BU Research Blog

Since 2010 the New Generation Thinkers scheme has developed a new generation of academics who can bring the best of university research and scholarly ideas to a broad audience through the media and public engagement.

It’s a chance for early career researchers to cultivate the skills to communicate their research findings to those outside the academic community. Each year, since 2010, 60 applicants are invited to create ideas with the BBC, of which 10 will be chosen as New Generation Thinkers. Please check the call link for your eligibility.

Your research must have a primary focus in the arts and humanities. Your research could be bringing together arts and humanities research with other non-AHRC funded disciplines, provided you can demonstrate suitable links to the world of arts and humanities and that arts and humanities remains a primary focus.

The 10 that are selected as New Generation Thinkers, will be working with BBC Radio 3 and benefiting from a unique opportunity to develop their own programmes for the station and a chance to regularly appear on air. The AHRC also provides media training for Thinkers, and offers the possibility of working with BBC TV, speaking opportunities, involvement with the AHRC-funded Being Human Festival and more.

The timeline of the process is as below.