🚨 The IRE26 early-bird deadline has been extended to May 15. 🚨

IRE26 early-bird extended!

It's not too late to join IRE & NICAR for our annual investigative journalism conference - in National Harbor, Maryland (just outside of D.C.!). The early-bird rate has just been extended to May 15, so hurry before it's too late!

The IRE Conference is about all things investigative, data, storytelling, public records, networking, finding old friends and new and so much more! All packed into three and a half days of take-home tips, hands-on training, and more new friends than you can count.

Applications are now open for the IRE 2026 mentor program

The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31.

Learn more

In loving memory: Diana R. Fuentes

See photos, videos and notes from people celebrating Diana's life and work.

Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2025 IRE Awards!

We’re so proud to recognize these journalists, whose work represents the very best in investigative reporting. This annual contest is a reminder of the power of investigative journalism, which is essential to a free society.

Graphic with the text "IRE Meet the candidates!" and two illustrated checklist papers in the background with drawings of people's headshots and a marker to indicate someone is voting on them

Meet the 2026 IRE Board Candidates

In preparation for the 2026 IRE Board elections, get to know the candidates for the board and the contest committee.

Elected board members will guide IRE's mission, support journalists, and contribute to key decisions and initiatives.

Welcome to IRE!

Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting. IRE was formed to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, newsgathering techniques and news sources.

IRE provides members access to thousands of reporting tipsheets and other materials through its Resource Center and hosts conferences and specialized training across the country. Programs of IRE include the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR), a collaboration between IRE and the Missouri School of Journalism.

Training Opportunities

Learn the latest techniques of finding, understanding and reporting on stories with IRE. Explore training options across the globe and find an event that fits your schedule, whether it’s in person or online.

View Calendar

IRE News

2025 Don Bolles Medal awarded to Rocío Gallegos

June 21, 2025 | Comments Off

IRE has awarded the Don Bolles Medal for 2025 to Rocío Gallegos, editorial director and co-founder of La Verdad, an investigative news outlet she helped form in 2018 to fight the censorship and control of information that the Mexican government exerted over local news organizations.

"Golden Padlock Award Winner" text over redacted public records request in green.

U.S. Department of Government Efficiency wins 2025 Golden Padlock Award

June 21, 2025 | Comments Off

Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) earned the 2025 Golden Padlock Award from Investigative Reporters and Editors.

Five finalists selected for 2025 Golden Padlock Award

May 19, 2025 | Comments Off

Investigative Reporters and Editors has named its finalists for the 2025 Golden Padlock Award, recognizing the most secretive public agency or official in the U.S. This year’s competition highlights a competitive field of government agencies and public officials who have distinguished themselves in the art of secrecy.

There’s more pressure than ever to rise above the competition.

IRE can help you enhance your daily reporting with resources and member benefits you won’t find anywhere else.

Become a Member

The Center for Journalism & Democracy is accepting applications for a scholarship to the IRE conference!

Apply here.