Applications for the Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme 2025, created in memory of the brave investigative journalist, are now open. The scheme seeks to support aspiring journalists from underrepresented backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

Lyra McKee, a prominent queer journalist, was tragically shot in crossfire during rioting in the Creggan area of Derry in 2019. The 29-year-old was struck by a bullet reportedly aimed at police.

Created in memory of the young journalist, the Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme is a five-month programme that provides an opportunity to get the skills, mentorship, and confidence needed to succeed in journalism. The scheme is run by the UK’s Centre for Investigative Journalism, while the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman will provide funding for one or two aspiring journalists.

The aim of the five-month programme is to train and mentor people from underrepresented communities, who aspire to become journalists or who are at the very early stages of their journalism career. Applications are strongly encouraged from people from working-class backgrounds, people of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, carers and members of the Traveller community.

Having first launched in 2019, the Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme has already supported several aspiring journalists in their careers. A 2024 bursary recipient commented on the programme, saying: “I thought the mentors were so constructive and friendly in their feedback. I didn’t find them intimidating to talk to, and they helped to solve problems in a supportive and empowering way”

Another recipient from 2023 said: “[The mentors] worked through bumps in my ideas; helped me hone my emails, media requests and pitch; and were on hand for the many questions, small and large, that I had throughout the programme.

“Having never personally known a working journalist I could turn to for advice, the mentors on this programme were such an integral part to my learning and development. I think I learnt as much from them in a few months as I would have on any full time journalism course.”

Applications are open from January 31 to March 31, 2025. All applicants must be over 18 and residing in the UK or Republic of Ireland. To find our more about the scheme and submit your application, click here.