The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and BBC Radio 3 have joined forces to find the next generation of public intellectuals. Together they are launching New Generation Thinkers - a pilot talent scheme for emerging academics with a passion for communicating the excitement of modern scholarship to a wider audience and who have an interest in broader cultural debate.

Up to sixty successful applicants, who are currently undertaking research in the UK in the arts or humanities, will have a chance to develop their own programme-making ideas with experienced BBC producers and, of these up to ten will become Radio 3’s resident New Generation Thinkers for 2011. They will benefit from a unique opportunity to develop their own programme for BBC Radio 3 and a chance to appear on air in special New Generation Thinkers debates and sessions during 2011.

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

A UK resident over 18 currently working or studying within one of the disciplinary domains of the AHRC. You will be either:
a. undertaking an AHRC-funded postgraduate or postdoctoral award or working as a postgraduate or postdoctoral member of an AHRC-funded research project. Or
b. currently undertaking a PhD in one of the disciplinary domains of the AHRC. Or
C. within eight years of the award of your PhD. Or
d. within six years of your first academic appointment.

We are looking for researchers who have an idea what could make an engaging BBC programme and understand what it takes to be able to communicate to and reach a broad audience.

Those chosen from the initial applications will be invited to attend a workshop in early 2011 at one of three locations: London, Manchester and Glasgow.

Each day-long workshop will consist of an introduction to programme-making; a chance to hear from a regular Radio 3 contributor who is also an academic; a meeting with producers from Radio 3 arts programmes; an opportunity to develop you own programme idea - and finally a pitching session for a place amongst the final ten.

Judges for the application process will include senior Radio 3 production staff and leading arts and humanities academics.

Find out more on the New Generation Thinkers webpage.

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Media Contact: Jake Gilmore, AHRC Communications Manager; T: 01793 41 6021,
E: j.gilmore@ahrc.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:
Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC): Each year the AHRC provides approximately £112 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes approximately 700 research awards and around 1,350 postgraduate awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.