UAL AKO Storytelling Research Fellowship 2026–2027: Paid 9-Month Fellowship for Researchers Exploring Pop Culture and Social Change @2027: Paid 9-Month Fellowship for Researchers Exploring Pop Culture and Social Change

The University of the Arts London (UAL) AKO Storytelling Institute, in partnership with the Power of Pop Fund, has launched applications for the Storytelling Research Fellowship 2026–2027. The programme will support six researchers to undertake original research exploring how storytelling and popular culture influence social and environmental change.

The nine-month paid fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to design and lead an independent research project examining how storytelling across media—including television, film, gaming, podcasts, and digital culture—shapes attitudes, behaviours, and public conversations on some of today’s most pressing global issues.

Researchers will receive mentoring, workshops, and institutional support while producing practical, evidence-based insights for creative practitioners, funders, and social impact organisations. The fellowship concludes with a public symposium where fellows will present their findings.

Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

About the Storytelling Research Fellowship

The Storytelling Research Fellowship is a collaborative initiative between the UAL AKO Storytelling Institute and the Power of Pop Fund, designed to strengthen research at the intersection of storytelling, media, and social impact.

The programme recognises that storytelling through popular culture has the power to influence public opinion, shape cultural narratives, and inspire action on global challenges.

Over a period of nine months, fellows will independently investigate how different forms of media contribute to changes in attitudes, behaviours, and public discourse while receiving support from the Institute’s research team and a cohort of fellow researchers.

The fellowship is particularly suited to researchers interested in understanding how creative industries can contribute to positive social transformation.

Research Themes

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects connected to one or more of the fellowship’s priority themes.

These include:

• Climate justice
• Poverty and economic justice
• Race and migration
• Masculinities
• People power and civic participation

Research may explore how storytelling influences audiences, shapes public understanding, challenges stereotypes, or contributes to social movements.

Projects can focus on storytelling across a range of media, including:

• Television
• Film
• Gaming
• Podcasts
• Digital media
• Popular culture platforms

The fellowship welcomes innovative approaches that generate practical knowledge for the creative and cultural sectors.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will participate in a paid research programme offering professional development, collaboration, and networking opportunities.

Benefits include:

• Paid nine-month fellowship
• Opportunity to design and lead an independent research project
• Mentorship from the UAL AKO Storytelling Institute research team
• Workshops and professional development sessions
• Collaboration with an international cohort of researchers
• Opportunities to engage with creative practitioners and social impact organisations
• Public presentation of research findings at a final symposium

The fellowship aims to produce actionable research that can support storytelling initiatives focused on creating positive social change.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to researchers whose work explores storytelling, media, popular culture, or social change.

Applicants should have research interests in areas such as:

• Storytelling
• Popular culture
• Media studies
• Narrative change
• Representation
• Audience behaviour
• Social justice
• Cultural studies
• Communication
• Creative industries

Applicants should possess either:

• A PhD, or
• Equivalent research expertise gained through academic, independent, or professional practice

The organisers welcome applications from researchers with experience in both academic and applied research environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong record of conducting high-quality research
• Experience designing and managing research projects
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly
• Experience working with external partners
• Interest in translating research into practical recommendations
• Curiosity about the relationship between storytelling and social change

Researchers who can connect academic research with creative practice and policy discussions are particularly encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Structure

The programme runs for nine months on a part-time basis.

Key fellowship activities include:

• Designing an independent research project
• Conducting research and analysis
• Participating in mentoring and workshops
• Collaborating with fellow researchers
• Producing actionable research outputs
• Presenting findings at a public symposium

Throughout the fellowship, participants will receive guidance from the Institute’s Head of Research while remaining responsible for leading their own research projects.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a record of publications
• Research proposal (1,000–1,200 words)
• Supporting statement
• At least one example of a research project they have designed and delivered

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the official Call for Applications before beginning the submission process.

Position Details

• Number of Fellowships: 6
• Organisation: UAL AKO Storytelling Institute
• Partner: Power of Pop Fund
• Contract Duration: 9 months
• Working Arrangement: Flexible hybrid (50% on-site and 50% remote)
• Location: University of the Arts London High Holborn/Home
• Working Hours: Part-time (14.8 hours per week)
• Salary: £48,563 per annum pro rata (£19,425 per annum for part-time hours)

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by:

11 September 2026 (23:55)

Interviews are scheduled to take place on:

28–30 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, as the recruitment process may close before the deadline if a high volume of applications is received.

Why Apply?

The Storytelling Research Fellowship offers researchers a unique opportunity to examine the role of storytelling in shaping society while working with one of the world’s leading creative universities.

The fellowship combines independent research, professional mentoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement, making it an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking to influence both academic knowledge and creative practice.

Researchers interested in understanding how popular culture shapes conversations around justice, equality, climate action, and social change are encouraged to apply.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares fellowships, scholarships, grants, jobs, and research opportunities for informational purposes only. GSO is not affiliated with the University of the Arts London (UAL), the AKO Storytelling Institute, or the Power of Pop Fund and does not participate in the recruitment or selection process. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines through the official programme website before applying.