For those of you who haven’t heard of it, New Generation Thinkers (NGT) is a scheme for early career researchers and postdocs run by both the AHRC and the BBC. In the past two years, BCU has enjoyed some success in the competition, with Dr Islam Issa appointed as a New Generation Thinker in 2017 and Drs Dima Saber and Chris Hill having been shortlisted this year. You learn more about Islam’s research and success in this short clip:
So what does the competition entail and how do you apply? NGT runs on a yearly basis with applications submitted through the je-s.rcuk.ac.uk system around October. The application is light touch and offers an opportunity to think about your research creatively. For example, you will be asked to pitch your research in the form of a radio programme and provide a short review of a recent exhibition or performance on a subject unrelated to your research. If successful, you will be invited to attend a media training day with BBC Radio 3 staff, most likely at the studios in Salford, Manchester. There are usually 60 applicants who are shortlisted each year, and even though only 10 are selected as New Generation Thinkers, the networks and skills you can develop at the initial training day are really valuable. Feel free to contact christopher.hill@bcu.ac.uk for more information about the scheme and how to apply.
