Expression of Interest Call
The SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre at the University of Greenwich invites expressions of interest from outstanding early career researchers wishing to apply for the forthcoming British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme.
SOUND/IMAGE is an internationally recognised centre for creative practice research, bringing together researchers working across sound, music, moving image, immersive technologies, digital culture, creative industries and interdisciplinary approaches to artistic research. The Centre supports innovative work that explores how sound and image shape human experience, culture, memory, place and technological futures.
We particularly welcome proposals that align with one or more of our research strengths including:
- Sound art and sonic cultures
- Music and sound technologies
- Spatial and immersive audio
- Audiovisual media and screen studies
- Creative practice research methodologies
- Artificial intelligence and creativity
- Heritage, memory and place-based practices
- Environmental and ecological humanities
- Digital performance and immersive storytelling
- Community-engaged and participatory arts research
- Critical approaches to emerging technologies
Successful candidates will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment and benefit from mentoring, proposal development support and integration into the Centre’s programme of research events, seminars and international collaborations.
Expression of Interest Requirements
Applicants should submit:
1. Research Statement (maximum 1,000 words) Addressing:
- The research challenge or opportunity.
- Originality and significance.
- Proposed research design and methodology.
- Intended academic and non-academic outputs.
- Why SOUND/IMAGE is the appropriate host environment.
- Preferred mentor(s) within the Centre.
2. Academic CV
Maximum two pages.
3. Doctoral Research Summary
Maximum 250 words.
Assessment Criteria
- Expressions of interest will be assessed according to:
- Research excellence, originality and significance.
- Feasibility within the fellowship period.
- Alignment with the expertise, infrastructure and strategic priorities of SOUND/IMAGE.
- Applicant achievements relative to career stage and opportunity.
- Likelihood of producing a nationally competitive British Academy application.
The Centre is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Non-linear career pathways, career breaks, caring responsibilities and other relevant circumstances will be taken into account when considering applicants’ achievements and potential.
Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a fellowship development process with members of the SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre. Following internal review, a small number of candidates will be selected to receive full institutional support for submission to the British Academy competition.
Deadline for expression of interest: 29th August 2026
Applicant Support Programme
Developing Exceptional Fellowship Applications
The SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre is committed to supporting early career researchers in developing ambitious, innovative and competitive fellowship applications. We recognise that many outstanding researchers have not had access to extensive grant-writing support and that excellent ideas can emerge from a wide range of institutional and disciplinary contexts.
Our internal selection process is therefore designed not only to identify strong proposals, but alsoto provide meaningful developmental support to applicants selected for the next stage.
What Support Will Shortlisted Applicants Receive?
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a structured Fellowship Development Programme designed to strengthen both their project and their eventual British Academy application.
Online Fellowship Development Workshop
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online workshop introducing:
- The SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre and its research environment
- British Academy assessment criteria and expectations
- Characteristics of successful fellowship applications
- Strategies for developing impactful and achievable research projects
- Opportunities for discussion with potential mentors and Centre members
Hosting the initial workshop online helps ensure that applicants can participate regardless of location, personal circumstances or caring responsibilities.
Individual Mentoring
Each shortlisted applicant will be matched with an academic mentor whose expertise aligns with the proposed project.
Mentors will support applicants in:
- Refining research questions and methodologies
- Positioning projects within current disciplinary debates
- Strengthening the case for originality, significance and impact
- Identifying relevant networks, collaborators and dissemination opportunities
- Preparing a competitive British Academy submission
Applicants may also receive feedback from additional Centre members where interdisciplinary expertise would be beneficial.
Fellowship Development Day at Greenwich
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to spend a day with colleagues from the SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre at the University of Greenwich.
The day will provide opportunities to:
- Discuss projects in depth with potential mentors
- Participate in proposal development workshops
- Meet researchers, doctoral candidates and collaborators
- Explore the Centre’s facilities and research infrastructure
- Gain a deeper understanding of the University’s research culture and strategic priorities
To support equitable participation, reasonable travel expenses and overnight accommodation will be provided where required. Accessibility requirements will be accommodated wherever possible, and applicants will be encouraged to discuss any support needs with the Centre.
Final Proposal Development
Applicants selected for institutional support will receive detailed feedback on draft materials and guidance throughout the final stages of proposal development prior to submission to the British Academy.
This may include:
- Written reviews of draft applications
- One-to-one development meetings
- Advice on research outputs, dissemination and impact
- Guidance on project planning and career development
- Mock interviews or presentation practice where appropriate
An Inclusive Approach
The SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive fellowship environment. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and recognise a wide range of academic trajectories, including non-linear career paths, career breaks, caring responsibilities and interdisciplinary routes into research.
Our aim is to support researchers with exceptional ideas, helping them develop applications that demonstrate both intellectual ambition and the potential to make a significant contribution to arts and humanities research.
Why Apply Through SOUND/IMAGE?
SOUND/IMAGE is an internationally recognised interdisciplinary research centre bringing together expertise across:
- Sound and music
- Creative practice research
- Audiovisual media
- Spatial and immersive audio
- Artificial intelligence and creativity
- Heritage, memory and place
- Environmental humanities
- Performance and digital culture
- Emerging creative technologies
Successful applicants will join a vibrant community of researchers, practitioners and partners working across the arts, humanities, creative industries and technology sectors, with opportunities to engage in national and international collaborations, public engagement activities and innovative forms of practice-based research.