BU Research Blog

Bookings for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2019 are open.

This year’s #ESRCFestival events are taking place across Bournemouth and Poole between 2-9 November.

How does social science research influence our social, economic and political lives? How can we use this research to prepare ourselves for the future challenges facing society?

Come and join us for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2019 to gain a fascinating insight into some of the social science research taking place at Bournemouth University and find out how we’re helping to understand and shape society. The festival is a unique exploration of our society now, and how society may look in the future as we adapt to the various challenges in the world around us.

This year we are exploring a number of different issues through a series of talks, interactive workshops, discussions and exhibitions. These events are aimed at a wide range of audiences to share understanding and spark conversations that can make a difference to society.

Living your best life: positivity for wellbeing

Saturday 2 November: 9:30am -12:30pm

Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG

With a rise in reported mental health issues amongst the general population, it is important to understand how each of us can take steps to develop our own self-awareness and socio-emotional intelligence. In this event we’ll turn the latest social science research into wellbeing tips and self-care strategies you can adopt in our own life, to develop your confidence and a better understanding of your emotional experiences.

Ways of seeing sport coaching violence

Monday 4 November: 6 – 8pm

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Abuse, intimidation and violence in sport and coaching remain a significant global problem. Drawing on academic research and real life accounts of coach-athlete related violence, this event offers sport coaches, practitioners and others interested in this issue a unique and innovative opportunity to engage with research through an arts-based, audio-visual installation. You’ll also be able to chat to the researchers and share your experiences and views on developing positive coaching practice.

Trauma-informed health and social care

Tuesday 5 November: 9am – 4pm

The Shelley Theatre, Beechwood Avenue, Bournemouth, BH5 1LX

Trauma informed care is a new way of supporting the wellbeing of individuals who are experiencing, or have experienced childhood adversity or trauma. Using the World Café format, we will bring together those who work with people in a supportive role, for example teachers, care workers and social workers, to exchange ideas, learn from each other and develop new strategies. We’ll also feature talks from service users and expert practitioners, as well as workshop activities.

Stress and wellbeing in the workplace

Wednesday 6 November: 10am – 4pm

Executive Business Centre, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EB

There is growing recognition that experiencing stress and trauma at work can have a hugely detrimental effect on your wellbeing. This event brings together academic researchers, staff from key agencies and the public to discuss research on stress and workplace trauma, and the best ways of tackling it. There will an opportunity to try out a range of self-care, relaxation and coping techniques as part of the event.

Preparing Gen Z for the global workplace

Wednesday 6 November: 3 – 5:30pm

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

It’s more important than ever that we equip our 21st century learners with the skills they need to thrive in the global workplace. This event, for further education teachers and tutors will teach you how to deliver a suite of workshops developed at Bournemouth University. We will run through the workshops in small interactive groups, and you will be provided with all the materials required to adapt these workshops for your own work with young people.

How we think about pregnancy and childbirth

Friday 8 November: 5:30 – 6:30pm

Poole Hospital, Longfleet Road, Poole BH15 2JB

This event looks at different perspectives on pregnancy – from the social model of pregnancy, which accepts childbirth as a normal event in a woman’s life to the medical model, which portrays childbirth as potentially dangerous to health. We’ll also discuss how understanding key models of pregnancy and childbirth could help politicians, journalists, healthcare professionals, pregnant women and new mothers put issues around ‘normal birth’ into perspective                                  

Influencers for good

Friday 8 November: 6 – 8pm

South Coast Roast, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6EJ

News stories highlight the power of influencers to drive overspending, overconsumption, fast fashion and to erode self-confidence. But is there a better way? Join local influencers and experts from Bournemouth University for a relaxed event with talks and workshops. We’ll talk about how to post responsibly, how to understand your own behaviour and identity, and the power dynamics between influencers and followers. What’s more – we’ll learn how influencers can make the world a better place.

Suicide in the media

Saturday 9 November: 10am – 3pm

Executive Business Centre, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EB

This event will discuss the role of the media in suicide prevention, and the impact it can have on those suffering from bereavement and working in the field of suicide prevention. Join Bournemouth University academic Dr Ann Luce, along with people with experience of suicide, members of the Mental Health Forum, the Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership and the NHS. The event will feature talks and a discussion, with peer counsellors on hand to support you.

Hidden stories of online gamblers

Tuesday 5 November: 7:30 – 9pm and all week, online

Cafe Boscanova, Boscombe BH1 4BP

Visit our virtual exhibition, where we’ll share the diverse stories and voices of those affected by online gambling. Attend our Cafe Scientifique discussion in person or watch online to enjoy talks to discover the artificial intelligence, targeted advertising and behavioural science that keeps gamblers hooked and how you can beat them. Join the conversation by sharing your views and stories on social media.

For more information about any of these events please contact; publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk