The Journey in Audio Program offers a unique creative opportunity for individuals and small teams planning geographical journeys, fieldwork or research expeditions in 2027. The programme provides professional audio storytelling training, recording equipment, REAPER audio production software, travel and accommodation support, and expert feedback to help participants document their experiences through field-recorded audio.
Background & Programme Description
The Journey in Audio Program is an opportunity offered by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) for individuals and small teams who want to document a geographical journey, fieldwork project or research expedition using audio recorded in the field.
The programme is designed for applicants who have a story they want to tell through sound. Rather than simply providing financial support, the opportunity combines practical training, professional equipment and mentoring to help participants develop high-quality audio work.
Selected participants will attend a one-day, in-person workshop at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 8 March 2027. The workshop will be led by a professional audio producer and will introduce participants to soundscapes, audio storytelling, narrative development, field recording and interviewing techniques.
Participants will also receive professional-standard handheld audio recording equipment to use during their fieldwork, together with a non-commercial licence for REAPER digital audio production software.
The programme is particularly relevant to researchers, geographers, expedition teams, creative practitioners and others who want to explore how sound can communicate stories about places, people, environments and research.
Official Journey in Audio Programme
What the Programme Offers
Successful participants will receive several forms of training and support throughout the programme.
Professional Audio Training
Participants will take part in a one-day workshop at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 8 March 2027.
The training will cover:
- Soundscapes and field recording
- Using sound in storytelling
- Building an audio narrative
- Using professional audio recording equipment
- Recording sounds in the field
- Approaching and conducting interviews
- Practical audio recording exercises
- An introduction to REAPER audio production software
Participants must complete some basic self-directed REAPER training before attending the workshop.
Professional Recording Equipment
The programme provides participants with the loan of professional-standard handheld audio recording equipment for use during their geographical journey, fieldwork or research expedition.
This can allow participants to capture sounds and interviews in the field without having to purchase professional recording equipment themselves.
Audio Production Software
Participants receive a non-commercial licence for REAPER, allowing them to use the digital audio production software to develop their work.
The programme provides an introduction to the software, but applicants are expected to undertake independent learning using online tutorials.
Travel and Accommodation Support
A financial contribution toward travel and accommodation, where required, is available for participants attending the workshop in London.
The programme therefore provides practical support beyond training and equipment.
Feedback and Mentoring
Participants will also receive online feedback on the first cut of their completed audio work after returning from the field.
The programme includes:
- A one-to-one feedback session on 17 September 2027
- A group feedback session on 7 December 2027
Participants may also have an opportunity to share their finished audio work through the Royal Geographical Society’s channels, subject to review for quality and content.
Eligibility
The Journey in Audio opportunity is open to individuals and small teams undertaking a geographical journey, fieldwork or research expedition between mid-April and the end of September 2027.
Applicants should have:
- A clear plan for their journey, fieldwork or research expedition
- The financial and practical means to undertake the planned project
- A geography-related topic or project
- The ability to attend the in-person workshop in London on 8 March 2027
- The ability to participate in the online feedback sessions on 17 September and 7 December 2027
- A willingness to undertake self-directed learning of REAPER audio production software
Applicants from all levels of experience can apply.
The opportunity is therefore not limited to experienced audio producers. Applicants who are new to audio storytelling can also be considered, provided they are prepared to learn the required production skills.
How to Apply
Places on the Journey in Audio workshop are limited because the programme is designed to provide participants with hands-on training and personalized feedback.
Applicants must submit a 60-second audio pitch by email to the Royal Geographical Society and complete the online application form before the deadline.
The audio pitch should explain:
- What the proposed project is about
- The story the applicant wants to tell
- Why the story is important to them
- Why audio is an appropriate format
- Why an audience would find the project interesting
Applicants can record the pitch using any suitable method, including a phone.
The application deadline is 8 January 2027.
Apply for the Journey in Audio Programme
Important Dates
Applicants should note the following dates:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 8 January 2027 |
| In-person workshop in London | 8 March 2027 |
| Fieldwork period | Mid-April–September 2027 |
| One-to-one feedback | 17 September 2027 |
| Group feedback | 7 December 2027 |
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Journey in Audio Program provides an unusual combination of creative training, field recording equipment, software access and expert feedback.
Previous recipients have used audio to explore subjects including environmental change, migration, cultural heritage, natural history, agriculture, climate change and local communities.
For researchers and creative practitioners interested in communicating research beyond traditional written formats, the programme can provide practical skills for transforming field experiences into compelling audio stories.
Final Takeaway
The Journey in Audio Program is a 2027 opportunity for individuals and small teams undertaking geographical journeys, fieldwork or research expeditions who want to develop an audio-based story.
Selected participants can benefit from professional training, equipment loans, REAPER software access, travel and accommodation support, and structured feedback after their fieldwork.
With the application deadline set for 8 January 2027, eligible applicants should begin developing their project idea and 60-second audio pitch early.
Royal Geographical Society – Journey in Audio
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