BU Research Blog

The Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team (fondly known to us as KEIT) is a relatively new team within RKEO.  KEIT is made up of an enthusiastic group of people working to ensure that BU’s research and  knowledge is informed by society for the benefit of society on a number of cross institutional projects such as the Festival of Learning and HEIF-5 funded initiatives, amongst many others!

The past month has been a busy one as Festival of Learning preparation kicks off in earnest.  Over 150 events have been submitted for this summer’s Festival (11^th – 17^th July), so there’s bound to be something for every taste and interest!  Excitingly, this year will feature a day dedicated to family activities, including a whole host of different interactive sessions, games and workshops.

This week also sees the launch of the 2015 Bournemouth Research Chronicle, an annual publication showcasing some of the excellent research going on at BU.  From 3D printing, to mapping auditory processing to improving nutrition in cancer survivors, our academics are involved in a variety of hugely exciting and potentially influential areas of research.  The BRC is just one of the ways that we make sure people beyond BU know about our work.

Another way we’re telling the world about our academic’s research is through the newly launched Research Photography Competition.  Around 50 academics and postgraduates have submitted photos, summing up the essence of their work.  Their creative and engaging images are a testament not just to their research skills, but also to their ability to explain their research in a new and innovative way.  Voting is open until 27^th March, and the most popular images will form part of a photo exhibition on Talbot campus later in the year.  More details will follow!

Our student engagement programme continues to go from strength-to-strength, with a lively discussion at 14:Live following a presenting on Samuel Nyman’s dementia research, articles in the Rock and a feature on Nerve radio.  And if you’re on Talbot campus today, pop down to the semi-circle outside SportBU to try out some of our hands on science activities as part of British Science Week.  More details about the event can be found here.

Looking beyond our university community, KEIT has begun a new working partnership with Dorset Police.  It’s a fantastic opportunity to use our combined knowledge to target key issues for society.  If you know of anyone who would be interested in getting involved in our collaboration, please contact Rebecca Edwards for more information.

If you’re feeling inspired by our blog post and would like to get involved with some of our projects then feel free to get in touch:

–        Rebecca Edwards – Knowledge Exchange and Impact Manager

–        Rachel Bowen – Research Communications Manager

–        Rachel Clarke – Knowledge Exchange Adviser (KTP)

–        Jayne Codling – Knowledge Exchange Adviser

–        Naomi Kay – Public Engagement Officer

–        Harry Gibson – Public Engagement Events Organiser

–        Sam Squelch – Student Engagement Coordinator

To find out more about us and what we do, take a look at our team page.