Six early-career university researchers have been selected as the New Generation Thinkers for 2025, a program supported by the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the BBC. These researchers will collaborate with Radio 4 teams to bring their research ideas to a wider audience.

Chosen from a pool of applicants, these six individuals represent some of the brightest emerging minds in their respective fields. They will work with Radio 4 teams on programs like Free Thinking, Thinking Allowed, Front Row, and Woman's Hour.

Research Interests

The 2025 New Generation Thinkers have diverse research interests, including the role of language in healthcare, Second World War espionage, evolving perceptions of crime and justice, the impact of marriage, labor, and climate on migration, and women's contributions to television and film.

Matthew Dodd, Commissioning Editor, Arts, BBC Radio 4, says:

"Radio 4 is excited to introduce these brilliant early-career academics to a broad audience. Their commitment to sharing their research will enrich Radio 4's programming, offering new perspectives that inspire and challenge listeners."

Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair, adds that these New Generation Thinkers will explore important ideas that shape our world, from climate change to war and healthcare.

About the 2025 Cohort

• Ashleigh Percival-Borley: A military historian focusing on British secret intelligence during the Second World War.
• Dr. Beth Malory: Investigating the role of language in healthcare experiences.
• Dr. Laura Minor: Researching women's contributions to television and representations of social class.
• Dr. Reetika Revathy Subramanian: Creator of Climate Brides, exploring climate change's impact on child marriage in South Asia.
• Dr. Sarah Louise Smyth: Writing a book on filmmaker Nora Ephron and women's representation in film.
• Dr. Stephanie Brown: Co-creator of Medieval Murder Maps, studying violence and justice in medieval England.

The New Generation Thinkers scheme, a collaboration between the BBC and AHRC, aims to showcase the best early career researchers in the arts and humanities, providing them with training and mentorship opportunities on BBC radio.

Source: BBC