Public interest journalism is at the core of a new partnership between Monash University and the University of Sydney. The two institutions have joined forces to further innovate not-for-profit journalism project 360info, which aims to resource news organisations worldwide with credible, research-driven content addressing the world’s key challenges.
Launched by Monash University in 2021, 360info operates as a wire agency distributing content based on peer-reviewed research to its international publishing partners, which currently represent more than 750 media outlets.
Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner, AC, said the University of Sydney partnership will help to accelerate ambitions to grow the public good journalism project worldwide.
“I am truly delighted that the University of Sydney is joining us to help further develop 360info. Together we will build on the substantial success of 360info’s first year,” Professor Gardner said.
“It was launched by Monash University to increase availability of reliable and credible information driven by the world’s research universities to better inform public debate on the critical global challenges, including climate change, geopolitical security and fostering healthy thriving communities.”
360info also announced a second major partnership this month with Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies in India. The two collaborations will drive the establishment of new 360info editorial hubs in Delhi and Sydney, significantly expanding the project’s editorial capabilities and reach across the Asia Pacific.
The growing value of 360info’s contribution to the media landscape was further reinforced this week with the Walkley Foundation awarding 360info two grants from the Meta Australia News Fund. The grants, announced today, each award $2.5 million to support news organisations in their efforts to produce digital and innovative projects and public interest journalism. 360info was one of few outlets to secure funding from both the Digital Innovation Fund and the Public Interest Journalism Fund.
Andrew Jaspan, 360info Editor-in-Chief and Director, said 360info will continue to seek global partnerships with other research-intensive universities and research institutes.
“We are thrilled to receive these invaluable grants and join forces with the University of Sydney and Manav Rachna,” Professor Jaspan said.
“Our mission is to provide high-quality, independent, and evidence-driven content to newsrooms, especially those in regional, rural, and community areas, and these grants and collaborations will help us further that mission.”
