I'm looking forward to working with the BBC on new ways of telling the global story of philosophy and next, I plan to begin a postdoc. I would like to publish a trade book on the Hatata Zera Yacob in addition to my scholarly work on it, and to begin translating some other works of early modern Ethiopian literature. I am also planning to write a book about Jewish life in Poland immediately after World War II, focusing on the life of my relative, Jakub Egit.
Jonathan Egid
20 May 2024
PhD student named as 2024 BBC/AHRC New Generation Thinker
4th year PhD candidate in Comparative Literature and Philosophy, Jonathan Egid has been selected by BBC Radio 3 and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
Ten New Generation Thinkers have been announced as part of a New Thinking episode of the Arts & Ideas podcast hosted by former New Generation Thinker Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough. The scheme recognises the UK’s most promising arts and humanities early career researchers and is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and BBC Radio 3.
The New Generation Thinkers scheme has been proven to be career changing as each researcher will be given the opportunity to share their pioneering research by making programmes for BBC Radio 3 and will also be provided with unique access to training and support from both the AHRC and the BBC.
Jonathan Egid is a PhD candidate in Comparative Literature and Philosophy. Jonathan’s PhD focusses on a seventeenth century Ethiopian philosopher and the question of whether or not he actually existed. It examines an enigmatic work named the Hatata Zera Yacob, its philosophical system, its discovery in the context of European missionary activity and the subsequent debate concerning its authorship. Jonathan’s thesis explores Ethiopian literature and philosophy, the legacy of colonialism in the history of philosophy, and the global varieties of philosophical rationalism and critique.
The diverse range of topics covered by the New Generation Thinkers cohort also include the possible existence of the multiverse, the future of black literature and the surprisingly dark history of Technicolor film.
Next, Jonathan plans to begin a postdoc, publish a trade book on the Hatata Zera Yacob in addition to his work on it, and to begin translating some other works of early modern Ethiopian literature. He is also planning to write a book about Jewish life in Poland immediately after World War II, focusing on the life of his relative, Jakub Egit.
Hundreds of academics applied to the scheme this year, from which 60 were invited to day-long workshops with the BBC to develop their ideas with experienced BBC producers. From these workshops, 10 were selected as New Generation Thinkers.
They will benefit from training and development with AHRC and will also spend a year being mentored by producers from BBC radio, where they will appear and take part in discussions during the year.
These New Generation Thinkers represent some of the brightest early career researchers in the country.