University of Hull academic named BBC New Generation Thinker for 2025

The University of Hull is proud to announce that Dr Stephanie Brown, an early-career researcher in historical criminology, has been named one of the BBC’s New Generation Thinkers for 2025.

Chosen from hundreds of applicants across the UK, Dr Brown is one of six outstanding academics, hailed as the brightest emerging minds in their field, who will help to shape future BBC Radio 4 programming.

Dr Brown commented: 

"I’m looking forward to sparking some really important conversations – using the history of crime and justice to help us think differently about today’s big issues, such as prison reform. I also want to shine a light on the challenges women face and explore how understanding the roots of violence can help us find better ways to address it."

They were chosen through a nationwide search led by the BBC in partnership with the UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The New Generation Thinkers scheme aims to bring academic research to a wider audience through BBC Radio 4 programming.

Over the coming year, Dr Brown will work closely with producers on programmes including Woman’s Hour, helping to translate her research into engaging radio content for the public.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), Professor Fiona Matthews, commented: "Huge congratulations to Dr. Brown on this fantastic accolade, which recognises not only the high quality of her research, but also her ability to communicate its relevance and impact on society today.

"As a university, we are committed to supporting and developing our researchers throughout their journey. We were delighted to support Stephanie with her application to this wonderful opportunity, which will enable her to shine a light on her research in such a unique and accessible way. We look forward to seeing Dr Brown continue to flourish in the year ahead, and beyond."

Dr Brown is a historical criminologist specialising in the history of crime, punishment, and policing from the Middle Ages to the modern era. She is a co-creator of Medieval Murder Maps, an interactive digital resource offering rare insights into violence and justice in medieval England. Her forthcoming book, Murder and Mercy: Homicide and Capital Punishment in Nineteenth-Century Wales (Routledge), explores how factors such as gender, class, and ethnicity shaped who was granted mercy in the justice system.

Her broader research examines the social, legal, and cultural contexts of homicide, suicide, and abortion, and how societal views on violence and justice have shifted. She also addresses current issues, including media portrayals of crime and public perceptions of justice.

Dr Brown joins a dynamic 2025 cohort of New Generation Thinkers whose research spans topics such as healthcare communication, espionage during the Second World War, the impact of climate on migration, and women's contributions to film and television.

Matthew Dodd, Commissioning Editor, Arts, BBC Radio 4, said: "As the biggest speech radio station in the UK, Radio 4 is thrilled to introduce six brilliant early-career academics to such a broad audience. Their commitment to reaching the wider public with their research will enrich Radio 4’s programming, delivering new perspectives that inspire and challenge.”

Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair says: “New Generation Thinkers communicate fascinating ideas to the public, expanding our cultural, social and philosophical horizons while prompting important conversations.

“With subjects as diverse as climate change, war and healthcare, and methodologies as varied as film making and storytelling, these early careers researchers will explore important ideas that have shaped, and continue to shape, our world.

“I look forward to see what these six brilliant, original thinkers can produce with the resources of the BBC at their fingertips.”