LUDeC doctoral researcher Joe Shute wins place on BBC’s New Generation Thinkers scheme
LUDeC PhD candidate Joe Shute has been selected for the BBC’s New Generation Thinkers scheme for his innovative research on Manchester’s ‘culturally lost’ river Irk.
The scheme is held every year after a nationwide search by the BBC and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) for the best new arts and humanities academics whose ideas will resonate with a wider audience, described by the BBC as representative of some of the best early career researchers in the country.
This year, PhD candidate Joe Shute has been selected. Currently based at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Centre for Place Writing and the School of English, Shute will start as a lecturer in Creative Writing September.
He said: “The River Irk has been described as a culturally lost river. It’s a river that’s incredibly important to Manchester’s industrial history, but many people don’t know about it, even people who live alongside it.
“My research also reflects the wider context of what is happening with the UK’s rivers at the moment in terms of pollution and the terrible state they are in. I’m interested in creative ways of helping address those issues.”
Shute’s research is being funded by the Leverhulme Unit for the Design of Cities of the Future (LUDeC). As well as his work on the urban rivers, he also is looking at how to connect communities with Manchester’s post-industrial landscapes in other areas.
The participants of the New Generation Thinkers scheme will take part in training and development with AHRC, in addition to spending the year being mentored by producers from BBC Radio, which will include taking part in discussions during the year.
Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair, said: “Our New Generation Thinkers are a bold advertisement for the power of adventurous thinking, showcasing the way outstanding early career researchers can advance knowledge in varied and unexpected ways.”
Matthew Dodd, Commissioning Editor, Arts, BBC Radio 4, says, “Listeners tune into to Radio 4 because they want to be challenged by new ideas and learn more about the world around them, and I know that this year’s cohort of New Generation Thinkers are going to bring some fascinating ideas to the table.”
Shute said: “It feels like a real honour to be selected. I’m excited to raise awareness on the importance of storytelling as a way to connect with the landscape.
“The River Irk is certainly a place that at first impression looks quite abandoned and neglected but when you spend time there, you can see there is a surprising natural beauty everywhere you look.”
