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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.

Geography and Environmental Studies academics – would you like to get more involved in preparing our next REF submission?

REF Subjects, Research assessment

We are currently recruiting for an Output Champion and Impact Champion to help support preparation for our next REF Submission to UoA14: Geography and Environmental Studies.

The deadline for expressions of interest is 9 June 2026. The roles are recruited through an open and transparent process, which gives all academic staff the opportunity to put themselves forward. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.

We are currently preparing submissions to ten UoAs. Each UoA has a leadership team with at least one leader, output and impact champion. The leadership team are supported by a panel of reviewers who assess the research from the unit. This includes a diverse range of research outputs (including journal articles, books and chapters, films, digital artefacts etc) and impact case studies.

 

 

 

 

 

All roles require a level of commitment which is recognised accordingly with time to review, attend meetings, and take responsibility for tasks.

Undertaking a UOA role can be enjoyable and rewarding as two of our current champions testify:

“As UOA Outputs Champion you develop a detailed knowledge of all the great work that colleagues are doing related to the subject, and the different outlets used for disseminating their work.  You get to know what research is going on across BU, and it’s interesting to see the differences between disciplines.  It’s a good way develop your knowledge of the bigger picture of BU’s research, and also to understand the importance of REF and how it works in practice.  You do spend quite a bit of time chasing colleagues to put their outputs on BRIAN for REF compliance but hopefully they forgive you!”

Professor Adele Ladkin – UOA 24 Output Champion

“As a UoA 17 impact champion, I work closely with the UoA 17 impact team to encourage the development of a culture of impact. I try to pop into Department / research group meetings when I can to discuss impact, and I’ve enjoyed meeting people with a whole range of research interests. Sometimes it can be tough to engage people with impact – understandably; everyone is busy – so it’s important to be enthusiastic about the need for our BU research to reach the public. Overall, the role is about planting the seeds to get researchers thinking about the impact their work might have in the future (as well as the impact they have already had, sometimes without realising!)”

Dr Rafaelle Nicholson – UOA 17 Impact Champion

How to apply

All those interested should put forward a short case (suggested length of one paragraph) as to why they are interested in the role and what they think they could bring to it. These should be emailed to ref@bournemouth.ac.uk by noon Tuesday 9th June 2026.

Further detail on the roles, the process of recruitment and selection criteria can be found here:

Output Champion Impact Champion
Role Descriptor Role Descriptor
Process and criteria for selection Process and criteria for selection

For further information please contact ref@bournemouth.ac.uk or a member of the current UOA Team with queries.

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

Expressions of Interest invited for Research Ethics Roles starting in 2026/27

Research Integritiy

  • Interested in getting an insight into the nuts-and-bolts of how research is done across the university?
  • Want to help make sure that research – and your own – is high quality and as ethical as it can be?

Following the restructuring and subsequent workload adjustment, we now have a number of vacancies across both the central research ethics panels, for School Champions, and for Faculty representatives on the Research Ethics Committee, and we need YOU!

Research Ethics Panels: The Science, Technology and Health and the Social Sciences and Humanities ethic panels work across the university to champion the highest ethical standards in research undertaken by staff and PGR students, in line with the Research Ethics Code of Practice. We’re looking for academics from all schools, subject areas and backgrounds, and at any stage of their career, to ensure a diverse set of perspectives that ensures we can match subject-specific expertise with checklists needing review.

What’s involved?

You’ll receive UKRIO-supplied training and sit in on a couple of panels before being asked to review a small number of ethics checklists per month. These will be a mix of ‘above minimal risk’ checklists that will go to the monthly panels, and lower risk projects given a ‘light touch’ review offline. The Research Governance team, panel Chairs/Deputy Chairs and other panellists are always available to help if you have any queries. The roles come with a workload tariff of 66 hours. Duration of Panel membership will be no less than three years and no more than five years.

Current panellists agree that they find it extremely interesting getting such a practical overview of research going on across the university and considering some of the bigger ethical issues around different subject areas, and also highlight how much their own research has benefitted from the experience they’ve gained on the panel, so there are lots of positives to the role at any career stage, as well the opportunity to progress to the roles of Deputy Chair and Chair in due course if you choose.

Ethics Champions work across the Faculty and Schools to supporting PGRs and providing advice and guidance.

What’s involved?

You’ll receive UKRIO-supplied training and be provided with mentoring before being asked to review a small number of low-risk ethics checklists per month. The Research Governance team, panel Chairs/Deputy Chairs and other panellists are always available to help if you have any queries. The roles come with a workload tariff of 36 hours.

Current champions have supported PGR research projects within their School and some have progressed to Research Ethic Panel roles.

Faculty Academic Representatives sit on the Research Ethics Committee (REC) to promote best ethical practice in relation to research and research related activities across the University.

What’s involved?

You’ll receive UKRIO-supplied training and join up to four REC meetings each year. The REC is responsible for promoting the best ethical practice and overseeing the development of research ethics policies and procedures, and in particular to review and update as necessary the Research Ethics Code of Practice. The REC also oversees the activities of the Research Ethics Panels and ensures compliance across the University. The roles come with a workload tariff of 16 hours. Duration of Committee membership will be no less than three years and no more than five years.

The following vacancies are available starting in the 2026/27 Academic Year.

Research Ethics Committee Faculty Academic Representatives (workload tariff of 16 hours)

  • Faculty of Business & Law – 2 vacancies
  • Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences – 1 vacancy

Faculty Ethics Reviewers / Ethics Panel Members (workload tariff of 66 hours)

  • Bournemouth University Business School (BAL) – 2 vacancies
  • School of Law and Society (BAL) – 1 vacancy
  • School of Allied Health & Exercise Sciences (MST) – 1 vacancy
  • National Centre for Computing and Animation (MST) – 1 vacancy
  • School of Computing and Engineering (MST) – 1 vacancy
  • School of Psychology (MST) – 1 vacancy

Faculty/School Ethics Champions (workload tariff of 36 hours)

  • Bournemouth University Business School (BAL) – 2 vacancies
  • School of Law and Society (BAL) – 1 vacancy
  • School of Computing and Engineering (MST) – 1 vacancy
  • School of Psychology (MST) – 2 vacancies

If you’re interested in one of the roles, please submit an expression of interest here by Friday 5 June 2026.

The recruitment process will be administered by the Research Governance Team in Research & Innovation Services. Decisions on appointment to the roles will be made by Ethics Panel Chairs, in consultation with the Faculty Associate Deans for Research, Innovation and Enterprise and the Heads of Schools. Informal conversations may be held where there is significant interest in roles.

If you have any queries feel free to contact researchethics@bournemouth.ac.uk, or either of the current Chairs: Fiona Coward (STH; fcoward@bournemouth.ac.uk) or Richard Berger (SSH, RBerger@bournemouth.ac.uk) for a no-commitment chat.

Stroke Rehab Mini Conference

On Tuesday, 26th May 2026, clinicians, academics, and researchers gathered at the Fusion Building, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University, for the Stroke Rehab Mini Conference. Hosted by Professor Carol Clarke and organised by Dr Hina Tariq, the event showcased current research, shared innovative practice, and fostered collaboration across stroke and neurorehabilitation services.

The conference attracted approximately 45 in-person attendees and 15 online participants, bringing together colleagues from across Dorset and beyond.

The conference opened with a keynote address from Professor Anba Soopramanien, Consultant in Spinal Injuries and Rehabilitation Medicine based in London, on improving access to specialist neurorehabilitation services. The session highlighted the challenges in neurorehabilitation, the importance of equitable access to rehabilitation, and the need for continued innovation in service delivery to meet the growing needs of patients living with neurological conditions.

The short presentation sessions featured 12 speakers and were chaired by Professor Carol Clarke, highlighting a diverse range of research, service developments, and innovations in stroke and neurorehabilitation. They covered a wide range of topics, including biopsychosocial approaches to brain injury rehabilitation, community exercise opportunities for stroke survivors, aphasia support initiatives, smartphone-based stroke assessment, virtual reality in neuro rehabilitation, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, return-to-driving assessments, contracture risk assessment, physical activity after stroke, and international perspectives on stroke rehabilitation guidelines.

The breadth of presentations reflected the multidisciplinary nature of neurorehabilitation and showcased the dedication of clinicians and researchers working to improve outcomes and quality of life for people affected by stroke and other neurological conditions.

               

A particular highlight of the event was the interactive discussion forum on “The Shift from Analogue to Digital in Stroke Services,” chaired by Dr Louise Johnson. Attendees explored digital inclusion and exclusion in stroke care, the balance between digital and face-to-face rehabilitation, and how digital stroke rehabilitation may change professional roles and clinical risk. The discussion generated valuable insights and reinforced the importance of ensuring that digital innovation remains patient-centred, inclusive, and evidence-based.

The networking sessions provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect with colleagues across Dorset, share experiences, discuss emerging research, and identify opportunities for future collaboration. The enthusiasm and engagement throughout the afternoon demonstrated the strength of the rehabilitation community and the appetite for continued networking and knowledge exchange.

We would like to thank all speakers, chairs, and participants for contributing to a successful and engaging event. Special thanks to Dr Iram Bibi and Manali Akre for their invaluable support with registrations and for helping ensure the smooth running of the event.

The success of the event highlighted the value of bringing together clinicians, researchers, academics, and students to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and support innovation in the field of neurorehabilitation. We sincerely hope this mini conference will be the first of many opportunities to continue these conversations and strengthen collaborations across the region.

Expressions of Interest invited from senior academics to join the BU REF Appeals Panel 

Research assessment

Our BU REF 2029 Code of Practice states that in the event of an appeal, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor will convene and chair the BU REF Appeals Panel to undertake a review of each case. The role of the Panel is to: 

  • Review and consider all appeals submitted by appraising all documentation pertaining to the REF/KEF Steering Group decision and the case for appeal. 
  • Decide on whether or not an individual should be referred back to the REF/KEF Steering Group for further consideration. 
  • Ensure final decisions are communicated to the Head of Research & Innovation Services (RIS) who will report to the REF/KEF Steering Group and notify the individual of the outcome of the appeal. 

The Panel is chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor with support from a member of RIS. Membership will include at least three senior academics. 

We are now seeking expressions of interest (EoI) from senior academic colleagues (Grade 10+) who are interested in joining the REF Appeals Panel. Successful applicants will be required to:  

  • attend one or more meetings of the REF Appeals Panel (to be held annually in September from 2026 onwards) 
  • have a thorough knowledge of the REF guidance and the BU REF Code of Practice, and undertake REF-focussed equality and diversity training 

We therefore ask for commitment, active contribution and, most importantly, confidentiality due to the sensitive work of the Panel. In return, members will be involved in an important cross-University committee, gain an insight into the REF and equality and diversity, and be engaged in academic citizenship. 

Eligibility to apply: 

Applications are invited from senior BU academic staff (Grade 10+). You must be independent from REF preparations, for example, applicants cannot be UoA Leaders, impact champions or output champions and cannot be members of the REF/KEF Steering Group. 

Application procedure: 

We are seeking to recruit a diverse group of at least six senior academics to potentially be called upon in the event of an appeal.

Colleagues who are interested should submit an EoI stating your interest in being a member of the BU REF Appeals Panel and summarising the experience, skills and attributes you could bring to the Panel (max 250 words). Your EoI should state your name, job title, Faculty and School. 

EoIs should be emailed to ref@bournemouth.ac.uk 19 June 2026.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers who are responsible for agreeing on which applicants to invite to serve on the BU REF Appeals Panel. 

Please contact  ref@bournemouth.ac.uk with any queries. 

Journal Peer Review in Crisis

Publishing, writing

Regardless of academic discipline, peer review remains the cornerstone in ensuring that papers published in journals are of the highest quality. Experts in the field are asked to comment on whether the reported research has been conducted rigorously, whether it is ethical and whether its findings have meaningful implications for practice or research in the discipline. Journal editors have depended on some form of peer review since journals began publishing research and historically peer review has been effective. Unfortunately, the peer review process is now in crisis.

It was a privilege to work with editorial colleagues from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA, Poland and Manchester (!) on this editorial reflecting on some of the key challenges facing peer review for journals and to explore some of the possible solutions. The following link will take you directly to the editorial.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocn.70374

If you are interested in becoming a peer reviewer for the Journal of Clinical Nursing please contact me at lgelling@bournemouth.ac.uk.

REF mock exercise 2026 – nominate your research outputs on BRIAN

BRIAN, REF Subjects, Research assessment

The next Research Excellence Framework (REF) mock exercise opens today. Following the success of our REF21 submission, we have ambitious plans to include the majority of eligible staff in the submission, whilst increasing the quality of the research submitted.

The 2026 exercise will be our third formal mock exercise in our preparations for REF 2029.

Anyone who conducts or supports research is invited to nominate up to five research outputs to the exercise. We encourage the nomination of a diverse range of output types, including, but not limited to, journal articles, conference proceedings, books, chapters, films, performances, compositions, digital artefacts and any other output which is the product of original research, which has been published since 1 January 2021.

Outputs can be nominated for review between 26 May and 22 June 2026. Guidance on how to nominate outputs on BRIAN can be found on the REF 2026 Mock exercise page.

Points to note:

  • Outputs can be nominated to more than one Unit of Assessment (UoA) for review. Nominators should ensure that outputs are reviewed by all relevant BU UoAs where the output meets the REF UoA descriptors
  • Outputs that have previously been reviewed by a UoA as part of a previous mock exercise should not be nominated to that UoA Individuals can view the 2023 and 2024 mock exercises in BRIAN to check which of their outputs have already been reviewed.

Nominated outputs will be allocated to a panel of reviewers, and authors will be able to receive feedback on the overall shape of their outputs profile and advice on how to strengthen and position their future outputs.

More information on the 2026 mock exercise can be found on the REF 2026 Mock exercise page.

For queries relating to the mock exercise, including requests for access to additional UoA exercises on BRIAN, please contact REF@bournemouth.ac.uk.

For advice on output(s) selection and if an output meets the UoA descriptors, please contact the relevant UoA Team(s).

Celebrating 70 PhD examinations

international, student research, Training

Yesterday I had the honour of conducting my 70th PhD examination, so-called viva voce.  The first one was at the University of Durham in 2004, and this latest one is at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium on May 21st.  Most viva have been as an external examiner with only ten were conducted as internal examiner at the University of Aberdeen and Bournemouth University.   As expected, most viva voce were held at UK universities, but four each were in Finland and Nepal, three in Australia, two each in Belgium, the Netherlands and Ireland, one each in New Zealand and Denmark.  Also, the overwhelming majority candidates passed, but, disappointingly, not all.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health

First publication for two CMWH PhD students

NHS, Publishing, Women's Academic Network, writing

Congratulations to CMWH doctoral student Jennah Evans who has published the first paper from her PhD in the Journal of Human Lactation. The scoping review protocol outlines a transparent and reproducible method for investigating the relationship between stress and the human milk ejection reflex, addressing a significant knowledge gap in the literature.  Jennah and her supervisors (including CMWH member Dr Dominique Mylod) are also aiming to improve understanding of D-MER, a challenging condition associated with intense negative emotions during breastfeeding.

Congratulations are also due a second  CMWH doctoral student Louise Barton, whose paper ‘Southampton’s approach to smoking cessation has been accepted by MIDIRS Midwifery Digest and the paper will be pubished its June issue.  Smoking during pregnancy is the leading yet preventable causes a whole range of illnesses.  Louise’s PhD is an assessment of Southampton’s Midwifery-led Integrated Antenatal Care Pathway.  Her PhD is supervised by CMWH academics Dr. Daisy Wiggins and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen.
References:
Evans, J.M., Paul, R., Wezyk, A.B., Mylod, D. (2026) Exploring the Association Between Stress and the Experience of the Milk Ejection Reflex: A Scoping Review Protocol. Journal of Human Lactation Online First https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261433846

Barton, L., van Teijlingen, E., Wiggins, D., Loader, R.-A., White, A. (2026) Southampton’s approach to smoking cessation, MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, 36(2): 145–151.

Another CMWH publication

Congratulations to CMWH doctoral student Jennah Evans who has published the first paper from her PhD in the Journal of Human Lactation. The scoping review protocol outlines a transparent and reproducible method for investigating the relationship between stress and the human milk ejection reflex, addressing a significant knowledge gap in the literature.

Jennah and her supervisors (including CMWH member Dr Dominique Mylod) are also aiming to improve understanding of D-MER, a challenging condition associated with intense negative emotions during breastfeeding.

 

Congratulations to the team.

Evans JM, Paul R, and Mylod D (2026) Exploring the Association Between Stress and the Experience of the Milk Ejection Reflex: A Scoping Review Protocol. Journal of Human Lactation https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334426143384

Opportunities to support our REF preparations

Research assessment

We are recruiting to a number of Unit of Assessment (UoA) roles to help support preparation for our next REF submission. The roles are recruited through an open and transparent process, which gives all academic staff the opportunity to put themselves forward. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome.

We are currently preparing submissions to ten UoAs. Each UoA has a leadership team with at least one leader, an output and impact champion. The leadership team are supported by a panel of reviewers who assess the research from the unit. This includes a diverse range of research outputs (including journal articles, books and chapters, films, digital artefacts etc) and impact case studies.

 

 

 

 

 

We currently have vacancies in the following roles:

UOA 3: Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy

  • Co-lead
  • Output Champion
  • Impact Champion
  • Internal review panel

UOA 4: Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience

  • Co-lead
  • Impact Champion
  • Internal review panel

UOA 11: Computer Science and Informatics

  • Impact Champion

UOA 14: Geography and Environmental Studies

  • Output Champion
  • Impact Champion

UOA18: Law

  • Output Champion

UOA 32: Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory

  • Co-lead (Impact focused)
  • Internal review panel

UOA 34: Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management

  • Co-lead
  • Output Champion (practice-based)

All roles require a level of commitment which is recognised accordingly with time to review, attend meetings, and take responsibility for tasks.

Undertaking a UOA role can be enjoyable and rewarding as two of our current champions testify:

“As UOA Outputs Champion you develop a detailed knowledge of all the great work that colleagues are doing related to the subject, and the different outlets used for disseminating their work.  As an outputs committee member, you also get to know what research is going on across BU, and it’s interesting to see the differences between disciplines.  It’s a good way develop your knowledge of the bigger picture of BU’s research, and also to understand the importance of REF and how it works in practice.  You do spend quite a bit of time chasing colleagues to put their outputs on BRIAN for REF compliance but hopefully they forgive you!”

Professor Adele Ladkin – UOA 24 Output Champion

“As a UoA 17 impact champion, I work closely with the UoA 17 impact team to encourage the development of a culture of impact across BUBS. I try to pop into Department / research group meetings when I can to discuss impact, and I’ve enjoyed meeting people with a whole range of research interests. Sometimes it can be tough to engage people with impact – understandably; everyone is busy – so it’s important to be enthusiastic about the need for our BU research to reach the public. Overall, the role is about planting the seeds to get researchers thinking about the impact their work might have in the future (as well as the impact they have already had, sometimes without realising!)”

Dr Rafaelle Nicholson – UOA 17 Impact Champion

 How to apply

All those interested should put forward a short case (one paragraph) as to why they are interested in the role and what they think they could bring to it. These should be clearly marked with the relevant UoA and role and emailed to ref@bournemouth.ac.uk by noon Thursday 28th May 2026.

Further detail on the roles, the process of recruitment and selection criteria can be found here:

UoA Lead Output Champion Output Champion (practice-based) Impact Champion Internal panel reviewer
Role Descriptor Role Descriptor Role Descriptor Role Descriptor  Role Descriptor
Process and criteria for selection Process and criteria for selection Process and criteria for selection Process and criteria for selection Process and criteria for selection

For further information please contact ref@bournemouth.ac.uk or a member of the current UOA Team with queries.

Reimagining Health Education and Practice Through Artificial Intelligence

Reflections from a Research Seminar with Mark Frydenberg

By Debbie Holey, Emerita Professor HEMS and Dr Rowena Slope with contributions from colleagues at Bournemouth University and Bentley University

 

Pictured L-R Dr Rowena Slope, (Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing and research lead for AI in healthcare); Mark Frydenberg, Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the CIS Learning and Technology Sandbox, Berkeley University, USA; Debbie Holey, Emerita Professor HEMS, and Lucy Stainer, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing and doctoral student.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping healthcare education, clinical practice, and professional learning, prompting important questions about how future nurses and healthcare professionals should be prepared for digitally enhanced environments. These themes formed the focus of a recent interdisciplinary research seminar led by Mark Frydenberg from Bentley University, USA; a distinguished lecturer, educator and technology scholar from  Massachusetts, USA whose work explores innovative approaches to teaching and learning with emerging technologies. Contributions from Matt Jarvis, Bournemouth University learning technologist, Debbie Holley, Emerita Professor of Learning Innovation (HEMS) further highlighted how AI is beginning to influence nursing education, digital pedagogy, and healthcare innovation across higher education.

A central theme throughout the seminar was the growing importance of AI literacy within nursing and healthcare curricula. While students may appear highly confident using digital technologies, research by Frydenberg and colleagues suggests that technological confidence does not necessarily equate to deeper digital and data literacy skills. As generative AI tools become more widely adopted in higher education and healthcare, students must develop the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated information, understand ethical implications, recognise algorithmic bias, and maintain evidence-based decision-making. These discussions align closely with the UNESCO framework outlined in Reimagining Our Futures Together (2021), which advocates for active, participatory learning and learner agency within rapidly evolving educational environments.

The seminar also explored practical applications of AI within healthcare education and clinical practice, including AI-supported simulation, personalised learning pathways, administrative support, predictive analytics, and clinical decision-support systems. While these technologies may enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and access to information, participants emphasised that AI should support rather than replace professional judgement, compassionate care, and human interaction. Nursing practice remains fundamentally relational, requiring empathy, communication, and ethical reasoning that cannot be fully replicated through automated systems.

Alongside opportunities, the discussions acknowledged significant ethical and pedagogical challenges associated with AI adoption in healthcare and higher education. Concerns included data privacy, transparency in algorithmic decision-making, unequal access to technology, and the potential erosion of independent critical thinking through over-reliance on AI-generated outputs. Participants reflected on the importance of designing learning environments that encourage students to engage critically with AI tools rather than passively accepting generated information. Collaborative discussion activities during the seminar encouraged attendees to map future interdisciplinary projects and implementation strategies that place ethical, human-centred practice at the core of AI innovation.

Overall, the seminar highlighted that AI presents not only a technological shift, but also an opportunity to rethink healthcare education, learner engagement, and professional preparation. As healthcare systems continue integrating intelligent technologies, educators and researchers have a responsibility to ensure that future nurses are equipped with the critical, ethical, and reflective skills necessary to work effectively within digitally enhanced clinical environments. The discussions reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, responsible innovation, and maintaining the core values of healthcare practice as institutions navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

 

References

Advance HE (2026) Pre-arrival questionnaire (PAQ) national pilot wave 1 initial results. Available at: https://advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/pre-arrival-questionnaire-national-pilot-wave-one-initial-results

Dickinson, J. and Marshall, M. (2026) ‘Trained to stop learning: How students are experiencing assessment and learning in an age of AI’, Wonkhe, 23 March.

Frydenberg, M., Mentzer, K. and Patterson, A. (2026) ‘The rapid rise of generative AI adoption among first-year college students’, Information Systems Education Journal, 24(1).

Frydenberg, M.E. (2024) ‘Are tech savvy students tech literate? Digital and data literacy skills of first-year college students’, Information Systems Education Journal, 22(3).

NHS England (2022) AI in health and care: a report from the NHS AI Lab.

Stephenson, R. and Armstrong, C. (2026) Student generative artificial intelligence survey 2026 (HEPI Report 199). Higher Education Policy Institute.

UNESCO (2021) Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education.

World Health Organization Europe (2026) New WHO Europe report provides first-ever snapshot of AI in health care across European Union member states.

Island Community Action’s Quirky Island Unearthed Event (a celebration of community creativity, hope and action) – Friday 17th July, Portland

For the past two years, ICA and Portland Youth Council have been working together, alongside local volunteers, artists, and conservation specialists, to deliver a range of nature-themed activities and events for the community, from Nature Days to Quirkies – the beautiful handmade imaginings of Portland’s future creatures.
Throughout this work, our aim has been to respond to identified community priorities in order to help inspire Portland’s children, young people, and families to learn more about nature and to love and protect their local wildlife, green spaces, and environment. The response has been fantastic.
We’re now celebrating this work and would love to invite you to one of three special pre-event viewings on Friday, 17 July, ahead of the main event on Saturday and Sunday. Each viewing will provide an opportunity to speak with some of the volunteers and creatives who have worked on the project. We know how busy you all are, but hope you can find a time that works. If you can, please book your preferred session via Quirky Island Unearthed.

If you can’t make Friday, the event will continue throughout the rest of the weekend, so there will be other opportunities to view the exhibition and take part in the activities on offer.

If you have any questions, please get in touch via 01305 823789 or office@islandcommunityaction.org.uk.

SPROUT Returns: Designing Sustainability in Research Practice – Wednesday 20 May 12-2pm

The SPROUT (Sustainable Research Practice and Cultures) initiative returns this May, inviting colleagues, PGRs, and ECRs to join a growing cross-university movement led by Bournemouth University.

This third SPROUT event of the academic year continues to build momentum around sustainability in research practice and culture. Supported by the Research Culture and Community Grant, the initiative brings together colleagues from Bournemouth University, Cardiff University, Durham University, and the University of Southampton.

Focus and Keynotes

This session moves beyond high-level discussion to focus on the practical, real-world decisions researchers make, from research design and travel to food choices and daily habits.

The event features two keynote speakers presenting in person:

Professor Denise Baden, University of Southampton: Embedding Sustainability in Research: Decisions, Trade-offs and Impact

Peter Jeff, PGR: Sustainable Eating in Research: Practical Food Choices to Make

The session also includes an interactive discussion, providing space for participants to reflect, share experiences, and identify practical actions within their own research contexts. This is a valuable opportunity for PGRs, ECRs, supervisors, and research staff to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to shaping a more sustainable research culture.

Event Details

Wednesday 20 May, 12-2pm

Hybrid

In person: Allsebrook Lecture Theatre, Talbot Campus (Refreshments provided)

Online: Joining details to follow

Find out more and register here

Green TLC to present at the Community Voices Webinar Wednesday 13th May, 12-1pm

We are excited to share that next week on Wednesday 13th May, we will be welcoming John Grantham, the found of The Green Transportation & Logistics Company in Christchurch, to the Community Voices Webinar.

The Green TLC is a Christchurch based start-up Social Enterprise with a mission to cut the cost of zero-carbon cargo cycle logistics, help build community cohesion and support the transition to sustainable lifestyles with a network of neighbourhood delivery hubs. They are on a mission to inspire and nurture a nationwide network of neighbourhood hubs so local suppliers can deliver to five or more households in one drop.

You are all welcome to come along to find out more!!

Community Voices is a collaboration between BU PIER partnership and Centre for Seldom Heard Voices to provide a platform and a voice to local community activists.

Join the meeting to find out more

Meeting ID: 324 372 201 287 1

Passcode: ug6rJ3c7

Contact Stevie (scorbinclarke@bournemouth.ac.uk) for more information.

Innovative Approaches to Doctoral Supervision: Selected Case Studies

PG research

If you are thinking about applying for  UKCGE Recognised Research Supervision status a new book has been published – and is available in the Bournemouth University Library.

Innovative Approaches to Doctoral Supervision: Selected Case Studies is a valuable resource for new and experienced doctoral supervisors interested in improving their practice or applying for the UKCGE recognised supervisor award.

This comprehensive book is also beneficial for universities providing staff development training in doctoral supervision. It provides key guidance for supervisors as they prepare doctoral students for their studies and subsequent professional careers. It introduces the UK Council for Graduate Education’s (UKCGE) Good Supervisory Practice Framework as a best practice guide to enhance supervisory standards.

Edited by Martyn Polkinghorne, Julia Taylor and Fiona Knight, it draws on practical case studies from contributors which illustrate the complexities of doctoral supervision, emphasising the need for adaptability, empathy and structured support. The book outlines the perspectives of experienced practitioners, presenting a blend of practical tools, critical reflection and aspirational vision to ensure high-quality supervision for the growing number of doctoral students across the globe. It highlights how investing in effective doctoral guidance not only benefits students, but also the wider academic community, ensuring the continued advancement of knowledge and professional development within higher education.

Thanks to all BU supervisors who contributed to the book.

‘This book provides a veritable treasure trove of outstanding practice in doctoral supervision. The editors and contributors are to be congratulated on producing what will undoubtedly become an absolutely essential resource for those new to supervision and for experienced supervisors looking for ideas to develop their practice.’
– Professor Stan Taylor, Durham University

‘I am delighted to see the case studies in this book made publicly available and congratulate the authors and editors for their achievements. Their collective endeavours bring the UKCGE’s Recognition Scheme from the hypothetical into the tangible and, in so doing, embed its original aims and principles into day-to-day practice.’
– Doug Cleaver, Sheffield Hallam University

https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/innovative-approaches-to-doctoral-supervision-9781035340279.html?s…