What producers say about us
Ideas Lab is often the first to make production companies aware of cutting-edge research that we would otherwise remain unaware of – often until too late.
Alexandra Fraser, Chief Creative Officer, 7Wonder
Getting a TV programme commissioned is a rewarding but complex process. Without being steered by someone who is knowledgeable about broadcasters’ requirements, academics would find it near-impossible to get their ideas in front of the right people and in the right form. The Academic Ideas Lab has that knowledge and has helped many academics successfully navigate the world of TV commissioning.
Dr Paul Woolf, Head of Development, Barcroft Media
It’s just fantastic to have a resource like Ideas Lab to turn to as a producer, to put me in touch with the experts.
Jon Willers, BBC Science Unit, Glasgow
The Academic Ideas Lab has a really good nose for a story and what commissioners are looking for. It’s been a superb source of ideas from many diverse academics, providing amazing access and resulting in some high quality BBC radio programmes. Highly professional, incredibly reliable and really enjoyable to work with.
Simon Jacobs, freelance Executive Producer
Alexandra Fraser, Chief Creative Officer, 7Wonder
Getting a TV programme commissioned is a rewarding but complex process. Without being steered by someone who is knowledgeable about broadcasters’ requirements, academics would find it near-impossible to get their ideas in front of the right people and in the right form. The Academic Ideas Lab has that knowledge and has helped many academics successfully navigate the world of TV commissioning.
Dr Paul Woolf, Head of Development, Barcroft Media
It’s just fantastic to have a resource like Ideas Lab to turn to as a producer, to put me in touch with the experts.
Jon Willers, BBC Science Unit, Glasgow
The Academic Ideas Lab has a really good nose for a story and what commissioners are looking for. It’s been a superb source of ideas from many diverse academics, providing amazing access and resulting in some high quality BBC radio programmes. Highly professional, incredibly reliable and really enjoyable to work with.
Simon Jacobs, freelance Executive Producer
What academics say about us
They are savvy and well-connected, and they give excellent advice.
Professor Ewan Fernie, Chair of Shakespeare Studies
The Ideas Lab has been fantastic. I have been interviewed for podcasts, advised on TV shows and also had training in presenting to camera. This has also been invaluable when applying (successfully) for funding from the EU, as there is a large section in EU grant applications regarding engagement and dissemination.
Dr Zoe Schnepp, Birmingham Fellow, School of Chemistry
Ideas Lab has been both professional and perceptive in terms of the kinds of ideas and projects that can make a difference. It was due to this initiative that I was accepted on the BBC Expert Women programme which has led to many TV appearances which have publicised both the university and my research.
Professor Isabelle Szmigin, Professor of Marketing
I have found the Ideas Lab team extremely professional and pro-active in facilitating the relationship between academics and broadcasters. Ideas Lab offers an important, innovative and strategic service.
Dr Nando Sigona, Birmingham Fellow and Lecturer in School of Social Policy
Thanks to the Ideas Lab we are in a strong position to present the new discoveries I have made while a Birmingham Fellow to a much broader audience and this in turn will generate further opportunities for recording impact… (The Academic Ideas Lab) are helping the university create links and open discussions with some of the country’s – indeed, the world’s – most prestigious media organisations.
Dr Chris Laoutaris, Birmingham Fellow, the Shakespeare Institute
Ideas Lab has been an incredibly useful discovery for me and has put me in touch with people who actually understand the professional areas that I work in and has helped to project my research beyond the limits of the academy.
Dr Caroline Radcliffe, Lecturer, Department of Drama and Theatre Arts
I worked with Ideas Lab to promote my work in skin disorders amongst people with darker skin tones. This resulted in being featured on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, and the programme also set up an online skin disorder image gallery for the public to submit images and get expert feedback. This resulted in my being invited to speak on various local and national TV and radio programmes, including a live interview on BBC Breakfast. Reaching the public was vital to the success of the project but without Ideas Lab’s expertise the coverage for the project would have remained within a fairly narrow academic remit.
Dr June Jones, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Ethics