AHRC and BBC New Generation Thinkers 2026

NERC - the Natural Environment Research Council; Swindon; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A research council in the UK offers an exciting opportunity for early career researchers to collaborate with BBC Radio 4 as part of the New Generation Thinkers scheme. Selected candidates will gain firsthand experience in media production while engaging the public with their arts and humanities research over a 12-month period. This position encourages creativity and public dialogue, enhancing research visibility and impact. Applications are open until January 28, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be a UK resident and over 18.
• Currently working or studying at a UK research organization funded by UKRI.
• Research should be focused in the arts and humanities.

Responsibilities

• Work with BBC Radio 4 programme makers to understand production.
• Participate in training and development opportunities with AHRC.
• Develop an engaging conversation based on research.

Skills

Research communication

Public engagement

Creativity

Collaboration

Critical thinking

Education

Currently pursuing first PhD

Job description

Overview

Opportunity status : Open

Funders : Co-funders : BBC

Funding type : Other

Publication date : 3 November 2025

Opening date : 3 November 2025 9:00am UK time

Closing date : 28 January 2026 4:00pm UK time

This scheme offers five early career researchers the opportunity to work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4. They will appear on a number of episodes and shadow the production process to understand how ideas get on air. If selected, you will also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policymakers.

You will be an up-and-coming early career researcher with a passion for sharing ideas with the largest possible audience. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for this opportunity. This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility.

Who is eligible to apply

To apply for the New Generation Thinkers scheme, you must be :

• a UK resident
• over the age of 18
• currently working or studying at a UK research organisation that is eligible to receive funding from UKRI
• studying a relevant area of research

You must also be either :

• currently undertaking your first PhD and have made substantial progress in your research (e.g., within one year of submission)
• within eight years of the award of your first PhD, excluding any career breaks
• within six years of your first academic appointment at an organisation eligible for UKRI funding, excluding career breaks; this must be a paid contract listing research or teaching as primary function

You do not need a permanent contract of employment to be eligible, provided you meet the conditions at the time of your application.

If you have applied to the scheme before, you may apply again provided you have never been selected as New Generation Thinkers in any given year.

Each person may submit only one application and you must indicate in the title which programme or unit you want to be considered for. AHRC and BBC reserve the right to match you to one of the five programmes or units.

Who is not eligible to apply

You cannot apply if :

• you work for the BBC, AHRC or UKRI
• you are a senior academic

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are for all funding applicants and encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers. We support people to work in ways that suit their personal circumstances, including:

• career breaks
• support for people with caring responsibilities
• flexible working
• alternative working patterns

UKRI can offer during the application and assessment process.

Scope

This scheme offers early career researchers the opportunity to work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4. If selected, you’ll be partnered with a BBC Radio 4 programme or BBC Audio unit to develop understanding of how programmes on BBC Radio 4 are made. You will also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policymakers.

We are looking for applications from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, particularly candidates who can demonstrate :

• how one area of their research could form a strong, engaging conversation on BBC radio
• potential to influence public opinion or policy
• creativity and ability to discuss ideas beyond their own research area
• comfort talking and writing about ideas from beyond their own field in an accessible way
• a wide range of interests in their current research
• high standards of scholarship with clear, jargon-free language suitable for a BBC audience

To get a good idea of what we’re looking for, listen to the host programmes available on BBC Sounds and related Radio 4 content.

Our main topic areas are: archaeology, classics, cultural and museum studies, development studies, history, information and communication technologies, law and legal studies, library and information studies, philosophy, political science and international studies, theology, divinity and religion, dance, design, drama and theatre studies, media, music, languages and literature, linguistics, visual arts.

Our research must have a primary focus in the arts and humanities.

Your application will be disqualified if the arts and humanities are not the primary focus of your research.

Duration and funding

The duration of this award is 12 months. Across the year, being an NGT would involve around six days’ worth of time, including an AHRC training day and online opportunities, plus BBC collaboration activities.

Successful applicants will start in June or July 2026.

Funding available

There is no grant funding attached to being an NGT. AHRC and BBC will provide contributions or cover costs where appropriate as set out below.

The AHRC will provide learning and development opportunities for five NGTs, mostly online. In-person opportunities such as a communications training workshop will be funded for travel and subsistence. The BBC will provide induction days and cover travel and related costs as required.

Branding

All NGTs will describe themselves as ‘AHRC and BBC New Generation Thinkers’ and references will be made to both organisations where the scheme is mentioned.

Privacy and data

UKRI, AHRC and the BBC may share content with reviewers and panellists via the UKRI Funding Service. Personal data handling follows UK data protection laws. See the relevant pages for details.

Contact and help

For help with costings and writing, contact your research office in the first instance. Queries about this funding opportunity should be directed to the helpdesk.

Deadline: AHRC must receive applications by 28 January 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. You will not be able to apply after this time.

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