An interview with Christina Brause

Hi Christina, great to have you at North Data. Please introduce yourself in a few words.

I'm an investigative data journalist, based in Berlin and I recently started as an Investigator in Residence at North Data. I’ve worked in journalism for 16 years, increasingly specializing in investigative and data journalism. I’m driven by a desire to dig deeper, using unconventional, creative methods to uncover details that others might overlook or even prefer to keep hidden. I’m passionate about data and how to code – a fascination that truly took off years ago at a conference, when I heard how a team of journalists used machine learning to uncover hidden FBI spy planes by analyzing flight data. From that moment on, it was clear to me: I had to learn how to code and figure out how to use this skill effectively in investigations.Which I did – at Columbia University and while working with the Washington Post data reporting team. Since then, I’ve been committed to rethinking the way we use data in investigative research, first as Deputy head of Investigations at Welt, then as a freelance journalist, on conferences and now here at North Data.

What drew you towards applying for the Investigator in Residence position? 

As soon as I heard about this vacancy, friends reached out to encourage me to apply. Their enthusiasm matched my own and I submitted my application the same day.

And why?

This is the first time I’ve come across a role that uniquely combines data and investigative work, especially at a company outside the traditional newsroom, well beyond my usual territory. So, it didn’t just align with my own mission, it also sounded like an exciting new challenge, in the best possible way. I am now part of a team that dedicates all its energy to working with data. What excites me even more is the unique setup: I can contribute my skills and experience to the company on a part-time basis, while still having complete flexibility to pursue investigations. Plus, I get to tap into the wealth of data the team collects and analyzes. This combination of freedom and resources is something I’ve never encountered anywhere else.

Are there any specific topics that you would like to cover?

Definitely. I am deeply interested in the intersection of technology, national security, and defence. It's an important area in general, but even more so in today’s political climate.I’m also fascinated by the potential of remote sensing data – information gathered from afar, like satellite images. I’d love to explore ways to combine remote sensing data with company data, as this is a largely untapped area so far. 

For which type of research is information from North Data most relevant? 

I have worked a lot with company data before, primarily through OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) investigations. I’ve used North Data before and find it especially valuable, for uncovering cross-border networks and connections. While I am comfortable analyzing data in German, English, and French, investigating a company in countries where I don’t speak the language, like Poland, is extremely challenging, if not impossible. Navigating unfamiliar company structures and sifting through vast amounts of data in a foreign language or even a different alphabet is a real obstacle. So this is where having translated data brought to me in an easy way helps tremendously. 

As you are regularly commuting between Berlin and Hamburg by train now, how do you spend the time in the train? 

Traveling by train is nothing new for me – I’ve spent countless hours riding the rails over the years. It started when I was an au pair in Paris and continued throughout my studies. When I moved to Berlin, my journey to work took just as long as it did during my master’s, when I was constantly on the move between Leipzig and Halle, even crossing state lines along the way. So let’s just say I’m well-practiced at this.

Anything to recommend in terms of Podcasts, Books, Magazines, Blogs?

By the time I leave the house in the morning, I’ve already listened to at least an hour of news radio. I’m still loyal to MDR, where I worked for years. Once I’m on the train, I dive into international newspapers. For years, that’s been the New York Times, and more recently, I’ve added The Economist to the mix because I really appreciate their geopolitical coverage. After that, I usually tune in to a podcast, like “Defence Innovation”, “The daily” or “Anne Will”. This entire morning routine is powered by what could only be described as a probably unhealthy amount of coffee. For the trip back to Berlin, I always bring a book. I just finished “If Russia Wins” by Carlo Masala. But if I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll happily listen to “Skandal, Skandal” or Esther Perel instead.

Thank you for the insights, Christina!