Category / Events

Reminder: Recharge Your Research Routine Next Week for World Wellbeing Week

World Wellbeing Week is just around the corner, and it is the perfect time to step away from your desk, quiet the mental noise, and invest a little time back into yourself.

Between drafting proposals, analysing data, and meeting deadlines, it is incredibly easy for researchers and postgraduate students to put personal health on the back burner. That is why BU has put together a fantastic line-up of free, restorative activities designed specifically for our research community to unwind, connect, and recharge.

If you have been meaning to sign up but have not yet managed to do so, here is a quick look at the events happening next week across Talbot Campus (and online) that you won’t want to miss.

Your World Wellbeing Week Line-up 

Baduanjin and Qigong for Body and Mind

Baduanjin (八段锦) is a traditional Chinese form of qigong consisting of eight slow and beginner-friendly movements. Widely practiced in China, it is especially suitable for anyone who sit for long periods, as it helps ease tension, improve mobility, and reset energy levels in a calm and supportive environment.

For those wishing to learn a little more beforehand, many resources are available online, such as this instructional video.

Attendees are requested to wear comfortable clothing for this slow-paced, easy-to-follow session. No prior experience is needed. Simply come along, take a break from your desk, and enjoy a peaceful summer afternoon with the community.

Monday 22 June, 3-4pm

Student Hall, Talbot House, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Community Garden Volunteering

Established in January 2025 and funded by grants and donations, the Community Garden is managed by the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU). The garden is located on Talbot Campus, behind the Poole Gateway Building, with full details available on the SUBU website.

This session offers an opportunity to spend time enjoying nature and volunteering to support the mission of growing food for the community and those in need.

Tuesday 23 June, 12-1pm

BU Community Garden, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Wellbeing Creative Break

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, Alison Woodward and Tara Zaksaite have planned a 3-hour activity, involving creative play activities such as colouring, writing, drawing, playing with sand and lego. This will offer a creative and fun break to increase mindfulness and wellbeing.

You are also welcome to bring your own creative activities such as crafting or knitting.

Tea and coffee will be provided

Wednesday 24 June, 2-5pm

Talbot Campus: Room TBC

Find out more and register here

Motivation, Burnout and Staying Well While Researching

Supported by the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant, Cihan Yesilmen Kilinc will deliver an online session for PGRs and ECRs on motivation, burnout, and maintaining wellbeing.

Slowing down is a normal part of the research journey. For anyone experiencing feelings of being stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, this session offers a non-judgmental space to pause and reflect.

Friday 26 June, 11:45am-12:45pm

Online

Attendees will have a chance to win one of three £50 wellbeing shopping vouchers.

Find out more and register here

Paint and Pause, Art in Nature

An invitation to step away from your desk and gather in the BU Community Garden for a relaxed painting session. This event offers an opportunity to gently slow down, try painting or drawing, and enjoy the calming surroundings of nature, no prior experience is required.

Attendees are welcome to bring a drink, some sweet treats will be provided.

Friday 26 June, 2-4pm

BU Community Garden, Talbot Campus (weather permitting)

Find out more and register here

Boost Your Research Toolkit: Digital Confidence & AI Literacy Workshop – Friday 26 June 10am-12pm

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, researchers are invited to join an upcoming practical session designed to help Postgraduate Researchers and Early Career Researchers navigate the evolving landscape of AI in academia with confidence.

The Digital Confidence and AI Literacy for Researchers: A Practical Skills Workshop for PGRs and ECRs is an interactive event that will explore the practicalities of responsible AI use, digital trust, and how to effectively leverage AI to strengthen research bids and streamline workflows.

What the Session Covers

This workshop focuses on actionable skills that researchers can apply to their work immediately. Attendees will explore the ethical and secure use of AI tools under the framework of digital trust, and discover smart ways to integrate these digital tools into daily research practices. Crucially, the session will also provide practical approaches to strengthening future research bids and grant applications using digital insights.

Featured Speakers & Facilitators

The event brings together a cross-disciplinary panel of experts to share their insights:

  • Dr Ediz Akçay (Business School)
  • Dr Festus Adedoyin (School of Computing and Engineering)
  • Anthony Ashwn (Data Scientist, ROSEN)
  • Facilitated by: Dr Emmanuella Ejime-Okereafor

Event Details

Friday 26 June, 10am – 12pm
F202, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus

How to Register

Register here to book your place

If you have any questions, please email Emmanuella Ejime-Okereafor: eejime@bournemouth.ac.uk

Celebrate World Wellbeing Week This June

Every June, World Wellbeing Week reminds us to pause and check in on our mental, physical, and social health.

To celebrate, a range of activities are available for researchers, designed to help individuals unwind, recharge, and prioritise personal wellbeing.

Baduanjin and Qigong for Body and Mind

Baduanjin (八段锦) is a traditional Chinese form of qigong consisting of eight slow and beginner-friendly movements. Widely practiced in China, it is especially suitable for anyone who sit for long periods, as it helps ease tension, improve mobility, and reset energy levels in a calm and supportive environment.

For those wishing to learn a little more beforehand, many resources are available online, such as this instructional video.

Attendees are requested to wear comfortable clothing for this slow-paced, easy-to-follow session. No prior experience is needed. Simply come along, take a break from your desk, and enjoy a peaceful summer afternoon with the community.

Monday 22 June, 3-4pm

Student Hall, Talbot House, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Community Garden Volunteering

Established in January 2025 and funded by grants and donations, the Community Garden is managed by the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU). The garden is located on Talbot Campus, behind the Poole Gateway Building, with full details available on the SUBU website.

This session offers an opportunity to spend time enjoying nature and volunteering to support the mission of growing food for the community and those in need.

Tuesday 23 June, 12-1pm

BU Community Garden, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Wellbeing Creative Break

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, Alison Woodward and Tara Zaksaite have planned a 3-hour activity, involving creative play activities such as colouring, writing, drawing, playing with sand and lego. This will offer a creative and fun break to increase mindfulness and wellbeing.

You are also welcome to bring your own creative activities such as crafting or knitting.

Tea and coffee will be provided

Wednesday 24 June, 2-5pm

Talbot Campus: Room TBC

Find out more and register here

Motivation, Burnout and Staying Well While Researching

Supported by the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant, Cihan Yesilmen Kilinc will deliver an online session for PGRs and ECRs on motivation, burnout, and maintaining wellbeing.

Slowing down is a normal part of the research journey. For anyone experiencing feelings of being stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, this session offers a non-judgmental space to pause and reflect.

Friday 26 June, 11:45am-12:45pm

Online

Attendees will have a chance to win one of three £50 wellbeing shopping vouchers.

Find out more and register here

Paint and Pause, Art in Nature

An invitation to step away from your desk and gather in the BU Community Garden for a relaxed painting session. This event offers an opportunity to gently slow down, try painting or drawing, and enjoy the calming surroundings of nature, no prior experience is required.

Attendees are welcome to bring a drink, some sweet treats will be provided.

Friday 26 June, 2-4pm

BU Community Garden, Talbot Campus (weather permitting)

Find out more and register here 

Take a Break: Join the Creative Wellbeing Event

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, this upcoming interactive session offers BU researchers a dedicated space to pause, connect, and focus on emotional wellbeing.

Being an ECR or PGR can be challenging and stressful and finding time to step away from your desk is tough. Organised by Tara Zaksaite and Alison Woodward, this upcoming session is designed to offer a creative, fun break to increase mindfulness, giving you the space to consider how to weave wellbeing practices back into your usual work routine.

A 3-hour mindfulness session involving creative play activities such as colouring, writing, drawing, playing with sand, and Lego. You are welcome to bring your own crafts or knitting.

Wednesday 24 June, 2-5pm

Spaces are strictly limited to 40

Tea and coffee will be provided

Please register your interest by completing the ECR wellbeing activity booking form by Wednesday 17 June to secure your place.

About the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant

This event highlights how the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant directly empowers early career researchers to lead impactful initiatives. By supporting these researcher-led projects, the grant continues to build a vibrant BU community cantered on wellbeing and professional development.

If you want to explore future ECR funding or get involved in our upcoming research culture initiatives, keep an eye on the Researcher Development Hub. We will be sharing details on exciting new open calls this September.

Strengthening BU’s Research Culture: A Look Inside the Mixed Methods Workshop

Knowledge Exchange

Bridging the Methodological Divide: ECR Led Workshop Explores the Power of Mixed Methods Research

On Wednesday 6 May 2026, Early Career Researchers and academics from across BU came together for an insightful and collaborative workshop: “The Growing Importance of Mixed Methods Research”

Organised by Jiahong Han from the Faculty of Business and Law and supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, this event was designed to strengthen researchers’ methodological skills by delving into the principles, applications, and challenges of Mixed Methods Research (MMR) within the social sciences.

An Interdisciplinary Gathering

For a specialised, interactive methodological workshop, the event achieved an impressive turnout of 20 researchers. Rather than drawing from a single department, the workshop successfully built a cross-faculty collaboration, attracting Doctoral Researchers, Lecturers, and Senior Lecturers from a diverse range of disciplines:

  • English Literature
  • Clinical Imaging
  • Accounting
  • Business Management

This mix of backgrounds sparked rich discussions, allowing attendees to learn from varied methodological perspectives and experiences. While the workshop was a standalone event, it successfully established new professional connections across BU. Attendees also gained a valuable external contact, with the guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University sharing her details to facilitate ongoing external collaboration.

Guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University introduces the principles of Mixed Methods Research to BU researchers

Guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University introduces the principles of Mixed Methods Research to BU researchers

Inside the Workshop: Theory Meets Practice

The day was split into distinct phases to maximise engagement:

Foundational Theory: The invited guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University introduced the core principles of MMR, focusing on how qualitative and quantitative data can be meaningfully integrated within research design.

Deconstructing the Designs: A dedicated segment aimed at demystifying the different types of mixed methods frameworks and addressing common pitfalls in social science research.

Hands-On Application: Moving from theory to practice, attendees workshopped their own active research projects, troubleshooting real-world methodological hurdles with peers from different faculties.

Catered Networking Lunch: A working lunch that allowed researchers to connect casually, exchange contact details, and lay the groundwork for future cross-faculty BU collaborations.

Doctoral researchers and senior staff workshopped active research projects together during the practical afternoon session

Doctoral researchers and senior staff workshopped active research projects together during the practical afternoon session

What Attendees Said

The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Participants particularly valued the blend of lecture and practical workshop activities, noting that it made complex concepts highly applicable to their own active projects.

Key takeaways from the attendees highlighted that the event was:

“Informative, engaging, and highly relevant to our research development needs.”

Many noted that the sessions helped them clarify different mixed methods designs and provided a supportive space to discuss real-world methodological challenges with both peers and the guest speaker.

Behind the Scenes

For organiser Jiahong Han, the grant provided an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Reflecting on the experience of organising an academic event for the first time, from coordinating with external speakers to promotion and logistics, Jiahong described the journey as “collaborative, valuable, and confidence-building.”

“Through organising the event and participating in the discussions, I deepened my own understanding of Mixed Methods Research and its practical applications. It has expanded my professional network both within BU and externally, creating fantastic opportunities for future knowledge exchange.”

About the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant

This event highlights how the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant directly empowers early career researchers to lead impactful initiatives. By supporting these researcher-led projects, the grant continues to build a vibrant BU community cantered on interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange, and professional development.

If you are inspired by this event and want to explore future ECR funding or get involved in our upcoming research culture initiatives, keep an eye on the Researcher Development Hub.

We will be sharing details on exciting new open calls this September.

If you have any questions, please contact the Researcher Development and Culture Team at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 Call Information Webinar

Funding opportunities

The UK National Contact Point for the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) will hold an online information webinar for the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call on 18 June 2026, from 10:00 to 12:00.

The event is free of charge, although registration is required. The registration link is available on the webinar information page.

The MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call has recently opened, and proposals may be submitted until the deadline of 24 November 2026.

Further information is available on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call page, including:

  • topic description;
  • call updates;
  • links to the online proposal submission system;
  • Q&A sections; and
  • topic conditions and supporting documents.

Additional information about the scheme is also available on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions webpage.

Please note that BU PIs intending to apply for this call will need to obtain informal prior agreement from their faculty regarding a potential tuition fee waiver for PhD candidates should the application be successful.

Apart from support with costing and internal approvals, support from RIS may be limited due to the high volume of Horizon Europe calls closing during the autumn period. If you are considering applying, please submit your ItB by mid-September at the latest so that we can plan workloads efficiently and provide the necessary support in a timely manner.

If you have any questions relating to this call or Horizon Europe more generally, please do not hesitate to contact the Strategic & International Research Facilitator directly.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) 2026: Register to Support our PGRs

PG research

Following the round of pre-recorded submissions in April, the stage is set for the 2026 BU Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Final.

PGRs face the ultimate academic challenge: condensing complex thesis data into a single, high-impact, three-minute presentation for a general audience.

Why We Need You in the Audience

Our PGRs have worked hard to master the ultimate “elevator pitch.” Having a strong, supportive audience of BU colleagues and peers makes a massive difference to their presentation energy.

By attending, you are not only supporting your faculty’s researchers but also actively contributing to the judging process. Alongside the main panel prizes, attendees will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Finalists are competing for national recognition at the National Vitae 3MT competition, alongside top prizes including £150, £100, and £50 vouchers.

Event Details

Wednesday 17 June, 1-3pm

Create Lecture Theatre, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Spaces are limited. Please secure your seat and support our research community

For further details about the competition framework, please visit the Doctoral College Brightspace page or contact the team at pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 Now Open – Key Dates and Support

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call opened on 9 April and is now accepting applications. The submission deadline is 9 September 2026.

Further information and all relevant documents are available on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

The UK National Contact Point for Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions will host an online webinar for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of the call, including eligibility criteria, budget, and key considerations.

Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 10:00–12:00 (UK time)
Registration deadline: 14 May 2026

For your convenience, links to key documents are provided below:

– Guide for Applicants (download page)
– Guidelines on the calculation of 8 years of research experience
– 2026 standard application form (for an editable version, please contact RIS)
– Guidance on the researcher’s CV requirements (available on the RDS SharePoint)

Please note that the internal deadline for submission of ItB forms for this call is 6 July 2026, and all proposals are expected to be ready for submission at least one week before the call deadline.

We strongly recommend submitting an ItB as soon as you decide to apply. In the event of a high volume of support requests, demand management measures may be implemented. Please note that ItB forms submitted after 7 July will not be accepted.

If you have any questions related to EU funding, please feel free to contact me, Ainars Blaudums, Strategic & International Research Facilitator. For general pre-award or non-EU queries, please contact the Pre-award Enquiries mailbox or reach out to colleagues supporting UK funder applications.

Help us capture Bournemouth University’s knowledge exchange activity – HE-BCI survey 2025–26

Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Transfer

Have you taken part in a local festival, run a community workshop, volunteered at a cultural event, or used your BU expertise to support a community group?

Bournemouth University is required to report a wide range of knowledge exchange and external engagement activities as part of the annual Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey, collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The data submitted through this survey helps inform the allocation of the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and demonstrates the value of our work with external partners and communities. 

We are currently collecting information on details of all social, community and cultural engagement activities that took place between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026. 

If you have been involved in knowledge exchange, public engagement, community collaboration, consultancy, professional training, or partnership work during this period, please take a few minutes to complete the short form below. 

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. If you haven’t recorded your involvement yet, it only takes a few minutes. Your input ensures that Bournemouth University’s contribution is accurately represented and supports future funding and strategic planning.

Please complete the HE-BCI activity form by 31 July 2026: Higher Education Business & Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey 1 Aug ’25- 31 July ’26 – Fill in form  

If you are unsure whether your activity should be included, please contact researchengagementandimpact@bournemouth.ac.uk for advice. 

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cherry Blossom – Tuesday 14 April

Join BU’s Research Community for an hour of reflection and connection at the next 3C event

Inspired by Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom season which focuses on reflecting on growth, change. and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Breakthroughs in research, much like cherry blossoms, can be brief but they are always worth celebrating.

The 3C Event offers a relaxed, informal space to recharge and share experiences alongside your colleagues.

What to Expect

  • Creative Crafting: Get involved with paper blossom making and origami
  • Meaningful Connection: A relaxed forum to exchange ideas and discuss your research journey
  • Refreshments: Enjoy a selection of treats while you chat

All members of the BU Research Community welcome

Tuesday 14 April, 4-5pm

SUBU 5th Floor Space, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

REMINDER: 3MT® Competition – Deadline 9am Monday 20 April

Don’t let your research go unheard. You have until Monday 20 April to submit your three-minute presentation for the 2026 3MT® competition. It is a fantastic way to sharpen your public speaking skills and get your work noticed across the university.

Originally established by the University of Queensland, this globally recognised challenge invites doctoral researchers to condense their entire thesis into a high-impact, three-minute presentation designed for a general audience.

Prepare Your Submission

The first BU round of the competition will take place via pre-recorded presentations.

To participate, you must:

Deadline: Both your online application form and video presentation must be submitted by 9am on Monday 20 April.

Please note: Applications submitted without a presentation will not be considered for Faculty selection.

A Faculty Panel will select a winner for each school. Finalists will be invited to the in-person BU Final on campus on Wednesday 17 June.

To ensure your presentation meets the official criteria and recording standards, please consult these resources

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if:

  • You are an active PhD or Professional Doctorate candidate
  • You have successfully passed your Probationary Review

Exclusions: MRes/MPhil students, graduates, and students currently on interruption are not eligible.

Remote & Part-Time Researchers: If you cannot attend the campus final due to your status, a pre-recorded video submission is permitted in accordance with official rules.

Why Join the Challenge?

  • Refine Public Speaking: Master the “elevator pitch” for complex data
  • Boost Your Profile: Gain visibility within the university and the wider research community
  • National Recognition: The winner will represent BU at the National Vitae 3MT competition
  • Earn Prizes: All finalists receive a Doctoral College backpack, plus a chance to win:
    • 1st Prize: £150 voucher
    • 2nd Prize: £100 voucher
    • 3rd Prize: £50 voucher
    • People’s Choice: £50 voucher

Learn More

For more on the history and global impact, visit the official Vitae and 3MT® websites.

Further information is available on Brightspace

Watch the 2025 BU winners here

Registration to attend the final will open in May.

If you have any questions, please contact the team at: pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

Horizon Europe Event – April 2026

We have established an annual event dedicated to EU funding, with a particular focus on the Horizon Europe Framework Programme.

This year’s event is hosted and supported by MST and will explore the theme: ‘EU Funding: Busting Myths, Building Capacity’. During the session, experienced Horizon bidders from BU will demystify Horizon Europe, sharing their insights alongside practical advice for prospective applicants.

The event is open to colleagues from all faculties. We aim to deliver it in a hybrid format and to record the session; however, this cannot be guaranteed.

While registration is not mandatory, we strongly encourage attendees to sign up, as the online joining link will only be shared with registered participants. Please use the registration link provided.

The event’s primary aim is to broaden the pool of Horizon Europe applicants across MST and BU. Currently, a relatively small, established group of senior academics leads the majority of applications, placing considerable pressure on them, while comparatively few new applicants are entering the process.

The event will last approximately one and a half hours and will take place on 29 April 2026 at 10:30 in PG22, Poole House. A number of BU Professors have kindly agreed to participate as panellists and will be available to answer questions.

The session will begin with a short introductory presentation covering the fundamental principles of Horizon Europe and its current landscape. The rest of the event – at least one hour – will be dedicated to discussion and audience Q&A.

Please share this information with colleagues so they can save the date. Further details, including the event link, will be circulated in due course.

Ainars

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cherry Blossom

Join BU’s Research Community for an hour of reflection and connection

Inspired by Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom season which focuses on reflecting on growth, change. and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Breakthroughs in research, much like cherry blossoms, can be brief but they are always worth celebrating.

The 3C Event offers a relaxed, informal space to recharge and share experiences alongside your colleagues.

What to Expect

  • Creative Crafting: Get involved with paper blossom making and origami
  • Meaningful Connection: A relaxed forum to exchange ideas and discuss your research journey
  • Refreshments: Enjoy a selection of treats while you chat

All members of the BU Research Community welcome

Tuesday 14 April, 4-5pm

SUBU 5th Floor Space, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here