Digital Sherlocks Application

We are excited to share the return of the DFRLab’s Digital Sherlocks program!

This application is intended for U.S.-based journalists and U.S. local newsrooms only. Please do not submit through this form if you are not from this group as global applications for the 2026 Digital Sherlocks cohort are now closed.

Across eight program iterations, the DFRLab has engaged thousands of participants from around the world in practical training on open-source investigative methodologies, interactive conversations on digital governance and tech policy with DFRLab experts, and informal networking events. Apply to join this global community!

Please submit this form by Monday, May 11, 2026, at 23:59 Eastern Time.

Please be sure to respond to all questions fully and consider the open answer questions carefully. 
We understand that some applicants’ first language is not English and they may use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to check grammar or improve the structure of their writing - this is acceptable. However, please do not use AI to write answers for you. We want to hear directly from you about how this program aligns with your work and how our missions connect.

If you have any questions about the program, please check the "About" page, where we have addressed most frequently asked quesstions. If your questions are still not addressed, please contact us at dfrlabcapacity@atlanticcouncil.org.

Applicants will be notified in late-May of their status. The training program will run from early June till end of August. 

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

Please provide one email address you check regularly and will use consistently throughout the program.

Confirm email (same as above)

Gender

Nationality

Country of residence (if different from nationality)

Organization (if you're a student, please indicate your academic institute)

Job title (if you're a student, please indicate "student" and your degree)

Type of organization

Please select your current education level

Please select your career stage

How did you hear about the Digital Sherlocks program?

Please indicate which DFRLab staff member shared the program with you

We require applicants to provide their social media accounts to help us verify your identity during the selection process. Please include links to your social media accounts (i.e., X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram) as much as possible. If you don't have any social media accounts, please fill in the box with “N/A.” We encourage you to include at least one social media account link. Applications with no links may be disqualified immediately.

Facebook

X (former Twitter)

Instagram

Please rate your English proficiency in the following areas. At this time, Digital Sherlocks program is offered in English only. DFRLab offers a range of training opportunities in other languages. If you are interested in the DFRLab's training in a language other than English, please contact smammadova@atlanticcouncil.org

Rows	Poor	Intermediate	Good	Fluent
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking

Please select the answer that best describes your level of skill or understanding in each of the following competencies before participating in the 2026 Digital Sherlocks cohort

Rows	I have no experience or knowledge in this area	Beginner	Intermediate	Expert
How to structure an investigation into information operations
Using open source tools to geolocate and verify multimedia content
Analyzing mis- and disinformation narratives on X (Twitter)
Analyzing mis- and disinformation narratives on Facebook
Analyzing mis- and disinformation narratives on TikTok
Tracking information operations on Telegram
Analyzing mis- and disinformation narratives on YouTube
Using OSINT tools that work via the command line to collect data
Creating and analyzing a network graph using social media data
Using source code and back-end info to identify website domains & owners
How AI can be used to manipulate content and to detect manipulation

Select which Digital Sherlocks cohort you’ve participated in. If you have been a part of multiple cohorts, please select the relevant years.

Have you participated in any other DFRLab event?

Other

Briefly describe the work of your organization and how it fits the mission of Digital Sherlocks program. If you're not affiliated with any organization, please describe how your studies or independent work align with the purpose of the program. (160 words)

Please describe in detail projects you've worked on related to the DFRLab's mission. You should share details about your role and responsibilities within your organization/team, relevant research you conducted and/or published, relevant projects you worked on, and/or your interest in this field. If applicable, please include any links to relevant resources. (160 words)

Please describe why you are interested in joining the Digital Sherlocks training program? What you would like to get out of your participation in the Digital Sherlocks training program and real-life examples of how you would apply the knowledge developed through the program. (160 words)

Anything else you would like to share with us?

By submitting this application, I consent to receiving communications from the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab for program-related updates and coordination

Digital Sherlocks: 2026 Applications