🚨 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

Finalists announced for 2015 Golden Padlock award

June 1, 2015 | Comments Off

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI: Investigative Reporters and Editors is proud to announce the finalists for its 2015 Golden Padlock Award celebrating the most secretive government agency or individual in the United States. “There is a unique brand of courage displayed by public officials who deny, delay and circumvent the public’s right to know with a straight-faced sense of duty,”…

IRE announces winners of Freelance Fellowship competition

May 21, 2015 | Comments Off

Projects investigating medical centers, government corruption and immigration law have been awarded IRE Freelance Fellowships this year. The winners of the 2015 competition are: Emma Jacobs, First Place, is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-area radio and television journalist. Her project will examine a law firm specializing in immigration law and the impact of its work on families trying…

Cast your vote for the IRE Board of Directors

May 18, 2015 | Comments Off

Starting today IRE members can vote online for the IRE Board of Directors. Ballots will be sent to the primary e-mail as listed in your membership profile. So far seven people have declared candidacy; six of the board’s 13 seats are up for election this year. To learn more about the candidates, click here. No one has declared candidacy…

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.