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There’s no ‘I’ in Team: My experience as a URA

Centre for Excellence in Learning, conferences, Fusion

Blog post by Pippa Empson, Undergraduate Research Assistant (Innovative Pedagogy)

Following my application and interview earlier this year I was accepted for the Undergraduate Research Assistant (URA) position on an ‘Innovative Pedagogy’ research project. Being part of the URA programme gave me an insight into the world of primary research which involved transcribing conversations from focus groups, collating data into spreadsheets and statistically analysing data using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), and getting the opportunity to present our findings in the Bournemouth University conference SURE (Showcasing Undergraduate Research Excellence). It was a pleasure to work alongside academic staff Dr Jacqueline Priego and Dr Jonathan Branney who welcomed me and Jade Offer, the other URA, to the team and supported me in my position.

I learnt many new skills including analysing quantitative and qualitative data which the academic staff was happy to guide me in. I was initially daunted by the work I would be expected to do and whether I would be able to fit it around my undergraduate studies as a second year adult nursing student. However as I was able to fulfill some of the URA work at home on my own computer it meant I was able to be flexible with when I worked, so I could keep my other commitments. Being a URA was a great opportunity which I would recommend it to anyone interested in research or furthering their skills, be it computer skills or communication skills.

Pippa Empson, BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, year two

Fusion Investment Funding project – Enhancing research collaboration and networking with University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Awarded & submitted bids, Fusion Investment Fund

I have recently returned from a BU Fusion Fund sponsored visit to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) where I attended a series of meetings with tourism, events and transportation science academics working within the Transportation Engineering Program (PET) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The purpose of the visit was to enhance existing and establish new contacts with Brazilian researchers whose interests rest within the remits of sustainable urban development, tourism and mega-events.

As part of my visit, I delivered a series of guest lectures to the student and broader academic / research communities at UFRJ. The student lectures focussed on the topic of environmental management as applied in the tourism and hospitality context and featured a number of seminal studies developed by colleagues from the Faculty of Management at Bournemouth University. The academic / research community orientated lecture presented the outcome of my recent research project on the carbon footprint of the World Football Cup 2014 in Brazil. Given the geographical proximity of the topic and its relevance to the issue of urban transportation and sustainable tourism development in Rio de Janeiro, the lecture was well perceived by the audience which had found reflection in the substantial number of questions posed and comments made. Due to the identified mutual research interest in improving sustainability of the Olympic Games 2016, Brazilian colleagues took me on an exclusive study trip which provided access to the primary venues of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, including the legendary Maracanã Stadium.

The key outcome of my visit is enhanced collaborative opportunities with Brazilian academics who I am now writing a joint research paper with on the environmental implications of the Olympic Games 2016. It is envisaged that the established contacts will be maintained and harnessed via joint applications for research funding and student exchange projects.

For more information about this project, please contact Dr Viachaslau FilimonauIMG_2161

What makes good evidence of research impact?

Knowledge Exchange, PG research, Training

Bokani Tshidzu

Bokani Tshidzu

Join us on Friday 27 May at 12.00 to find out how to evidence impact from research in a session by Bokani Tshidzu, Chief Operating Officer of impact consultancy Vertigo Ventures.

The session will outline the types of impact evidence that researchers can collect and online tools that can be used to gather this data. Attendees have an opportunity to consider the stakeholders involved in their research and find out how best to collect evidence of impact from different groups. There will also be a chance to find out more about the types of high-scoring evidence that was used in each panel during the last REF.

Book your place via Eventbrite

The session will take place in Kimmeridge House (KG03) Talbot campus from 12.00 – 14.00.  Light refreshments will be provided but please feel free to bring your lunch along.

impact wordle 3
This session forms part of a series of research impact seminars and workshops, organised by RKEO to explore the various pathways to achieving societal and economic impact.  Within the series, attendees will explore methods for effectively engaging a variety of research users throughout the research process, and develop new ways to plan, deliver and evidence impact.

 

View the other events in the series or email Genna West for further information.

What’s new in KTP?

Business Engagement, Funding opportunities, innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Transfer

Innovate UK have recently announced new changes across their KTP programme.

“So what’s new in KTP?” (if you’re new to this acronym, an explanation can be found here)

I’m glad you asked.

  • Firstly, the application process has changed.  The previously known Expression of Interest form has now been removed from the process and replaced with a one-page optional Fact Finding Form.  There is also a new application form that is shorter than the previous form yet more or less requires the same information as the previous application form.  This has changed to be more in line with other Innovate UK competitions
  • Innovate UK do not want to see applications for multiple projects with the same company.  A project would have to be deemed as exceptional to receive KTP funding for a third project with a company
  • There are six submission deadlines a year and each deadline is classed as a separate competition and thus each proposal will be ranked among the applications within that competition
  • The awarding process will no longer approve applications subject to amendments – applications will now either be awarded or rejected
  • The Associate employment costs caps as part of the project budget have been removed.  The total amount the partnership can request funding for is £35,000, though as ever, this request will need to be justified
  • The Associate recruitment is a solid nine months to recruit.  If a partnership fails to recruit an Associate in those nine months, the partnership will have to apply for funding again and resubmit their project application

The aim of these changes are to increase the speed of the KTP process to get projects started quicker and to simplify the process of KTP.

If you have any questions about these changes or KTP in general, please contact Rachel Clarke, KE Adviser (KTP) on (01202 9)61347 or email clarker@bournemouth.ac.uk

KTP@40-block-logo

Higher Education White Paper- What it means for research

The Higher Education White Paper ‘Success as a Knowledge Economy: Teaching Excellence, Social Mobility and Student Choice’ was published on Monday 16th May. The White Paper outlines the government’s stance on research activity within UK universities. This follows what was proposed and discussed in the Green Paper in November 2015 and has taken into account the recommendations of the Nurse Review.

The key points for research from the White Paper are set out below.

  • The White Paper has confirmed that the seven existing research councils, Innovate UK and the research and innovation functions of HEFCE will brought under one body- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
  • UKRI aims to focus on multi-and inter-disciplinary research, enabling effective and rapid response to future challenges. The different functions being brought under the one body aims to facilitate the sharing of expertise and best practice to improve decision making within the UK, as well as ensuring strategic coordination across the research landscape.
  • UKRI will have a combined budget of more than £6 billion.
  • The government recognises the unique nature of Innovate UK and has highlighted that it will remain a separate council within UKRI.
  • The Secretary of State will appoint UKRI’s board members which will be supported by a central team of staff. John Kingman, a former Rothschild banker and second permanent secretary to the Treasury will be the interim chair of UKRI.
  • The government maintains its commitment to the Haldane principle.
  • The Secretary of State will set the budgets for each of the 9 councils through the annual grant letter.
  • The dual support system will continue with the continuation of hypothecation for the two funding streams.
  • The UKRI will work closely with the new Office for Students to ensure a strategic approach to the funding of research and teaching. Future legislation will ensure that OFS and UKRI will share information and data.

One of the biggest concerns the sector had regarding the proposed changes affecting research in the Green Paper was around dual support. Many have been worried about the level of protection the dual support funding system would receive in the event of merging the research councils into one body. It is expected that the new Higher Education and Research Bill, announced in the Queen’s speech today (18th May), will ensure there is legislative protection for the dual support system to try and eradicate some of the sector’s fears. The White Paper reveals that efforts will be made to ensure the individual identity of the separate research councils and Innovate UK remain under UKRI. The White Paper also confirms that the Secretary of State will have responsibility to balance the two arms of dual support.

Despite this, there is still concern among professionals in HE that the research councils could dramatically change, or even be reduced once the UKRI is officially set up. Research Professional reports that science policy commentators are warning “there will be no technical impediment for a more radical merger of the councils once the UKRI is in place and the existing research councils formally lose their independence.”

The Higher Education and Research Bill is yet to be published, and very little was given away in the Queen’s Speech concerning research. When it is published, we will expect to see more information concerning the legislation around research for UK HE. Although it has been reported that the UKRI will launch in 2018, hopefully the bill will also give us more information and clarification around timescales.

More information will follow this blog when the Higher Education and Research Bill is published. In the meantime, you can view more commentary on other aspects of the White Paper here.

Celebrating research impact at Bournemouth University

Knowledge Exchange, PG research

Join us on Friday 27 May at 14.30 for a series of lightening talks from BU academics, to find out how their research is making a difference.

The short talks will highlight some key impact case studies that were submitted to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014 and others that are currently in development. This is an excellent opportunity to hear about a wide range of inspiring research from across BU, presenting key insights into all stages of the impact pathway.

Book your place via Eventbrite

Speakers will include;

  • Peter Thomas (Health and Social Sciences)
  • Dinusha Mendis (Management)
  • Mark Hadfield (Science & Technology)
  • Ian Stephenson (Media & Communication)
  • Chindu Sreedharan (Media & Communication)
  • Raian Ali and Keith Phalp (Science & Technology)
  • Heather Hartwell (Management)
  • Richard Stillman (Science & Technology)
  • Einar Thorsen (Media & Communication)
  • Sarah Bate (Science & Technology)

The session will take place in Kimmeridge House (KG03) Talbot campus from 14.30 – 15.30, with networking and refreshments until 16.00. 

impact wordle 3

 

This session forms part of a series of research impact seminars and workshops, organised by RKEO to explore the various pathways to achieving societal and economic impact.  Within the series, attendees will explore methods for effectively engaging a variety of research users throughout the research process, and develop new ways to plan, deliver and evidence impact.

View the other events in the series or email Genna West for further information.

Newton Fund International Calls Update

Funding opportunities, international

newton fundThe following Newton calls are currently open. If you are thinking of applying, please contact Emily Cieciura, REKO’s Research Facilitator: EU and International, as soon as possible, so that we can support you.

 

DEADLINE TIME DETAILS OF CALL
1 June 2016  DEADLINE SOON! MALAYSIA- UK-Malaysia Joint Health Research Call in Non-Communicable Diseases
20 June 2016 4pm GMT CHINA- Developing financial systems to support sustainable growth in China
27 June 2016 4pm GMT MULTI- COUNTRY- Newton Institutional Links
27 June 2016 4pm GMT MULTI-COUNTRY- Travel Grants – Newton Researcher Links
27 June 2016 4pm GMT MULTI-COUNTRY- Workshop Grants – Newton Researcher Links
27 June 2016 4pm GMT MULTI-COUNTRY Trilateral workshop grants – Newton Researcher Links
30 June 2016 SOUTH AFRICA- NRF Fellowships for Early Career Researchers from the UK
14 July 2016 4pm GMT NEW OPPORTUNITY! INDONESIA- UK-Indonesia Joint Health Research Call on Infectious Diseases
20 September 2016 12pm GMT NEW OPPORTUNITY! CHINA- UK-China PhD Placement Programme
22 September 2016 12pm GMT NEW OPPORTUNITY! TURKEY- Agri-food innovation in Turkey

BU welcomes EU-China Industrial Technology Transfer Centre

innovation, international, Knowledge Exchange

EUCITTC-LOGOBournemouth University welcomed Mr Peter Huang, Deputy Director of the EU-China Industrial Technology Transfer Centre, when he visited on 5th May 2016.

Mr Huang, a BU alumnus, presented the future EUCITTC vision for engagement with international universities, including those in the UK.

Central to this vision is the development of an international technology canal for transporting R&D, innovation, technology, funds and opportunities for cross-boundary cooperation; opening a new pattern for technology achievements transferring and transforming and facilitating the combination of technology and economy. Meanwhile, by cooperating with many partners, EUCITTC is planning and formulating the system for the technology cooperation between the EU and China, so as to break through the bottleneck of international technology exchange and cooperation.

Find out more about the EUCITTC services and their structure.

How does research influence public policy?

Knowledge Exchange, PG research

Informing government policy was the most commonly cited impact in REF 2014.  Join us on Wednesday 25 May or Thursday 26 May to find out how government policy is developed, and explore the ways in which policy can be influenced and informed by research.

In bitesize hour-long seminars, Jane Forster (Policy Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor) and Emma Bambury-Whitton (Policy and Public Affairs Officer) will explore successful routes to impact through policy engagement.  From giving evidence at Select Committee inquiries and creating policy briefing papers, to engaging in direct correspondence with MPs and Peers, this session will give practical tips and examples of how research filters into policy discussions.

The session will also outline the opportunities and resources available within BU and externally to support academic and support staff to engage decision-makers with research.

Book your place via Eventbrite:
Wednesday 25 May – Talbot
Thursday 26 May – Lansdowne

The session will take place on Wednesday 25 May in Kimmeridge House (KG03) Talbot campus from 13.30 – 14.30 and will be repeated on Thursday 26 May at 12.30 – 13.30 in the Executive Business Centre (EB708) Lansdowne campus.  Please feel free to bring your lunch along to the sessions.

impact wordle 3

This session forms part of a series of research impact seminars and workshops, organised by RKEO to explore the various pathways to achieving societal and economic impact.  Within the series, attendees will explore methods for effectively engaging a variety of research users throughout the research process, and develop new ways to plan, deliver and evidence impact.

 

View the other events in the series or email Genna West for further information.

 

Smart Cities Sandpit – One week to go!

BU Challenges, Funding opportunities, Research themes, Training

creativity road signThere are still a few places remaining at the RKEO Smart Cities Sandpit on Tuesday, 24 May 2016.

We have a fast-moving and interactive day planned for attendees. Amongst others, we will be joined by Dr Adorkor Bruce-Konuah from Oxford Brooks’ Low Carbon Building Group, who will talk about ERIC – a smart energy system project in Oxford.

So, how do I book onto this event?

To take part in this exciting opportunity, BU staff  should complete the Smart-Cities-Sandpit-Application-Form and return this to Dianne Goodman by Thursday, 19th May (extended)

By applying, you agree to attend for the full duration of the event on 24th May (c. 9:30 – 16:30). This event will be held in BU’s Executive Business Centre (EBC).

If you have any queries prior to submitting your application, please contact Emily Cieciura, RKEO Research Facilitator: EU & International.

EPSRC seeking advisory team members

EPSRC_logoEPSRC is seeking applications from industrialists, academics and individuals working in the third sector and government organisations to join Strategic Advisory Teams (SATs), across the range of EPSRC‘s Themes.

They are looking for suitable individuals to guide and advise as theme experts across a range of EPSRC‘s current key themes. They seek the widest participation: you can be full-time or part-time, on sabbatical or a career break, academic or researcher, based in academe, industry, the third sector or government organisation.

Further information and terms of reference can be found on the EPSRC website. Further information on the Energy SAC and the Digital Economy PAB can be found on the RCUK website.

Please visit the Strategic Advisory Boards Membership page for further information on vacancies and how to apply. The closing date is 01 July 2016.

White paper on Higher Education published today

bis-headerLogoAhead of the Queen’s speech on 18 May, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has published a press statement outlining the main content of its white paper on higher education. In it BIS said that the government wanted to create a single organisation called UK Research and Innovation to bring together the seven research councils and Innovate UK under a single umbrella, although ensuring that the agencies retained “their identities and delegated budgets”.

At the same time BIS proposed stripping the Higher Education Funding Council for England of its research and knowledge exchange functions, including QR funding, which will be transferred to UK Research and Innovation.

The white paper, called Success as a Knowledge Economy, follows a public consultation launched in November.

By the end of the week, BU’s Policy and Public Affairs office will provide an analysis of what this means for the university, and what actions will follow.  Keep an eye on the research blog for further news and details of internal workshops to be held.  Wonkhe has published a blog outlining the ‘hopes and fears’ of the white paper which you can see here. The blog includes a comment from BU’s Jane Forster.

You can read a summary of the white paper in an article published by Research Professional.

 

How can working with the media help generate impact from your research?

Knowledge Exchange, PG research

Join us on Tuesday 24 May and Thursday 26 May to find out how researchers can reach a wider audience and effectively use the media to increase the impact of their research.

The PR Team here at BU will take you through traditional and social media channels that can be used to communicate your research findings to both the general public and more specialised audiences. You will receive tips on how to work effectively with the media and find out how BU can support this process.

Dr Sarah Bate will then talk you through her experiences of engaging with the media, presenting a key impact case study that has extensively used the media to generate and evidence impact.

Book your place via Eventbrite:
Tuesday 24 May – Lansdowne
Thursday 26 May – Talbot

The session will take place on Tuesday 24 May in the Executive Business Centre (EB306) Lansdowne campus from 12.30 – 14.00, and will be repeated on Thursday 26 May in Kimmeridge House (KG03) Talbot campus from 13.30 – 15.00. 

 

impact wordle 3

This session forms part of a series of research impact seminars and workshops, organised by RKEO to explore the various pathways to achieving societal and economic impact.  Within the series, attendees will explore methods for effectively engaging a variety of research users throughout the research process, and develop new ways to plan, deliver and evidence impact.

 

View the other events in the series or email Genna West for further information.