AHRC/BBC New Generation Thinkers

Scheme offering early career researchers the opportunity to work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4.

This scheme offers early career researchers the opportunity to work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4. Successful applicants will be a ‘researcher in residence’ at a BBC Radio 4 programme or BBC Audio unit where they will develop an understanding of how programmes on BBC Radio 4 are made.

Additionally, they will take part in learning and development opportunities with the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policy makers.

Five successful applicants will be chosen to become AHRC BBC new generation thinkers for 2025. They will:

• Spend a day shadowing the host programme seeing a live studio recording, finding out about pitching ideas and shaping interviews and discussions. The BBC will pay for travel costs for this.
• Be assigned a programme mentor: across the year candidates will liaise with their programme mentor to pitch discussion ideas with the aim of contributing to programmes three times.
• Be invited to showcase their research and trail their programme idea at the BBC and AHRC events.
• Work with a producer on a piece of writing towards the end of their year which they will record for broadcast on Radio in the form of an Essay.
• Have the chance to appear at AHRC events, including the opportunity to apply for funding to participate in the Being Human Festival in November 2025.
• Work with AHRC on appearances in the wider media.
• Take part in a half day workshop on engaging policy makers, delivered by the Institute for Government.
• Exchange knowledge amongst the cohort and share information about experiences with the wider academic community.
• Attend training sessions run by AHRC in person and online. This will include a media training course, a photography and filming session and an evening dinner. Participants must attend these to be part of the scheme.