BU Research Blog

Have you delivered a public talk, taken part in a festival, run a community workshop, contributed to an exhibition or performance, or used your BU expertise as part of another event involving external audiences?

BU is required to report social, community and cultural engagement activity as part of the annual Higher Education Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) return. The information we submit helps demonstrate the value of our work with external partners and communities and contributes to the evidence used to inform Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) funding.

We’re currently collecting information on relevant activities that took place between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026. If you were involved in a public event or other social, community or cultural engagement activity during this period, please take a few minutes to complete this short form.

The deadline for completing the form is 23 October.

What is HE-BCI Table 5?

HE-BCI Table 5 captures social, community and cultural engagement through public events hosted by higher education providers, including:

1a / 2a Public Lectures: Open academic lectures and talks delivered to external audiences.
1b / 2b Performance Arts: Music, dance, drama and theatrical productions.
1c / 2c Exhibitions: Gallery and museum displays.
d / 2d Museum Education: Workshops, children’s clubs and lectures held in provider-owned museums or galleries.
1e / 2e Other: Other public events such as festivals, guided tours, fashion weeks or online events with significant format changes.

Why is it important?

Elements of HE-BCI data contribute to the evidence used to inform the distribution of HEIF funding. Strong HE-BCI data also helps demonstrate the scale and value of BU’s knowledge exchange activity. Further information can be found on the Research Blog: Help us capture Bournemouth University’s knowledge exchange activity.

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 helps ensure that BU’s contribution is accurately represented and supports future funding and strategic planning.

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