Dr. Manisha Ganguly is an award-winning investigative journalist and filmmaker, internationally acclaimed for her pioneering use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and digital investigative techniques in journalism. Known for her compelling keynote speeches, Manisha has become a prominent voice in uncovering war crimes and human rights abuses, particularly in conflict zones such as Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine. Her most significant achievement is completing the first academic study on OSINT’s impact on investigative journalism, a work that is reshaping reporting techniques and setting new standards across the field. Manisha’s blend of cutting-edge technology with traditional journalistic ethics has led to policy shifts and sanctions at the highest levels, bringing a profound impact to every speaking engagement she attends.
Manisha's journey in journalism began as a teenager in Kolkata, India, where she was selected from hundreds of applicants for an internship with The Times of India, establishing her path early as a journalist with a focus on social justice. Following the 2012 Delhi gang rape, she founded Eyezine, a feminist webzine that documented gender-based violence and human rights abuses. Her investigation into the assault of students at Jadavpur University in 2014 sparked mass protests, reaching over 100,000 readers and turning Eyezine into a significant platform for challenging systemic injustices. With a PhD from the University of Westminster on OSINT’s role in journalism, funded by the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI), Manisha has since taught at leading institutions worldwide, including Oxford University, Princeton University, and the Stockholm School of Economics.
Manisha’s accomplishments are recognised through multiple prestigious accolades that underline her influence in journalism. She received the European Press Prize Special Award in 2024 for a joint investigation into migrant graves along Europe’s borders and is a two-time Amnesty International Media Award winner for her ground-breaking investigations with the BBC into human rights abuses in Syria and Russia. Additionally, Forbes recognised her in its 2021 Under 30 in Media list, and she received the George Weidenfeld Special Prize for Courage at the 2020 Axel Springer Awards. Her investigative work has led to tangible consequences, including EU and US sanctions, with findings cited by influential bodies such as the United Nations Security Council and the UK Houses of Parliament, underscoring her global impact.
Engaging Dr, Manisha Ganguly brings unmatched insights into the crucial intersections of technology, journalism, conflict reporting, and human rights advocacy. Her speaking topics cover investigative journalism, the ethical implications of AI and automation in news, disinformation, and the challenges of reporting from hostile regions. Manisha’s presentations are both informative and inspiring, highlighting the importance of truth-seeking, transparency, and the ethical responsibilities of modern journalism. With her extensive experience and capacity to distil complex issues, she is a powerful choice for organisations and events aiming to inspire meaningful change within the media and beyond.
How to hire Dr. Manisha Ganguly
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Dr. Manisha Ganguly for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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Dr. Manisha Ganguly's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Investigative Journalism and OSINT
- War Crimes Investigations
- Digital Disinformation and Misinformation
- AI in Newsrooms
- International Conflict Reporting
- Diversity and Inclusion in Journalism
- Visual Forensics and Digital Investigations
- Ethics in Investigative Journalism
- 2024 - European Press Prize Special Award - Border Graves project
- 2024 - European Investigative Journalism Impact Award, joint winner - Border Graves project
- 2024 - European Investigative Journalism Impact Award, joint winner - Storykillers project
- 2023 - Amnesty Media Award, Best Investigation - Finding my torturer
- 2023 - Online Journalism Awards - Excellence in Collaboration, Disinfo Black Ops/Storykillers
- 2023 - BBC News & Current Affairs Awards - Best Investigation, Finding my torturer
- 2022 - One Young World Journalist of the Year
- 2022 - Women of the Future Awards - Media category
- 2021 - Asian Media Awards - Best Investigation, Libya’s ‘Game of Drones’
- 2021 - 30ToWatch Under 30 - Coverage of International Affairs
- 2021 - Forbes Under 30 Europe - Media innovation
- 2020 - Amnesty Media Awards - Broadcast News Category, ‘Idlib Double Tap’
- 2020 - Axel Springer Award for Young Journalists - George Weidenfeld Special Prize for Courage, open-source investigative work
- 2020 - 30ToWatch Under 30 - International Affairs