and support them financially during the fellowship are welcome to flag this in their application, with no guarantee of entry to the program. All applications will be assessed on merit. Please contact us if you would like to discuss further.
Do I need to live in Melbourne to apply?
No.
Return flights and accommodation will be arranged and provided for fellows from interstate, Asia and the Pacific region.
Where is the Fellowship?
Monash University is proud to partner with Abbotsford Convent in Victoria, where fellows will gather for the program. Spread over 16 acres, Abbotsford Convent is a non-profit creative precinct, inscribed on the National Heritage List in 2017. A place of arts, culture and learning, it is an ideal setting to explore the complexities and possibility of constructive storytelling.
What do I need to submit to apply?
Applicants must submit the following:
- A five-minute video, telling us about yourself and why you want to be part of the program
- A 250-word summary of your career
- A 250-word summary of a constructive journalism idea/project
- A statement of support from your employer (template provided)
What happens after the fellowship?
You’ll join an international cohort of Constructive Institute fellows who share a belief in journalism’s power to support and strengthen communities through a constructive approach to reporting.
The Constructive Institute in Denmark and the Constructive Institute Asia Pacific Hub are building a community of practice around constructive journalism, with regular engagement, knowledge-sharing, research collaboration and international networking opportunities.
On a practical level, when you complete the fellowship in Melbourne, CIAPH will co-ordinate monthly online check-in sessions for the fellowship cohort, along with annual alumni gatherings. We will also facilitate opportunities for you to further collaborate with the Constructive Institute team and cohort in Denmark.
Important Dates
Applications Open 9.00am 22 January
Applications Due by 11.59pm 24 February
Fellowship Dates:
20 April – 1 of May
and
7 September - 18 September
For further information, please email us at ciaph@monash.edu and we will respond asap.
Where do I apply?
To apply, fill out our application form here, or scan the QR code below.
