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Sir Harry Evans Summit in Investigative Journalism

On Wednesday 15 May, internationally acclaimed journalists, publishers and political commentators gathered in London for the second Sir Harry Evans Global Summit in Investigative Journalism.

Watch highlights from the event here, or click below to watch the Summit in full.

Watch the Summit here

About the Summit

The second Sir Harry Evans Global Summit in Investigative Journalism, held at the Royal Institute of British Architects on Wednesday 15 May, was established from the Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Fund, a landmark partnership between Sir Harry’s widow Tina Brown CBE and her family, Reuters and Durham University.

The Fund was launched in honour of Sir Harry, a Durham alumnus who was famous for his fearless campaigning as editor of The Times and Sunday Times. 

He campaigned tirelessly for compensation for victims of the Thalidomide drug, exposed the cover-up of Soviet spy Kim Philby and was voted by his peers as the greatest newspaper editor of all time in 2002. Sir Harry died in 2020, aged 92.  

Truth Tellers 

Truth Tellers, the Sir Harry Evans Investigative Journalism Summit, brings together the world’s most dogged and diverse truth-seekers, both seasoned and innovative: unsung reporters who risk their lives and reputations, intrepid war photographers, digital data sleuths, relentless documentarians, and enterprising investigators in podcasting, publishing, TV, and streaming media. What they share is a moral commitment to the truth – not the sanctioned story, the acceptable version or the cosmetic spin – but the unvarnished account of what really happened.

The summit includes a full day of programming followed by a closing dinner. The invitation-only audience is made up of 400 editors, reporters, broadcasters, media leaders, and cultural and political influencers. They will leave the event inspired by the next generation of fearless investigators and enlightened by their new methods, tools, and storytelling innovations.

Honouring Sir Harry's legacy

The Global Summit was hosted by Tina Brown, Reuters editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni and our Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O’Brien.  

In her address, Professor O’Brien explained the Fellowship's aim is to create a network of fellows who over the years will support each other and share their experiences.

Professor O'Brien said: “We are so delighted to play a part in this Global Summit to affirm the special partnership between investigative journalism and universities, and to celebrate our shared commitment to evidence gathering and free inquiry.

“The values that Sir Harry Evans embodied continue to inspire students and staff and are as urgently relevant as ever.”

Find out more 

We are so delighted to play a part in this Global Summit to affirm the special partnership between investigative journalism and universities, and to celebrate our shared commitment to evidence gathering and free inquiry. The values that Sir Harry Evans embodied continue to inspire students and staff and are as urgently relevant as ever.

Professor Karen O'Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden
Slideshow 1 of 16. Tina Brown CBE Opening address at the Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit 2024

Tina Brown CBE opening address at the Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit 2024

Clarissa Ward leading a session with Christo Grozev and Leonid Volkov

Clarissa Ward leading a session with Christo Grozev and Leonid Volkov

Panel on Dispatched Into Danger chaired by Alessandra Galloni, Editor in Chief, Reuters

Panel on Dispatched Into Danger chaired by Alessandra Galloni, Editor in Chief, Reuters

Rosa Furneaux, 2024 Sir Harry Evans Global Fellow

Rosa Furneaux, 2024 Sir Harry Evans Global Fellow

A Conversation with Wole Soyinka and Mishal Husain

A Conversation with Wole Soyinka and Mishal Husain

Photojournalist Motaz Azaiza speaking to Arwa Damon

Photojournalist Motaz Azaiza speaking to Arwa Damon

Moderator Krishnan Guru-Murthy facilitating discussion on the battle to banish disinformation

Moderator Krishnan Guru-Murthy facilitating discussion on the battle to banish disinformation

Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit

Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit

Photo gallery at the Truth Tellers Summit

Photo gallery at the Truth Tellers Summit

Kara Swisher, interviewed about the Tech Revolution by Lewis Goodall

Kara Swisher, interviewed about the Tech Revolution by Lewis Goodall

Panel on the Battered Business of News led by Ros Atkins

Panel on the Battered Business of News led by Ros Atkins

The Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit

The Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit

The Royal Institute of British Architects, host of the 2024 Truth Tellers Summit

The Royal Institute of British Architects, host of the 2024 Truth Tellers Summit

Sir Don McCullin

Sir Don McCullin

Slideshow 15 of 16. Behind the scenes at the Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit

Behind the scenes at the Sir Harry Evans Truth Tellers Summit

Truth Teller, published by the Sir Harry Evans Memorial Fund

Truth Teller, published by the Sir Harry Evans Memorial Fund