The workshop that took place on 12 April 2019 in Sofia enabled working journalists to become sufficiently defended against the increasing online threats which invariably accompany quality reporting—hackers, governments, cybercriminals, corporate IT.

“The goal isn’t perfect security; the goal is to be safe enough to not have to worry about who you’ve offended (and if you aren’t upsetting anyone, what’s the point of being a journalist?) without having to lose convenience and resources (e.g. time)”, said the
American Eric Johnson who has spent nearly 30 years combating cybercensorship, advocating progressive media and internet policy, improving journos’ cybersecurity, and implementing large media support projects in over 50 countries.

The new edition of the forum raises the question of the limits of the capabilities of technology and people. Where, these boundaries will take us out? How far will we get? Is there a last barrier that we will not go through? Do the technologies develop outside our control and whether they are good or bad? That’s why this year there are only two, complementary, but also controversial, panels: Technology and People. Technology panel will meet you with incredible inventors that create magical products and services beyond human frontiers and the black mirror. Humans panel will meet you with remarkable innovators in the sphere of medicine, sports, arts, economics and politics that leave behind a significant inception trace. Both will guide you to your unimaginable journey beyond ultimate frontiers.

Among the panelists are Robert Baer, Ex-spy Central Intelligence Agency, Reality Television Host; Butzi (Johannes Alinhac) Magician, Keynote Speaker; Stephen B. Thomas, Director, School of Public Health Science; Dan Ramsden,  Creative Director for UX architecture and Design Research at BBC; Meenu Singh, Learning Experience Designer at Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

With the general media support of the Bulgarian National Radio.

Major partners of the event are: UniCredit Bulbank, Kaufland България, Telenor България и Hewlett Packard Enterprise, operated by Selectium.

With the support of SAP, Мicrosoft България, Questers, BMW България, Isobar, NESCAFE® Dolce Gusto.

Registration: http://innovationexplorer.bg/

When: November 19, 2018 – April 2019
Where: Elieff Center, Sofia, Bulgaria
Who: Journalists and 3rd and 4th year Journalism students who want to improve their English abilities from intermediate to upper-intermediate and above, while also developing their professional skills.

About the program

The program consists of 15 weekday and weekend sessions. The first 5 weeks are dedicated exclusively to English language training.  The following 10 weeks will be a mix of English language trainings, as well as weekend seminars on Journalism topics.  The program participants will be split in groups for their language training but will attend the Journalism specific seminars altogether.

Application Requirements: 

• Current employment with a media company or enrollment in 3rd or 4th year in Journalism major at a university;
• Proven professional track in the field of journalism;
• Upper-Intermediate Level of English (CEFR B1/B2). Applicants with completed intermediate level, with high final grades will be considered;
• Strong commitment to a 15-week long program in terms of class attendance, preparation and participation.

Application Documents:

• CV;
• A brief motivation letter in English on how the participation in the program will help the development of free journalism in Bulgaria;
• English Certificate Level Completion (applicants without a certificate but with proven working level English proficiency are encouraged to apply).

Application deadline: November 2, 2018

If you have any questions, please visit: https://www.aubg.edu/english-for-journalists.