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
This morning ABC Chair Kim Williams launched 2026 applications for the ABC TOP 5 – which gives 15 early career PhD scholars the chance to spend two-weeks with some of the ABC’s leading journalists and producers. Applications are now open for the three media residencies in Science, Arts & Humanities.
Supported by Creative Australia, the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney and the Australian National University, the ABC TOP 5 project aims to equip early career researchers with tools to share their innovative ideas and insights with audiences across Australia.
Kim Williams says that academics make an invaluable contribution to the Corporation’s News and specialist output. “In a time when facts are questioned and unsubstantiated opinions often dominate, it is vital that the ABC keeps Australians well informed, striving to offer sound objectively sourced information and analysis.
“The next generations of academics will play a central role in shaping our future through assisting better public access to necessary news and information which will assist good decision making. This program is central to ensuring early opportunities for that next generation to commence an energising discovery and skills development journey.”
As Head of ABC Radio National, Dina Rosendorff is proud of how the ABC TOP 5 helps Australians to better understand the complex world in which we live: “As Australia’s premier destination for trusted ideas and specialist discussion, ABC Radio National cuts through the noise with depth, independence and intelligence.
“Today’s audiences want more than headlines – they want understanding. By supporting emerging researchers to develop new media skills, ABC Radio National is securing the future of rigorous, public-minded storytelling.”
Applications are open now and close 11.59pm (AEST) Sunday 6 April 2026.
Find full details at www.abc.net.au/top5
The ABC TOP 5 media residencies are open to researchers across Australia:
- Humanities: PhD-qualified early career researchers in humanities, arts, and social sciences (HASS)
- Science: PhD-qualified early career researchers in science, technology, engineering, maths, and medical research (STEMM)
- Arts: Early-career Arts researchers – with or studying for a PhD in visual arts, architecture, design, performance, screen, literature, or music.
The ABC is proud to be working with our TOP 5 project partners: Creative Australia, University of Melbourne, Australian National University and University of Sydney. The vital ongoing support these partners makes the ABC TOP 5 possible:
The ANU supports the ABC TOP 5 Science, and Professor Sujatha Raman is Director of the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS): “The ABC Top 5 offers a fantastic opportunity for researchers across all disciplines to learn the art of communicating from Australia’s premier public service broadcaster.
“As the nation’s leading centre in science communication for public good, we at CPAS are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the ABC. The Top 5 program promises to be a life-changer for the individual and a major contribution to the nation’s public discourse in the coming year”.
Professor Julie Cairney Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) says the University of Sydney is pleased to be working with the ABC again: “Early career researchers are the future of our research workforce, and the outcomes of their work will shape Australia’s future society. Being able to clearly and compellingly explain their work is more important than ever. Better communication skills will help them to have a greater influence, which is why the University is proud to provide ongoing support for this ABC partnership.”
“The ABC Radio National Top 5 Arts Residency offers something rare and vital: time, rigour and a national platform to explore deep creative inquiry”, says Lara Wolski, Executive Director Development and Partnerships at Creative Australia. “We are proud to continue supporting this important residency, enabling arts practitioners and researchers to make meaningful contributions to national conversations, and bringing critical insight, evidence and creative practice to audiences across the country.”
Also essential for the ABC TOP 5 Arts is the support of the University of Melbourne. Professor Marie Sierra is the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music and is very proud to have partnered with the ABC again: “’The TOP 5 Media Residency supports talented artist‑researchers to communicate their research to new audiences through innovative media training. It offers a valuable opportunity for arts practitioners to strengthen their capacity to articulate the significance and impact of creative arts research beyond academic contexts, into the economy and society.’
For more information and to apply visit: www.abc.net.au/top5:
TOP 5 – ABC Media Residency Program, 2026 – ABC listen
Program Partners, & ABC TOP 5 alumni are available for interview; please get in touch