Dr Beth Malory (UCL English) will join five other early career researchers chosen by the BBC and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to shape programming on BBC Radio 4, bringing new ideas and the latest academic scholarship to audiences.
Dr Malory was chosen for her research exploring how the language used around reproductive and sexual healthcare shapes people’s experiences of diagnosis and public understanding of health conditions. She has collaborated with healthcare professionals, researchers from different fields, policymakers and charities in understanding the role language plays in healthcare experiences.
Her most recent work analysed how language affects the way people think and feel about pregnancy endings, such as loss or termination and sexually transmitted diseases.
Dr Malory said: "I’m delighted to be part of this cohort of brilliant scholars and am excited to share my work on language and health with Radio 4’s listeners. The way we talk about health conditions plays a profound role in experiences of healthcare and in public perceptions of some health conditions, but this is often overlooked.
"My research shows that language can be hugely significant in experiences of reproductive healthcare such as pregnancy loss, as well as in shaping debates and public understanding around issues like reproductive choice and infectious diseases associated with sexual transmission. I hope that listeners to the programmes I make during this year will begin to think differently about the importance of language in health contexts."
The six researchers were chosen from hundreds of applicants and represent some of the brightest emerging minds in their fields. They will collaborate with four BBC Radio 4 teams across the UK, working on programmes including Free Thinking, Thinking Allowed, Front Row, Woman’s Hour and a range of weekly science programmes.
Matthew Dodd, Commissioning Editor, Arts, BBC Radio 4, said: "As the biggest speech radio station in the UK, Radio 4 is thrilled to introduce six brilliant early-career academics to such a broad audience. Their commitment to reaching the wider public with their research will enrich Radio 4’s programming, delivering new perspectives that inspire and challenge."
Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair, said: "New Generation Thinkers communicate fascinating ideas to the public, expanding our cultural, social and philosophical horizons while prompting important conversations.
"With subjects as diverse as climate change, war and healthcare, and methodologies as varied as film making and storytelling, these early career researchers will explore important ideas that have shaped, and continue to shape, our world.
"I look forward to seeing what these six brilliant, original thinkers can produce with the resources of the BBC at their fingertips."
The New Generation Thinker scheme has been running since 2011 with over 100 academics having passed through it. The final group receive a year of mentoring from BBC radio producers as well as the opportunity to take part in discussions on the platform throughout the year.
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