Two Liverpool academics selected as BBC New Generation Thinkers 2021
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The University of Liverpool’s Adjoa Osei and Dr Vid Simoniti are among the ten New Generation Thinkers (NGT) selected by BBC Radio 3 and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) for 2021.
Adjoa Osei, from the University’s Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, and Dr Simoniti, from the Department of Philosophy, follow in the footsteps of 2020 pick, Dr Sophie Oliver from the Department of English.
Through a nationwide search and selection process, the NGT scheme seeks the brightest minds with game-changing ideas that can resonate with a wide audience.
Those who are successful secure opportunities to communicate their research by making programmes for the BBC, supported by training and a year’s mentorship from BBC Radio 3 Free Thinking programme producers.
Adjoa Osei, a PhD Researcher of Latin American Studies, whose research focuses on Brazilian art and culture, said: “I am honoured to be selected as a BBC New Generation Thinker.
“I look forward to continuing to act as a bridge between the English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking worlds.”
Dr Simoniti, a lecturer in Philosophy of Art, whose research investigates how artwork can drive social change, said: “I’m thrilled to be one of the ten New Generation Thinkers 2021.
“Over the last three years, my work has been highly informed by Liverpool, which is a fantastic place for thinking about contemporary art. I look forward to relaying some of these ideas to a broader radio audience."
Adjoa Osei and Dr Simoniti were chosen after a four-month selection process, including a series of day-long workshops, and have already undergone training and development with the AHRC.
They will appear on BBC Radio 3’s Free Thinking programme between April and July, and will also work on episodes of The Essay for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 next Spring.
Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3, said: “With our colleagues at AHRC we want to help those who are engaged in research projects which explore our past and present, find links between the two, and make interesting hypotheses for our future, be able to explain and bring to life their important work to a wide audience.
“This is what the New Generation Thinkers scheme does and that is why we are thrilled to welcome our New Generation Thinkers for 2021.”
Adjoa Osei and Dr Simoniti’s names were revealed, alongside their eight peers, in a special episode of Free Thinking on BBC Radio 3. You can listen here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000t6fn
Dr Simoniti’s just launched podcast, in collaboration with Liverpool Biennial, is called Art Against the World. To find out more, visit www.vidsimoniti.com/broadcasting