Latest research and knowledge exchange news at Bournemouth University
On the eighth day to Christmas, my RKEO friend gave to me, 8 Outputs a milking (apologies that this sounds really odd).
The University recognises that research publications, as one of the main outputs of research, are a key asset. Click here to find out more about how RKEO can support you with your outputs. This includes the Writing Academy, Open Access, BRIAN, and much more.
A busy week in politics, and for policy too. Not looking any quieter as we approach the end of the year, either. We will do a short update next week because the ONS report on student loan accounting is due and there are likely to be interesting reflections on that through the week.
Ahead of the big ONS announcement on Monday about accounting for student loans, there is a House of Commons library report: Student loans and the Government’s deficit
Following concerns from parliamentary committees, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is re-examining how student loans are recorded in the Government’s deficit (which is the difference between the Government’s spending and its revenues from tax receipts and other sources). The ONS will announce its decision on 17 December 2018. (more…)
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the UK. In collaboration with the University of Bristol, BU is in receipt of (another) three year grant that ultimately, we hope, will lead to the discovery of new treatments to prevent kidney failure developing in patients with diabetes.
The work, using patient data and BU’s Drosophila (fruit fly) kidney model, will look at how preventing the disruption of energy within kidney filtration cells called podocytes might slow or prevent kidney failure. The image shows the surface of a podocyte-like cell within a fruit fly, with linear arrays of filtration slits covering its surface. These minute structures are common to both human and fly cells and become damaged when energy is depleted in the cells – leading to loss of cell function. Flies allows us to understand the molecular basis of how this leads to kidney failure in humans – and guides us as to which molecules to target in the patients.
Dr. Paul S. Hartley.
The HRA recently carried out a survey which aimed to establish some of the current obstacles to transparency, and to identify future opportunities to improve practices.
The survey was advertised to researchers, researcher managers, sponsors and funders in order to collate views surrounding research transparency.
You can see the results here on the HRA website.
It’s vital that research participants are informed about the results of research, and in the beginning they are told about the research and implications, in a transparent fashion.
BU has access to the ClinicalTrials.gov system so get in touch if you would like access. This is a great opportunity to register your study and study results in the public domain.
Despite the name, the system may be used for other clinical research projects.
This autumn I have been fortunate to have had my music played in international concerts and festivals in Bangor, Brussels, and Beijing.
My composition ‘Traces of Play’ featured in the Musicacoustica Festival, Beijing, on 26th October, and was peer reviewed and selected by the British Electroacoustic Network to represent the UK at this international festival. Musicacoustica is run by CIME (International Confederation for Electroacoustic Music), and it was an honour to be selected and included in this concert.
On Wednesday 24th October the same composition was a finalist in the Métamorphoses International Acousmatic Music Composition competition, which is part of the L’Espace du Son festival run by Musiques et Recherches, Belgium. This is one of the most esteemed competitions in the field, so it was amazing to be selected as a finalist and to be able to attend the festival.
And on Tuesday 20th November my music featured in the Electroacoustic WALES concert at Theatre Bryn Terfel, Pontio, Bangor, Wales, alongside works by esteemed composers Prof David Berezan and Prof Andrew Lewis. Again, it was an honour to be involved and invited to perform, and we look forward to welcoming David Berezan for a concert here at BU on 27th March 2019.
On the seventh day to Christmas, my RKEO friend gave to me, 7 development options to swim in.
Some of the verses aren’t quite flowing but you get the idea.
The RKEDF provides a whole host of opportunities for academic development. Here’s seven ways to find out what’s on offer for you:
On Friday 30th November 2018, BBC South visited the Faculty of Science & Technology at Talbot Campus, to film the Assistive Technology research being conducted by Dr Paul Whittington, Dr Huseyin Dogan and Professor Keith Phalp.
Assistive Technology has been identified as one of the key strategic investment areas in the BU2025 vision. The filming focused on the use of different technologies for people with reduced physical and cognitive abilities and the use of alternative methods of interaction to control Dr Paul Whittington’s car.
Briony Leyland interviewed Dr Huseyin Dogan who discussing the importance of Assistive Technology research and raising awareness of potential benefits to improve the quality of life for people with reduced abilities. Dr Dogan also demonstrated the different technologies that have been purchased by the Faculty, including smartglasses, an iPad with a Switch Control feature to enable interaction through head movements and EEG headsets.
The SmartATRS system
Following the filming of students working in one of the computing labs, BBC South then proceeded to film outside. Dr Whittington demonstrated SmartATRS (Automated Transport and Retrieval System) to control the motorised driving seat, the automated tailgate and platform lift in the vehicle, as well as the autonomous docking of the powerchair through LiDAR technology. Dr Whittington was then interviewed to discuss his personal experience and motivations behind the research he is conducting at BU, “To transmit my knowledge to help others improve their quality of life and see the benefits that technology can bring.”
South Today Evening News reported on the advantages of using smartphone interface, compared to the original keyfobs that are challenging for people with reduced finger dexterity.
Dr Huseyin Dogan was also interviewed later in the afternoon, by Louisa Hannan, Drivetime Presenter on BBC Radio Solent. Assistive Technology research at BU was discussed further, explaining the future developments and examples of our research.
BBC filming the Faculty of Science & Technology was a great experience and we were very fortunate with the weather as there were clear blue skies and the cameraman commented that it was too sunny! It was an amazing opportunity to highlight and promote the Assistive Technology research being conducted at Bournemouth University.
This publicity coincides with the International Day of Disabled Persons (3rd December) and we are keen to empower persons with reduced abilities to ensure inclusiveness and equality.
If you would like for further information about our assistive technology research or a link to the South Today feature, please contact us:
Dr Paul Whittington (whittingtonp@bournemouth.ac.uk)
Dr Huseyin Dogan (hdogan@bournemouth.ac.uk)
Hospitality food waste represents a significant societal challenge. It is however under-researched with most studies approaching the issue from the perspective of sustainable agriculture and environmental, rather than hospitality, management. Given the specificity of hospitality operations, this is a major shortcoming which hampers understanding of the determinants of effective mitigation. This paper provides a critical, analytical account of the literature on hospitality food waste made from the viewpoint of hospitality managers. It reviews the challenges in classifying, quantifying and characterising hospitality food waste, discusses the opportunities and obstacles to its mitigation and, drawing on good business practice examples, derives a framework for managing food waste across the different areas of hospitality operations. The framework is underpinned by such determinants of effective mitigation as: core in-house competencies; training needs; initial investment costs; and potential monetary savings. The feasibility of its broader adoption by managers across the sector is discussed.
On the sixth day to Christmas, my RKEO friend gave to me, six funding panels to join on.
To help us further develop our research capacity in line with BU2025, a new Research Performance and Management Committee (RPMC) has been established to oversee research investment and performance. Under the auspices of the RPMC, funding panels are being established to have oversight of funding allocations, in order further to build the research environment, our external engagement and the quality and impact of research endeavours. Funding panels will demonstrably operate in an academically robust, fair and transparent manner.
We are now seeking expressions of interest (EoIs) from BU staff to be members of six funding panels. Please click here to find out which panels seek members and how to apply.
Sustainability goals implementation in the Era of Digitilisation in North African Countries
3-4 December 2018, Golden Tulip El Mechtel, Tunis
Dr. Kaouther Kooli, Conference Co-Chair
Dr. Kaouther Kooli, Conference Co-Chair, opening ceremony.
Professor Hamida Skandrani, University of Manouba, Chair of the Ligue, Conference Chair
In collaboration with the Interdisciplinary laboratory of University-Enterprise Management (LIGUE-ISCAE), the centre of Research on Retail and Digital -FSA- University of Laval-Canada; the Academy of Marketing B2B SIG au Royaume-Uni, The Association pour la Promotion de l’Innovation et de la Qualité (APIQ) and The University of Manouba, Bournemouth University has organised a fantastic conference on the 3rd and 4th December 2018 at the Golden Tulip El Mechtel in Tunis.
Professor Derrick De Kerkhove brilliantly highlighted the connectedness of nowadays world in the plenary session, and, set the tone for this conference that addresses sustainability, one of the shared global issues strongly supported locally, regionally and internationally. Indeed, North African countries are signatories of the General Agreements on Customs Tariffs and Trade (GATT-WTO), among so many other countries. To comply with the 2030 sustainability agenda and with the expectations of their international partners, these countries have to adopt and integrate the sustainability objectives. However, considering the low level of integration of sustainability and social responsibility in the strategic objectives of the different stakeholders, the arguable diffusion of Information and Communication Technologies, the degree of adequacy of the legal and legal framework (standards, certifications, etc.), and the recent sociopolitical changes in these countries, it is essential to debate the challenges / obstacles / levers for integrating the 2030 sustainability perspective and to discuss possible routes for the different stakeholders involved in a conference.
Top level keynote speakers have enriched this debate :
Professor Derrick De Kerkhove brilliantly highlighted the connectedness of nowadays world in the plenary session, and, set the tone for this conference that addresses sustainability, one of the shared global issues strongly supported locally, regionally and internationally.
Dr. Julie Robson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Bournemouth University (UK).She is a specialist in Financial Services Marketing, Banking Marketing, Insurance and Islamic Finance and is a member of the Editorial Board of The International Journal of Bank Marketing.
Professor Samir Trabelsi, Professor of Accounting at Brock University (Canada). His research interests include governance, transparency, financial risk management and social responsibility.
In addition to the British Academy’s indexed conference proceedings, five ABS journals sponsored the conference with special issues: Journal of Customer Behavior; Qualitative Market Research- An International Journal; Cogent Business and Management; Social Business and Transnational Marketing Journal.
More than 140 participants took part in this event. As well as academics from different management science disciplines from the UK, Canada, Egypt, Spain, France, Italy, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia, practitioners operating in various economic sectors (private or public) i.e. educational, social, technological, governmental, Not for Profit, etc. joined the conference to discuss the results of scientific research, professional experiences, challenges, concerns and levers for implementing the sustainability goals. The results consisted in a very fruitful exchanges that were widely appreciated by all attendees and commented on extensively by the media covering the event (TV216, El Janoubia TV, press unit of Universincity of Manouba) and on social media (mainly Facebook).
Friendly ambiance and lots of networking at the El Medina restaurant.
During two intensive days, roundtable discussions on experiences, challenges, prospects for the implementation of the sustainability goals, local government governance, smart cities, the link between trust and sustainable development, the role of the media in achievement of the sustainability goals, water issues as a public issue, networking workshops, meetings with the editors of the Journal of Customer Behavior, Qualitative Market Research- An International journal, Cogent Business and Management, Social Business and Transnational Marketing Journal; and research paper sessions, provided an opportunity to develop collaborative networks on common issues leading to future collaborative projects. In this regard, several projects were discussed and meetings were held and / or are planned to concretise these collaborations.
Professor Len Tiu Wright, Dr. Julie Robson (BU), Dr. Hazeem Rasheed (College of Management and Technology, Alexandria) and Dr. Kaouther Kooli (BU), presenting on behalf of the editors of :Qualitative Market Research- An International Journal, Transnational Marketing Journal, Cogent Business and Management, Journal of Costumer Behaviour and Social Business
The conference was sponsored by prestigious organisations that were also represented in the conference through contributions to very rich roundtables. These are : PMS Service Company, Societe National de Petrole SNDP Company (AGIL), Tunisair; Biolive, Justech. Ms. Zeineb Attia (HR Expo); Dr. Khaoula Ben Mansour (INLUCC); Ms. Zohra Boussetta (Biolive); Prof. Aysha Karrafi (ATGL, APER); Mr. Nizar Nouiri (Factory 619); Ms. Sana Oueslati (e-Government Unit, Prime Ministry); Ms. Souad Siala (Canadian-Tunisian Chamber of Commerce); Mr. Charfeddine Yakoubi (ATCP); Dr. Slim Mehrezi (Mayor of the la Marsa Council); Mr. Sami Marrouki (President of IRSET) and Mr. Nabil Smida (CEO of SNDP).
Conference main outcomes
Roundtable discussion: Chaired by Professor Derrick de Kerkhove, impressive panel at #colloqueinternationalduLIGUE #B2BSIGConference2018 president of @tunisair_info, minister of finance of Tunisia, various NGOs – all to discuss how Tunisia acts on UN Sustainability Goals
All these outcomes will contribute to BU 2025 Strategic plan:
Build capacity and capability to deliver the BU2025 outcomes through (1) leading thoughts and research looking at an under explored region in the world, (2) through publishing relevant research that touches pertinent issues, hence with strong potential impact on the society, (3) through enhancing BU position as a sustainable organisation that is ahead of the curve in reflecting upon the inclusive environmental impact.
The event contributes also to BU reputation and networks by developing BU network of partners. This is much needed especially if we consider that the UK is going through tremendous changes triggered by Brexit.
Finally, this event contributes to BU strong commitment to ensuring equality and diversity, through collaborating with colleagues in North Africa on key global issues. During the conference, contributions from academics, practitioners and other stakeholders, have emphasised North Africa as an important player, alongside with other international stakeholders, in achieving the 2030 sustainability agenda. These contributions took different forms i.e. research papers, roundtable discussions.
Closing ceremony picture, Golden Tulip El Mechtel, 4 -12 – 2018
A big thank you for two wonderful ladies: Dr. Julie Robson and Dr. Elvira Bolat for their dedication and contribution before and during the conference.
Finally, I would like to thank Professor Michael Baker, Professor Ibrahim Sirkeci and Dr Andrew Lindridge for supporting the conference with special issues of ABS journals, hence, providing academics in North African countries and others with a huge opportunity for publication.
I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Dr Kaouther Kooli, Conference Co-Chair
It may surprise you but your heart is nothing new. Insects that evolved nearly half a billion years ago had already developed beating hearts. Much of the genetic machinery that controls our own heart beat and heart’s contraction has been conserved during evolutionary time – nature has not deemed it necessary to change it much. OK, the scale and shape of our hearts has changed a little since flies evolved but the molecular mechanics underpinning each heart beat haven’t. This means we can use flies and their genetics to understand human hearts. This is especially useful for ageing research when other models are simply too challenging to manipulate. Research work funded both in the UK by the British Heart Foundation and the USA by the National Institutes of Health is now being summarised in this review. The image shows the Drosophila (fruit fly) heart tube (HT) with associated kidney-like cells either side of it (purple) and alary muscles which act like guy ropes, pinning the heart to the fly’s abdomen. Remember this the next time you wash your car’s window-screen – you’re scraping away a lot of very cool biology!
Dr. Paul S. Hartley – your local ‘heart Drosophilist’
Good Clinical Practice, or ‘GCP’, is a requirement for those wishing to work on clinical research projects in a healthcare setting.
GCP is the international ethical, scientific and practical standard to which all clinical research is conducted. By undertaking GCP, you’re able to demonstrate the rights, safety and wellbeing of your research participants are protected, and that the data collected are reliable.
The local dates for the 2019 Good Clinical Practice full day and half day refresher training are now on the Clinical Governance blog!
Get in touch with Research Ethics to find out how to book.
On the fifth day to Christmas, my RKEO friend gave to me, five ethics gold rings.
Bournemouth University (BU) is committed to promoting and upholding the highest quality academic and ethical standards in all its activities. All research undertaken by BU staff and students must have ethical approval. Please ensure you consult the Research Ethics Code of Practice and gain ethical approval before commencing research.
Find out more here, including how to apply for ethical approval, guidance on the ethics checklist, and much more.
The HRA have improved the information provided on their website for student researchers and those who support them, in planning to conduct research within the NHS.
The organisation has provided three bite size eLearning modules with a focus on the following topics:
You can see the update here, and access the modules here.
Remember that support is on offer at BU if you are thinking of introducing your research ideas into the NHS – email the Research Ethics mailbox, and take a look at the Clinical Governance blog.
The “Gaze” is a complex and overarching phenomenon comprised of diverse “Gazers” and “Gazees”. This paper adopts an existential-phenomenological perspective to understand tourists’ lived experiences of being gazed upon by local people. Based on thirty experiences collected from interviews with ten participants, we show that experiencing the “Local Gaze” exposes the tourist as Sartrean “Tourist-esque”: an inauthentic experiencer of positivity, discrimination, alienation and self-consciousness. Moments of true human connections are at best ephemeral. Through an existentialist lens, the study questions the possibility of authentic host-guest relationship in tourism and argues that to maintain hopes for an authentic relationship, the concepts of “Gaze” and – perhaps even of “Tourism” – need to be transcended.
On the fourth day to Christmas, my RKEO friend gave to me, 4 new Impact Officers.
In 2018, we welcomed four new Impact Officers to RKEO:
Amanda Lazar – FHSS
Amanda Edwards – FST
Brian McNulty – FMC
Matt Fancy – FM
Find out all about how they can support you in developing and evidencing research impact and preparation for REF2021.
BU staff can login below:
Closing tomorrow: please complete the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2025
Plenary talk by Dr Regmi on Hidden Health Burden of Nepalese Migrants
Conversation article: Wishcycling – how ‘eco-friendly’ labels confuse shoppers and make recycling less effective
Apply now to take part in the 2025 ESRC Festival of Social Science
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025
Update on UKRO services
European research project exploring use of ‘virtual twins’ to better manage metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Research Information Network
Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme pre-Published