Thinking of Presenting at Academic Archers?
All you need to know for submitting your abstract and biography
Submitting Your Idea
To propose a presentation, send us:
A 200–250 word abstract
A biography of up to 100 words
You don’t need to be an academic – we welcome submissions from all listeners inspired to bring their expertise to life in Ambridge.
When to submit your idea
We run a ‘Call for Papers’ approx. 9 months before each conference – and look out on social media and on our website, and/or sign up to our newsletter for news of that – and we also accept ideas at any time in the year.
What Does an Abstract Look Like?
An abstract (with its title) is a short summary of what your presentation is about. It should:
Clearly state your main topic or research question
Summarise your approach or method
Highlight key insights or conclusions
Explain its relevance to The Archers and/or life in Ambridge
Example 1:
Title: "Almost without exception they are shown in their relation to men": Ambridge women and their conversations
Abstract: In a village where the (audible) population is fairly evenly split between men and women, where most women of working age are employed or run their own business, where women (gasp!) play cricket... surely they have better things to talk about than the men in their lives?
How often do the women of Ambridge talk about things that aren't the men of Ambridge? And when they do, how often does the conversation reach a natural end without being interrupted by a man?
This paper will report on a year of eavesdropping in Ambridge, using the Bechdel-Wallace test* to consider gender bias in the Borsetshire countryside. If you've ever pondered the exact yoghurt-to-Neil ratio of Susan's conversation, or whether Lily is actually mute without Freddie present, then this is the paper for you!
*The Bechdel-Wallace test was created by Alison Bechdel in her webcomic 'Dykes to Watch Out For' (1985), in which a character says that she will only watch a film that has at least two women in it, who talk to each other, about something other than a man. It is sometimes used as a simplistic measure of the lack of representation (not only of women) in the media.
Example 2:
Title: I fought the Law
Abstract: At the time of writing George has not been sentenced, but it is highly likely he will be serving time. This paper will consider the criminals of Ambridge and their journey to justice and then reflect on how they were redeemed, or not.
It will ask the assembled jury (audience) whether one criminal is worse than another and why, using interactive elements in the presentation.
The role of the family, attachment and education will be examined in 4 males of Ambridge: George, Freddie, Tom & Clive. There will be an analysis of the different ways the Ambridge community has responded to these. Freddie, coming from the aristocratic Pargetter family, may have had more social capital to rebuild his life after prison, while George, from the Grundy family, might face different challenges due to their social status and history of marginalisation. Tom faced criminal charges when trashing the Home Farm GM crops, yet is now settling into a very respectable early middle age, whilst Clive was ostracised after his criminal career.
What Does My Biography Look Like?
Your bio should briefly introduce who you are, written in the third person. You might mention your:
Occupation or relevant experience
Interests or areas of knowledge
Connection to The Archers
Example:
Clarrie Grundy has been listening to The Archers for 55 years. She has worked variously as a cheese maker, cook and teacher. In her younger days she studied philosophy at Somerville College, and now is happiest reading books with her grandchildren.
What Happens After I Submit my abstract and biography?
Peer Review Panel
Your abstract will be read and considered by a panel made up of members of the Academic Archers community. We aim to reflect the spirit of generosity, curiosity and rigour that defines the project.
Selection
The panel will assess abstracts on clarity, originality, relevance, and alignment with the conference theme. We aim to programme a wide range of voices and formats.
Feedback
You’ll hear from us by the end of November 2025 with one of the following:
An offer to present
An invitation to revise and resubmit (with supportive guidance)
A thank-you and encouragement to reapply in the future
Who and What Can I Present?
You can present as a:
Solo speaker
Duo, trio or group
And in any format:
Talk with or without slides
Poster presentation
Wildcard or creative format (e.g. dramatic readings, films, photo-essays)
Presentations should be around 10–12 minutes long.
And can be on any topic related to life in Ambridge. Highlights from past conferences include a guide to counter-insurgency, conversations between ‘silents’, and a visit from Morris dancers.
Got Questions?
Please get in touch! Email us here.