Applications are now open for the 2026 Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program, an initiative designed to nurture and support the next generation of leaders in business and economic reporting. Since its inception in 2017, the program has built a strong reputation for providing journalists with an immersive and transformative academic and professional experience.
This prestigious residency program takes place at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, where selected participants will spend approximately 12 weeks engaging in rigorous academic learning, auditing classes, attending specialized seminars, participating in Stigler Center events, and networking with globally recognized scholars and professionals.
The program provides an exceptional opportunity for journalists to deepen their understanding of political economy, financial systems, and policy, equipping them with the knowledge and tools required to strengthen their reporting and analysis on these subjects. It also encourages collaboration among journalists from diverse backgrounds and media formats, fostering cross-border connections and the exchange of ideas.
This article outlines the details of the residency program, including its objectives, the structure of the residency, the professional benefits, and the specific duties participants are expected to undertake during their time at the Stigler Center.
Program Overview
The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2026 is tailored for mid-career journalists who seek to expand their knowledge of economics, regulatory policy, and political economy. The initiative provides structured academic exposure while allowing participants to maintain their unique journalistic lens. The residency emphasizes both independent learning and group participation, with an approach that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and analytical engagement.
Over a 12-week period, participants will interact with leading scholars, policymakers, and peers from across the globe, building their expertise while expanding their professional networks. The program is open to journalists from all continents, representing a wide range of media formats, including print, broadcast, and digital journalism.
Job Description – Journalists in Residence
The Journalists in Residence Program is not a conventional job placement but rather a structured residency opportunity with specific academic and professional responsibilities. Participants will be considered active contributors to the intellectual and journalistic community of the Stigler Center during the residency. Below is a detailed description of what the role entails:
Academic Engagement
- Audit a selection of University of Chicago Booth School of Business classes relevant to economics, finance, and political economy.
- Participate in weekly seminars designed exclusively for Journalists in Residence, where critical discussions on regulatory policy, markets, and governance are facilitated.
- Collaborate with faculty and fellow participants in academic sessions, encouraging knowledge exchange across disciplines.
Program Participation
- Take part in Stigler Center events, including lectures, conferences, and workshops, engaging with guest speakers who are thought leaders in economics, law, and public policy.
- Contribute actively in discussions, bringing unique perspectives from their respective journalistic backgrounds.
- Collaborate with peers in the residency program to explore global issues related to economic systems and governance.
Professional Development
- Strengthen analytical and investigative skills through exposure to diverse academic frameworks and real-world case studies.
- Expand professional networks by engaging with University of Chicago scholars, visiting experts, and fellow journalists from various regions.
- Gain insights into emerging global economic challenges and explore how these insights can be applied in journalistic practice.
Residency Contributions
- Participate as an active member of the cohort, fostering collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.
- Document insights and reflections that may inform future reporting or long-term projects.
- Serve as a representative of their home region and media industry, sharing perspectives that enrich discussions within the program.
Reporting and Media Engagement
- Although participants are not required to produce journalism during the program, they are encouraged to consider how the academic experience informs their reporting.
- Explore opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to journalistic practice once they return to their professional roles.
- Maintain engagement with peers and the wider community to ensure continued collaboration beyond the residency.
Program Benefits
The residency provides participants with a holistic experience that blends academic enrichment, professional growth, and global networking.
- A stipend of USD 14,000 to support living expenses during the 12-week program.
- Full funding for travel to and from Chicago, ensuring accessibility for international participants.
- Access to University of Chicago resources, including its extensive library system and research facilities.
- Direct engagement with world-class faculty at the Booth School of Business.
- A supportive environment that fosters professional collaboration and peer-to-peer learning.
Eligibility
The program is open to journalists who:
- Have professional experience in media, with a track record in reporting on business, economics, politics, or related subjects.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English to fully participate in academic and program activities.
- Show a clear interest in deepening their knowledge of political economy, regulatory frameworks, and global markets.
The residency seeks candidates who are eager to strengthen their expertise and return to their newsrooms with enhanced analytical capacity.
Duration and Location
- The residency spans approximately 12 weeks.
- It is hosted at the Hyde Park campus of the University of Chicago, a leading hub for academic inquiry and policy debate.
- The 2026 cohort will engage in a combination of classroom learning, seminars, and independent study, structured to maximize both academic depth and professional interaction.
Application Details
Interested journalists are invited to submit applications before the stated deadline. The application process typically requires the following:
- A completed online application form.
- A curriculum vitae or résumé highlighting relevant media experience.
- A statement of purpose outlining professional goals and the expected benefits of participation in the program.
- Samples of published work that demonstrate journalistic expertise and interest in economic or political subjects.
Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026 Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program is October 1, 2025. Early submission is encouraged to allow sufficient time for the review process and travel planning for selected participants.
Contact Information
For inquiries, applicants may reach out via email: [email protected]
Telephone contact: +2349098044444
Conclusion
The Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2026 represents a unique opportunity for journalists worldwide to immerse themselves in academic learning, professional collaboration, and intellectual exploration at one of the world’s most respected institutions. By engaging with leading scholars, peers, and global policy experts, participants will gain the skills and perspectives necessary to elevate their reporting and contribute meaningfully to global discourse on economics and governance.
