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The UAL AKO Storytelling Institute, in partnership with the Power of Pop Fund, has commissioned six researchers to investigate how popular culture can create social and environmental change across creative media.
Through the new Storytelling Research Fellowship, researchers will undertake original studies examining how storytelling across film, television, music, gaming and other creative media shapes public attitudes, behaviours and action. The programme aims to strengthen understanding of how, when and why popular culture contributes to meaningful social change.
The six fellows will explore a diverse range of themes, including migration, race and belonging; climate change; poverty and economic justice; democracy and people power; and masculinity.
The fellowship attracted significant interest from across the UK, receiving 424 applications and more than 200 enquiries. Applications came from researchers and practitioners working across sociology, psychology, geography, political science, media studies and the arts, reflecting growing interest in understanding the role of popular culture in social change.
Applicants ranged from recent PhD graduates to established academics and practitioners, with strong representation from individuals working across communities, industry, government and civil society. The programme also attracted a diverse applicant pool, with almost half of applicants identifying as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic.
Research produced through the fellowship will be published and presented at a public symposium in autumn 2027, creating opportunities for engagement and discussion across the creative industries, storytelling sector, civil society, policymaking and academia.
“The ambition of the fellowship is demonstrated in the bringing together of diverse disciplines and perspectives, linking research and the creative industry to explore complex questions across media, culture and society in a practical way. There is increasing recognition of the power of narratives in shaping public understanding of major social and environmental challenges, and I think it’s time to harness that power for the greater good.”
Francesca Panetti, Director, UAL AKO Storytelling Institute
“We were impressed by both the volume and quality of applications. The proposals demonstrated strong and diverse methodological expertise, topics and media to explore. The fellows demonstrated a clear commitment to producing research with practical relevance.”
Sam Valery, Monitoring, Learning and Evaluation Manager, Power of Pop Fund
Fellows pictured from left to right: Dr Nelson Correia, Dr Fabian Broeker, Dr Anna McCully Stewart, Dr Nadia Haq, Dr Kira-Ann Pelican and Dr Ploykamol Suwantawit.
Background on Delivery Partners
The AKO Storytelling Institute at University of the Arts London explores how storytelling can drive positive social change. Bringing together artists, campaigners, researchers, educators and policymakers, the Institute investigates how stories across film, television, theatre, audio, games and immersive media can influence public attitudes, challenge dominant narratives and inspire action. Through research, fellowships, creative collaborations, workshops and public events, it supports storytellers in developing effective, purpose-led work that addresses urgent social and environmental challenges, including climate change, inequality and misinformation. Its overarching mission is to harness the power of storytelling to create meaningful and lasting change.
The Power of Pop Fund supports organisations across the UK that use popular culture, creativity and storytelling to drive social change. With a particular focus on racial justice and migration, the Fund invests in community-led organisations that amplify underrepresented voices, challenge stereotypes and reshape cultural narratives through film, television, music, art and other creative forms. By strengthening organisations, building collaboration and championing authentic representation, it aims to harness the influence of popular culture to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
The programme is delivered with support from: Power of Pop Fund, Comic Relief, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Movember and Unbound Philanthropy.
