As part of its coverage of the centenary of the First World War in 2014 the BBC seeks to explore stories which are linked to a significant place marking the history of World War One. These stories will be drawn from across the UK and in the case of BBC Northern Ireland, from across the island of Ireland. The BBC wants to tell those stories through the people whose lives were transformed – in their homes, schools, churches, theatres, streets, etc. These stories are planned to be broadcast regionally and nationally during 2014. The BBC is already rolling out this project in the English Regions in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum and the AHRC and now wishes to extend this collaboration to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In order to draw on the wealth of expertise, skills and knowledge of the arts and humanities research community, the AHRC is partnering with the BBC. We believe the initiative represents an exciting opportunity for researchers with interests in this area to engage with regional and national broadcasters as well as the general public.
Expressions of interest are invited from researchers interested in being considered for roles as national academic experts to advise BBC staff. This will involve a commitment of two days a week per application for a period of 13 weeks between January/February 2014 and April/May 2014 (precise periods will vary between these dates and will be agreed in each Nation); this will be supported through AHRC funding.
This collaboration with the BBC will complement a wider series of AHRC activities being planned under the AHRC’s Care for the Future Theme and the cross-Council Connected Communities programme to commemorate the centenary of the First World War and contribute to the activities of the First World War Centenary Partnership.
Closing Date: 5pm on Thursday 14th November
How to make an application:
Applicants are required to submit an application form which includes a 500-word account of their specialism/s and their research background, 300 words on their knowledge of the First World War in the Nation specified in their application and 300 words on their media, broadcasting and public engagement experience, and with a two-page academic CV including details of relevant publications to communications@ahrc.ac.uk by 5pm on Thursday the 14th November.
Applications will be judged according to researchers’ level of specialist knowledge about the First World War, their knowledge of the First World War within their specified Nation, their public engagement and broadcasting experience and their knowledge of and ability to engage with local, regional and national networks.
For further information about this call, please contact Philip Pothen on p.pothen@ahrc.ac.uk (01793 416022) or contact Research & Income Generation Support at Research & Enterprise.