Dataharvest 2026 - the European Investigative Journalism Conference

Whether it’s a human source or a data set – if you want to get something out of it, you have to engage with it. The closer you look into the data or the closer you interact with a protagonist, the higher the chances for a good story. But what happens if boundaries blur? How close is too close?

What helps if you realize an investigation (or a tiny piece of information) is emotionally overwhelming? How can you shield yourself from unbearable content or heartbreaking narratives? How can you set professional boundaries if protagonists show abusive or simply inappropriate behaviour? How can you end work-relationships with protagonists after a story is done, even though they try to keep in touch constantly, or you feel responsible for them? How can you avoid getting sucked in by data sets, forgetting about day and night, regular office hours, and ignoring warning signs of your body?

Psychotherapist Friederike Engst and journalist Malte Werner of the German “Helpline” for journalists will guide you with their combined expertise through the session, in which you can ask your own questions, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.