The Remarkable Journey of Manisha Ganguly: A Leading Investigative Journalist and Visual Forensics Expert
In the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of journalism, few figures have made a mark as significant as Manisha Ganguly. An investigative journalist, open-source intelligence (OSINT) lead, and a pioneer in visual forensics, Ganguly’s work has revolutionised how global conflicts and human rights abuses are covered. Her outstanding contributions to investigative reporting, combined with her profound expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and OSINT, have earned her recognition among the most prominent journalists of her generation.
Manisha Ganguly Age
Born on January 13, 1995, in Kolkata, India, Manisha Ganguly is 31 years old as of 2026. Her journey into journalism and investigative reporting began with a strong academic foundation.
Manisha Ganguly Education
She pursued her education at the University of Westminster, where she earned her PhD in Political Economy, Automation, Journalism, focusing on the transformative impact of AI and OSINT in investigative work. Her doctoral dissertation, titled “The Future of Investigative Journalism: The Impact of Automation, AI, and OSINT in Investigative Workflows”, was groundbreaking and marked the first-ever exploration of these intersections in the field of journalism.
Before her PhD, she completed an MPhil in Political Economy and a First-Class Master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism, both from the University of Westminster, where she received full scholarships for excellence. Her dedication to understanding the evolving nature of journalism in the digital age led to her becoming a Senior Research Fellow at City St George’s University in London.
A Career Defined by Groundbreaking Investigations
Manisha Ganguly is best known for her role as an Investigations Correspondent and Visual Forensics Lead at The Guardian. Her career trajectory has seen her produce compelling investigative reports that span various high-stakes global issues. At The Guardian, she leads their open-source forensic capabilities, spearheading visual investigations that have exposed critical human rights abuses, war crimes, and the weaponisation of technology in conflict zones.
Her work has covered some of the most complex and urgent issues of our time, from AI abuse during conflict and election interference to the facilitated abuse by Big Tech and the rise of rogue disinformation mercenaries. These investigations have led to international sanctions and have been cited by major global bodies like the United Nations (UN).
Pioneering Open-Source Intelligence in Journalism
Before joining The Guardian, Manisha Ganguly made her mark as an investigative documentary producer at BBC News, where she introduced open-source intelligence (OSINT) to the newsroom. During her tenure at BBC, she worked on high-profile cases that revealed war crimes, exposed covert government activities, and uncovered global human rights violations. She investigated topics such as the use of banned cluster bombs by Russia in Syria and reported on the torture of anti-war protesters in Moscow, which led to sanctions from the European Union.
Ganguly also became an integral part of BBC’s Emmy-winning Arabic Documentaries unit, where she carried out investigations on human trafficking and breaches of UN arms embargoes. Her efforts exposed the devastating impact of Russian planes in Syria and the migrant detention center bombing in Libya. She later took on the role of Investigative Producer and Senior OSINT Analyst at BBC Digital Docs, working on the Middle East and North Africa, where her investigations into international conflicts led to significant international impact.
Recognised for Exceptional Journalism
The impact of Manisha Ganguly’s work is evident in the numerous awards she has won and the recognition she has received from peers and institutions alike. In 2021, she was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 for her contributions to journalism in Europe, an honour that highlighted her as one of the most influential young journalists in the industry.
Her work has been awarded with prestigious recognitions such as the European Press Prize, which she received in 2024, and the Amnesty International Media Awards, which she won twice. Ganguly has also served as a judge for the News & Documentary Emmy® Awards, showcasing her expertise and influence in the field of investigative journalism.
A Rising Star in Media Innovation
In addition to her investigative journalism work, Manisha Ganguly has made significant strides as an educator and advocate for media innovation. She delivers masterclasses and lectures on OSINT and investigative methods at universities and workshops worldwide, including prestigious institutions such as Oxford University, Princeton University, and the Stockholm School of Economics. Through these platforms, she educates both journalists and academics on the vital intersection of technology and human rights, particularly focusing on the application of open-source investigative methods in conflict reporting.
Her role as a member of the Advisory Board for USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism further cements her position as a thought leader in the field, advising on curriculum design and creating workshops to enhance the future of journalism.
Manisha Ganguly’s Personal Touch
Despite her success, Dr. Manisha Ganguly remains grounded and personable, with a relatable presence on social media. Her Instagram handle, @manisha_investigates, offers insights into her investigative work and personal life. With 196 posts, over 2,000 followers, and a following of her own, Ganguly connects with her audience, sharing her journey, thoughts on tech and conflict, and her love for cats. She also frequently engages with her followers through her personal Twitter account, @manisha_bot, where she updates her followers on her work, views, and projects, including her current work-in-progress: a book titled “The Age of Impunity”.
Awards and Accolades
Over the years, Manisha Ganguly has been awarded numerous accolades for her excellence in investigative journalism. Notably, her work on “Finding My Torturer” won the Amnesty Media Award in 2023, and her visual investigations have helped shape the landscape of modern technology-driven journalism.
She has been recognized by the Asian Media Awards, where she won Best Investigation for her work on “Game of Drones”, and by BBC News, where she was awarded Outstanding Innovation in 2023 for “Finding My Torturer”. Furthermore, her investigative projects have garnered the Best Technology Journalism and Best Video Journalism nominations at the British Journalism Awards in 2023.
Manisha Ganguly’s Influence in Modern Journalism
Dr. Manisha Ganguly‘s approach to journalism is unique, blending technology with human rights reporting. Her innovative use of AI and OSINT to uncover hidden truths has set new standards for investigative journalism. Through her visual forensics work, she has highlighted the power of technology to hold powerful entities accountable, and her ability to break stories that demand global attention has made her an indispensable figure in the media world.
Her relentless pursuit of truth, combined with her dedication to enhancing the practice of journalism, positions Manisha Ganguly as not only a key figure in investigative reporting but also a trailblazer for future generations of journalists who seek to make an impact using modern tools.
Conclusion
Manisha Ganguly is a force to be reckoned with in the world of investigative journalism. From exposing war crimes to shining a light on the abuse of AI in global conflicts, her work continues to drive change and spark critical conversations about the role of technology in society. As she works on her book and continues to innovate in her field, it’s clear that Manisha Ganguly‘s influence will only grow in the years to come, leaving an indelible legacy in the world of journalism.
Her remarkable career is a testament to the power of investigative reporting in the digital age and the transformative impact it can have on both public consciousness and global policy.
