The ABC has started the search for Australia's next generation of research talent across Science, the Humanities, and the Arts.
Applications for the 2022 intake for the ABC TOP 5 media residencies are now open.
The residencies enable emerging scholars to engage with the ABC's expert communicators, so that the scholars can better share their research with all Australians.
The TOP 5 program is open to early-career PhD qualified researchers in science, in partnership with the Australian National University, and the humanities, in partnership with the University of Sydney.
The TOP 5 Arts scheme is in partnership with the University of Melbourne and the Australia Council for the Arts, with a focus on PhD scholars and graduate practitioners working in the areas of visual or performing arts, literature, screen, architecture and design.
Five successful applicants from each of the three fields will receive intensive two-week media training and practical experience in residence at either ABC Radio National in Sydney (Science & Humanities) or Melbourne (Arts), working alongside some of Australia's best journalists and broadcasters.
Cath Dwyer, Manager of ABC Radio National said "The pandemic has made us all even more aware how vital clear, reliable accurate information is. It's also the core of what we do here at the ABC, and these media residencies are a chance for Arts, Humanities and Science scholars to become exceptional communicators - illuminating their important work to the broad community.
Given the tough times the Arts and University sectors have experienced, we are proud to be working with our project partners at the University of Melbourne, the Australia Council for the Arts, Australian National University and University of Sydney, and we look forward to being joined by another group of extraordinary researchers," she said.
The 2021 TOP 5 residencies were held virtually due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 the ABC intends to present the residencies with a face-to-face component, pending any further COVID-19 restrictions.
Key TOP 5 dates
- Applications open: Friday 29th April 2022 8.30am AEST
- Applications close: Tuesday 31st May 2022 midnight AEST
Who can apply for the TOP 5 programs?
- Science: PhD-qualified early career researchers in science, technology, engineering, maths and research (STEMM). The two-week media residency will be hosted by the ABC at its Sydney office in Ultimo from Monday 19th - Friday 30th Sept inclusive
- Humanities: PhD-qualified early career researchers in humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS). The two-week media residency will be hosted by the ABC at its Sydney office in Ultimo from Monday 22nd Aug - Friday 02nd Sept inclusive
- Arts: Graduate, independent or freelance professional artists, or arts practitioners working for an Australian arts organisation, and PhD early career researchers who are working at an Australian university or a research organisation. The two-week residency will be hosted by the ABC in Melbourne from Monday 17th - Friday 28th Oct inclusive.
Up to 10 applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed for each program by a judging panel.
The winners will be eligible for domestic travel and accommodation expenses for the face-to-face part of the two-week residencies at the ABC in 2022.
The judging panel and ambassadors for each residency are listed on the Top 5 website
