ABC Radio National is searching for Australia’s next generation of inspiring research communicators, to take part in this year’s ABC TOP 5 media residencies.
ABC is pleased to let you know that applications for the 2026 ABC TOP 5 media residencies have been launched by ABC Chair Kim Williams and 2025 TOP 5 alumnus and now ABC Classic presenter Lolita Emmanuel (pictured with Arts presenter Ce Benedict). Listen here: ABC Radio National’s Top 5 program launches! – ABC listen
ABC is encouraging applications from early career PhD researchers.
The three TOP 5 media residencies in Science, Arts & Humanities give15 early career PhD scholars the chance to spend two-weeks with some of the ABC’s leading journalists and producers. The aim of the scheme is to enable the selected academics to be the best communicators they can be of their specialist research to non-academic audiences.
- Here’s a link to the ABC media release: ABC Chair Kim Williams launches the 2026 ABC TOP 5 – About the ABC
- Attached is information to share about the ABC TOP 5, plus you can find all the details on the website: TOP 5 – ABC Media Residency Program, 2026 – ABC listen
- Please note that the application period is shorter this year, and applications close midnight Monday April 6 (AEST).
Information 2026 ABC TOP 5
This is the chance for fifteen early career researchers (five per category) to spend two-weeks with some of the ABC’s leading journalists and producers.
Based at ABC Radio National, each media residency is tailored for that year’s successful applicants across ABC Audio, TV & Digital. The program’s graduates are equipped with careerlong skills, and confidence to communicate with audiences about their field of expertise.
2026 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR:
• Humanities: Early career researchers with a PhD (within seven years) in humanities, arts, and social sciences (HASS). Applications in the areas of Law and Education are also encouraged. The two-week Humanities residency will be presented at the ABC offices in Sydney, Monday 13th to Friday 24th July 2026 inclusive.
• Arts: Early career researchers – both those studying for a PhD and those within seven years of completing their PhD. ‘Arts’ is defined as: visual arts, architecture, design, performance, screen, literature, or music. The two-week Arts residency will be presented at the ABC offices in Melbourne, Monday 10th to Friday 21st August 2026 inclusive.
• Science: Early career researchers with a PhD (within seven years) in science, technology, engineering, maths (STEMM). The two-week Science residency will be presented at the ABC offices in Sydney, Monday 14th to Friday 25th September 2026 inclusive.
WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?
ABC TOP 5 applications are judged on excellence of and the potential general interest of their research. Plus, the enthusiasm and ability of the applicant to convey what their work is, why they are passionate about it, and why a broader audience should be interested in their work.
Previously non-successful applicants are encouraged to apply again, as it is very competitive and they may have just missed out.
For more information and how to apply visit:ABC Chair Kim Williams launches the 2026 ABC TOP 5 – About the ABC
Any questions, please email the ABC TOP 5 Team: top5@abc.net.au
Presented by Radio National, the ABC TOP 5 media residencies are made available to participants at no cost due to the support of our project partners Creative Australia, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and Australian National University
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