C4 and Durham Uni launch Ph.D in the neuroscience of TV and ad viewing

Channel 4 and Durham University’s Psychology Department have partnered to launch a new programme relating to the cognitive neuroscience of televisual and advertising experience.

The three-year studentship, starting in October 2016, will involve research into the behaviour of television watching and its underlying cognitive neuroscience. The successful candidate will meet regularly with Channel 4’s Consumer Insight team to update on the progress of their research.

They will also work closely with renowned neuroscientist Dr Amanda Ellison, a pioneer in ground breaking ‘Electrodermal response’ research which measures people’s psychological arousal or pleasure using the skin as a conductor of electricity. Last year she worked with Channel 4 on research that revealed that advertising on TV on-demand players outperforms social platforms including YouTube for viewer acceptance, engagement and attention.

Martin Greenbank, Head of Advertising Research at Channel 4 said: “Following our pioneering Not All VOD Is The Same Study with Dr Ellison and Durham University, this unique partnership will build on Channel 4’s innovative work in the field of television and advertising research.”

Channel 4’s award-winning Consumer Insight team has built and strengthened new direct relationships with audiences, helping to drive All 4’s registered users to over 13 million including over half of all 16-34s in the UK.

Durham University’s Psychology Department provides a world class research environment for postgraduate students and is consistently ranked as one of the best Psychology departments for employability.The deadline for applications is 1st August.