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A forthcoming book from the new Faculty of Management receives endorsements from UNDESA, UNEP, UNESCO and the European Commission

Publishing

The concept of the green economy has entered mainstream policy debates and been endorsed by the United Nations, other international institutions and forums, such as the G-20. The Rio+20 UN summit specifically draw attention to the green economy approach in the context of sustainable development. The role of tourism sector will continue to be crucial in the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. However, there are ambiguities about how tourism and allied industries can maximize their contribution to human well-being and ensure environmentally sustainability, embracing issues of political economy, geography and business ethics.

In this context, the forthcoming book “Tourism in the Green Economy” (Routledge, 2015) edited in line with BU research themes has been received externally as one of the many examples of our fusion agenda enriching the world. The book received valuable endorsements from key international organisations advancing sustainable development policy and actions worldwide.

“Building on the outcome of Rio+20, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, through its Division for Sustainable Development, has been working closely with the UN system, in particular, the World Tourism Organization and United Nations Environment Programme to advance sustainable tourism in the context of sustainable development and more specifically in national planning processes. In this regard, initiatives by the academic world to help policy makers and practitioners develop a better understanding of the dynamic and concrete linkages between tourism and sustainable development are therefore of great importance. This publication addresses the potential role that tourism could play towards a green economy. It also provides good practices, policy orientations as well as implications for future research in this area. The publication is therefore a timely and important input for tourism and sustainability stakeholders.” – Nikhil Seth, Director, Division for Sustainable Development, United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Secretariat.

“This publication offers an objective assessment of the challenges faced by green economy and their application to the tourism sector, as well as opportunities for promoting a global and local sustainable tourism through resource efficiency, green jobs and sustainable consumption and production patterns. Tourism stakeholders will find inspiration in this book, from its multiple case studies, in defining and promoting methods and tools for implementing sustainable tourism while valuing local resources and educating the tourist community.” – Dr Arab Hoballah, Chief of the Sustainable Consumption and Production Branch, UNEP.

“We welcome this publication which covers the topic of tourism and in particular the aspect of sustainable tourism with the aim of providing useful insights on how tourism could adapt to green economy, and how to make tourism more sustainable” – Francesca Tudini, Head of Tourism Policy Unit, European Commission.

“This publication brings new insights into the need to green the rapidly-growing tourism industry. The case studies show the challenges and opportunities common to both developed and developing countries, echoing UNESCO’s efforts to build inclusive green societies and sustainable tourism through Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage (including marine) sites, and Geoparks.” – Dr Wendy Watson-Wright, Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission; and Assistant Director General a.i., Natural Sciences, UNESCO.

The book provides consensus about what the green economy entails, the important role tourism can play in a green economy, responsible business practices from many countries, on-going and emerging research initiatives that will enable tourism’s transition to a green economy. For more details and full list of chapters, please visit: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415709217/

British Academy Funding Opportunity: BARSEAs 2015

Funding opportunities

 

 

 

The British Academy has launched an exciting new funding opportunity for early career researchers working in Humanities and Social Sciences. 

The British Academy Rising Star Engagement Awards (BARSEAs) provide a means for early career researchers to develop their skills and further career progression through organising events, training and mentoring activities for other early career researchers. Please note though that this is not a funding opportunity to undertake research. 

Applications are invited from early career scholars within 10 years of the award of their doctorate, and ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom. In order to be eligible for this programme, candidates must also be able to demonstrate their academic credentials to be leaders in research through suitable marks of esteem awarded prior to the submission of the application.

 Level of award: up to £15,000.

 BU Internal deadline for submission to RKEO: 14 January 2015

 Deadline for submission of applications: 21 January 2015 at 5pm 

 Deadline for Institutional Approval of applications: 22 January 2015 at 5pm .  Results are expected late February 2015

Awards available for starting date: not earlier than 1 March 2015 and not later than 31 March 2015

For more information on what activities are intended to be supported through this scheme, detailed guidance on what can and cannot be applied for and clarification on eligibility, please see the scheme notes which can be found via e-GAP.

Enquiries related to this scheme can be made to posts@britac.ac.uk but please note that interested parties should register interest through the RKEO Funding Development Team who can provide further details in the first instance.

Latest Major Funding Opportunities

The following funding opportunities have been announced. Please follow the links for more information:

Wellcome Trust, GB

Biomedical Vacation Scholarships

These awards provide promising undergraduates with hands-on experience of research during the summer vacation, with the aim of encouraging them to consider a career in research.Scholarship holders in the past have included students of biological sciences (including biology, sports science and pharmacy) and medics, vets, dentists and optometrists. Students focusing on natural sciences or computing degrees are welcome to use this scheme as a taster for research in the biomedical sciences; however, a suitably focused biomedical research report project would be required.

Scholarships are available for between six and eight weeks and currently provide a stipend for the student of £250 per week. Research expenses are not provided.

Closing Date: 13 February 2015

 

 Innovate UK

Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst – Early-stage – Translation – Round 3

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) are to invest £45m in major integrated research and development projects through the Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst. Catalysts provide funding to innovative businesses and researchers working in priority areas with the aim of helping them to quickly turn excellent UK research into new or improved commercial processes and products.

The Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst programme will accelerate commercialisation by supporting the development of new industrial biotechnology products and processes, and enabling their potential scale-up. It will support R&D for the processing and production of materials, chemicals and bioenergy through the sustainable exploitation of biological resources. We are particularly encouraging a collaborative approach. There are five types of award – early stage: translation; early stage: feasibility studies;  industrial research; late stage: pre-experimental feasibility studies; and late stage: experimental development – and, with the exception of translation awards which are academic, can involve a single business or be collaborative. Total project sizes can range from up to £250k for feasibility studies to up to £10m for experimental development.

Competition opens on 11 December 2014.

Registration Deadline noon on 25 February 2015

Competition closes on noon on 4 March 2015.

 

 Leverhulme Trust

Visiting Professorships

Awarded to UK institutions that wish to invite an eminent researcher from overseas to enhance the knowledge and skills of academic staff or the student body within the host institution. The scheme covers maintenance, travel expenses and research costs. Visiting Professorships last for between three and twelve months.

The objective of these awards is to enable distinguished academics based overseas to spend between three and twelve months inclusive at a UK university, primarily in order to enhance the skills of academic staff or the student body within the host institution. It is recognised that Visiting Professors may also wish to use the opportunity to further their own academic interests. The over-riding criteria for selection are first the academic standing and achievements of the visitor in terms of research and teaching, and secondly the ability of the receiving institution to benefit from the imported skills and expertise. Priority will be given to new or recent collaborative ventures.

The sum requested should reflect the individual circumstances of the visitor and the nature and duration of the proposed activities. A maintenance grant up to a level commensurate with the salary of a professor in the relevant field at the receiving institution may be requested. Economy travel costs to and from the UK will also be met. Requests for associated costs, if justified by the programme, may include, for example, travel within the UK, laboratory consumables, and essential technical assistance.

Closing Date: 7th May 2015

 

Welcome Trust

The Hub Award

The Wellcome Trust is committed to supporting work at the interface of health and the wider arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. To build on our existing programmes, we have launched The Hub at Wellcome Collection, a ground-breaking initiative that provides resources and a stimulating space for researchers and other creative minds to collaborate on an interdisciplinary project linked to the Trust’s vision of improving human and animal health.

As part of our transformation of Wellcome Collection, we have made available a specially designed, flexible space within the building for a research team to be resident for up to two academic years. The Hub Award is the way teams can apply to use this space and request funding for the project.

The closing date for preliminary applications for the second Hub residency is Friday 1 May 2015.

 

Royal Society

Rosalind Franklin Award and Lecture

This award is made to support the promotion of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award is awarded annually for an outstanding contribution to any area of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). The award is supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and is named in honour of the biophysicist Rosalind Franklin. The first award was made in 2003. The medal is of silver gilt and is accompanied by a grant of £30,000. The recipient of the award is expected to spend a proportion of the grant on implementing a project to raise the profile of women in STEM in their host institution and/or field of expertise in the UK. There are no restrictions on the age of nominees, though it is anticipated that the award will be made to an individual in mid-career, with a maximum of 20 years post PhD or equivalent.  Please see the terms and conditions of this award. The winner is also called upon to deliver a lecture at the Society.

Closing Date: 30th January 2015

 

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Annual focus for responsive mode proposals under the welfare of managed animals priority

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council invites applications for its welfare of managed animals strategic priority area. This call encourages high-quality research that seeks to understand and promote the welfare of managed animals in the UK, including farmed, laboratory and companion animals.

Projects should involve the use of animals and demonstrate awareness of, and the potential to inform policy and societal implications. Research should seek to increase the knowledge of the following: the basic behavioural, neurobiological, immune, metabolic, physiological and tissue responses of animals to their environmental conditions; the consequences of human intervention, genetic selection and management, including agricultural intensification, for the normal function of animals; the incidence of disease, pain and mental disorders.

Application Deadline: 8th January 2014

 

Innovate UK 

Circular economy: business models

Innovate UK is to invest up to £800k in feasibility studies into the business case for retaining value in durable goods through reuse, remanufacture or leasing/maintenance. We are seeking projects that explore commercial models for a circular economy of goods in which resources are kept in productive use for longer following primary production – ideally at the same value/use. Projects will be expected to design a pilot to demonstrate how the model could become part of normal business. Feasibility studies (mainly pre-industrial research projects) must be collaborative and business-led. Projects are open to companies of any size. Consortia should include a business that has a relationship with the final customer and can enable the return of products.

The amount of funding you can receive varies according to the type of organisation and type of research being undertaken. Funding levels for feasibility study research will change for competitions opening from 1 January 2015. For further information please refer to http://interact.innovateuk.org/ funding-rules 

We expect projects to last 6 months and to range in size from total costs of £25k to £50k. This competition opens on 2 March 2015. The deadline for registration is at noon on 8 April 2015, and the deadline for applications is at noon on 15 April 2015. A briefing day for potential applicants will be held at the Resource Event in London on 3 March 2015. A webinar detailing the competition scope and application process will be broadcast on 9 March 2015.

 

The Royal Society 

DFID Africa Capacity Building Initiative

This programme is for scientists who want to develop collaborative research consortia between scientists in sub-Saharan Africa and a research institution in the UK. The overall aim of the scheme is to strengthen the research capacity of universities and research institution in sub-Saharan Africa by supporting the development of sustainable research networks.

The objectives are to:

  1. facilitate sustainable multidisciplinary partnerships between research groups in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.
  2. strengthen research and training capacity in sub-Saharan African Institutions of Higher Education through the skill transfer between partner organisations of the research consortia.
  3. produce a cadre of young, talented researchers through integrated PhD scholarships and shared supervision of post-graduate students between the UK-based and African consortia members.
  4. evaluate the contributions of the Africa Initiative to supporting universities and institutions in Africa to develop sustainable research and research training capacity.

The scheme provides funding towards research expenses, travel and subsistence costs, (PhD) training, and limited funds for equipment. The Programme Grant may provide support of up to £1,243,000 over a five year period.

Closing Date: 19th March 2015

 

The Royal Society

Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Lecture

This prize lecture is given on a subject relating to the history of science, philosophy of science or the social function of science.

The Wilkins, Bernal and Medawar lectures were originally delivered as three separate lectures, each given triennially. Since 2007, they have been combined under the one title of the Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Lecture, and have been given annually.The subject matter for the lecture is some aspect of the social function of science, as per the Bernal Lecture Fund endowed byJohn Desmond Bernal FRS (PDF), the philosophy of science or some other field of interest to Peter Medawar FRS (PDF), and the history of science in recognition ofJohn Wilkins FRS (PDF), the first Secretary of the Society.

If possible the Committee will award the lectureship to an early-to-mid career stage scientist, historian or philosopher. The award is open to citizens of a Commonwealth country or of the Irish Republic or those who have been ordinarily resident and working in a Commonwealth country or in the Irish Republic for a minimum of three years immediately prior to being proposed.The lectureship is accompanied by a medal and a gift of £500.

The call for nominations is now open. Please download the nomination form and return the completed form to awards@royalsociety.org by 6:00pm GMT on 30 January 2015.

 

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

TASCC: TOWARDS AUTONOMY – SMART AND CONNECTED CONTROL

The EPSRC Engineering and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Themes in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) are inviting outline proposals that explore research in the area of ‘Smart and Connected Control’ around the central challenge of moving towards a fully autonomous car.

This call is being issued as part of the EPSRC–JLR strategic partnership. Funds of up to £10 million are available. We expect to support between four and six research projects, up to five years in duration, subject to the quality of the proposals received. The first stage of this call is an invitation for Outlines, and will be followed by Full Proposals. Applicants will be interviewed at the full proposal stage by an expert panel.As part of this activity there will be a series of workshops to develop ideas and interactions with JLR and other research groups.

As a joint funder JLR will work closely with successful applicants.

Closing date: 29 January 2015 at 16:00

 

Arts & Humanities Research Council

Call for applications to present virtual exhibitions of images on the AHRC website

he AHRC is marking its tenth anniversary in 2015 through a number of activities designed to showcase the achievements of the arts and humanities research community over the last decade, to look forward to the coming decade and to celebrate the role of the arts and humanities in all areas of our national life. Applications are invited from researchers of all disciplines within the arts and humanities to submit ideas with a link to the AHRC’s 10th anniversary for ‘virtual’ exhibitions in the AHRC’s online Image Gallery.

Images are generated and used in the arts and humanities in a wide variety of ways and for a range of purposes – for example, images produced and created through the visual arts, digitised images from museums, libraries and archives, design and architectural blueprints, photographs, cartoons, newspapers, maps, computer-generated (CGI) or computer–enhanced images, virtual reality and visualisation representations, and much else.

A total of £4,000 will be available to each successful applicant or group of applicants to prepare, make available and submit their images for exhibitions. The AHRC welcomes applications from all areas of the arts and humanities and from researchers at all stages of their careers, including doctoral students and early career researchers. Applicants are required to submit sample images along with a proposal for their exhibition; please see the call document (PDF 69KB) for further details (opens in a new window).

Closing Dates: 15/01/2015 at 4pm

 

Innovate UK

Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst – Industrial research – Round 3

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) are to invest £45m in major integrated research and development projects through the Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst. Catalysts provide funding to innovative businesses and researchers working in priority areas with the aim of helping them to quickly turn excellent UK research into new or improved commercial processes and products.

The Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst programme will accelerate commercialisation by supporting the development of new industrial biotechnology products and processes, and enabling their potential scale-up. It will support R&D for the processing and production of materials, chemicals and bioenergy through the sustainable exploitation of biological resources. We are particularly encouraging a collaborative approach.There are five types of award – early stage: translation; early stage: feasibility studies;  industrial research; late stage: pre-experimental feasibility studies; and late stage: experimental development – and, with the exception of translation awards which are academic, can involve a single business or be collaborative. Total project sizes can range from up to £250k for feasibility studies to up to £10m for experimental development.

The competition opens on 11 December 2014. The deadline for registration is noon on 25 February 2015 and the competition close date is noon on 4 March 2015.

Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst – Late-stage – Pre-experimental feasibility studies – Round 3

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) are to invest £45m in major integrated research and development projects through the Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst. Catalysts provide funding to innovative businesses and researchers working in priority areas with the aim of helping them to quickly turn excellent UK research into new or improved commercial processes and products.

The Industrial Biotechnology Catalyst programme will accelerate commercialisation by supporting the development of new industrial biotechnology products and processes, and enabling their potential scale-up. It will support R&D for the processing and production of materials, chemicals and bioenergy through the sustainable exploitation of biological resources. We are particularly encouraging a collaborative approach.There are five types of award – early stage: translation; early stage: feasibility studies;  industrial research; late stage: pre-experimental feasibility studies; and late stage: experimental development – and, with the exception of translation awards which are academic, can involve a single business or be collaborative. Total project sizes can range from up to £250k for feasibility studies to up to £10m for experimental development.

The competition opens on 11 December 2014. The deadline for registration is noon on 13 May 2015 and the competition close date is noon on 20 May 2015.

 

Creative ways to disseminate research findings: ‘Moving Stories – Moving On.’

PG research

Being new to the academic world I had naively thought that the only way to disseminate research findings was though conferences and publishing papers.  However, my eyes were opened when I attended a production by the Theatrescience Company in October.  A play was used as one of the means of sharing research findings of a study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.

Using a range of qualitative methods the research investigated people’s experiences of being physically active in older age.  It was seeking to understand ‘what works’ from a group of older adults who were engaging in regular physical activity.

So on a mild autumn evening about 60 people filed into a room at the Knowledge Spa at Treliske Hospital, Cornwall (the home of the University of Exeter Medical School’s European Centre for Environmental and Human Health).  After a brief introduction we were treated to a one-off performance of verbatim script of excerpts of those interviewed.  It provoked a range of emotions from laugh out loud funny to tear-jerking sadness.  The depth of insight was immense and reminded me once again why I am enjoying my new career as a social scientist.  Interestingly, my sister (a local doctor in Cornwall) came away with a slightly different perspective.  Whilst she found it interesting, she felt it hadn’t equipped her any more in helping her work with patients to see them become more active.

The on-going challenge continues to see how we take these findings and turn them into practical strategies which really work.  We also need to consider how we can use different forms of representations (blogs, journal articles, theatre, lay summary documents etc.) so that the reach of our research can be as wide as possible.

What will I take away from this event?

I learnt two things from this production: Firstly, that I need to think bigger when wanting to share my research findings and secondly, remaining physically active as we age is so much more than trying to get people to achieve their 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week.  Being active is part of our life journey and will fluctuate depending upon seasons in our lives.  There is also a lot more research which needs to be done to help us understand physical activity across the life course!

Please see this link below for more of the project details: http://www.ecehh.org/research-projects/moving-stories/

Dr Cassandra Phoenix who led the research, is currently primary investigator for the ESRC Seminar Series ‘More of the same is not enough: New directions for research on ageing and physical activity’. Seminars are being held around the country until 2017. For further information see: http://seminars.ecehh.org

HE Policy Update

Monday

Research spending

The UK must spend more than £20bn extra a year on research and development to tackle decades of under-investment according to The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee. The committee wants the Government to commit to raising UK R&D spending to 3 per cent of GDP in five years’ time in order to fully capitalise on its science base and close the gap on international rivals by bolstering links between universities and businesses. Britain must spend billions to bridge gap in research, (The Independent).

Student votes

Students could tip the balance of power at the next general election, according to analysis by the Higher Education Policy Institute of their voting patterns from 1997 to the present day. Students could affect the outcome in about 10 constituencies including Nick Clegg and Ed Milliband’s seats. Student vote could swing 2015 election, suggests study (BBC News), Collapse in Lib Dem student vote puts Clegg’s seat at risk, (The Daily Telegraph).

Tuesday

Private Providers

The National Audit Office has published their investigation into financial support for students at alternative HE providers. The report found that drop-out rates at these private providers were on average 12% (compared to 4% for HEFCE funded HEIs). The report also reveals that 20% of publicly funded students on Higher National courses at alternative providers may not have been registered with the qualification awarding body in 12/13. This means they would be unable to attain the qualifications they were funded for. Private provider drop-out rates and loan access laid bare by NAO (THE).

Wednesday

Student retention

Following a survey by Blackbullion (an independent Financial Education Training service), one in 10 undergraduates admit that it is likely they will have to drop out of university because they can’t afford to continue with their studies. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of students say they are worried about how they will continue to fund their degree, supporting concerns that the maintenance loan provided to undergraduates may not be enough to cover costs. One in 10 students ‘can’t afford to continue at university’ (The Daily Telegraph).

Postgraduate Loans

It was announced in the Autumn Statement that from 2016-17, income-contingent loans will be available for postgraduate taught masters courses in any subject for those under the age of 30. To provide support for students in the meantime, before the loans become available in 2016, it was announced that HEFCE will allocate £50 million in 2015-16 to universities to offer bursaries on a match funded basis. These will be £10,000 each and will benefit 10,000 students. Autumn Statement: Postgraduate loans of £10,000 (BBC News), Ten thousand bursaries for ten thousand students in 2015 (HEFCE) .

Thursday

Postgraduate Loan Reaction

The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned that borrowers would face high effective marginal withdrawal rates on earnings, owing to the combined effect of repayments for postgraduate and undergraduate loans, alongside tax and National Insurance. Postgraduate borrowers ‘would face 50 per cent tax’ (THE).

Friday

Which? Student Survey

Which? have surveyed students on five extra-curricular aspects and produced rankings. The 5 categories were: sports, political scenes, creative scenes, nightlife and student union activities. Top student-rated universities revealed for 2014 (Which?).

Arts and Humanities

Professor Anne Carlisle, Vice-Chancellor at Falmouth University, has written a piece combating the myth that focusing on arts and humanities subjects restricts future career paths. She quotes recent research which shows that the creative industries will be worth over £100bn and provide 1.39m jobs by 2018. ‘Ignore creative subjects at your peril’ (Telegraph).

 

EUADS: deadline for applications is approaching!

Funding opportunities, Training

The EU Academic Development Scheme (EUADS) is a unique scheme developed to kick start your career in EU research, and is open to all BU academic staff.  The scheme will help you work towards making a submission by providing unlimited 1-2-1 support from an expert EU bid writer, group mentoring and unlimited assistance in actually writing your application over a 12 month period.  In addition to the training, the EUADS scheme also includes an individual fund. Each successful participant will have access to grants up to £3ooo to spend on activities supporting bid development, such as:
• Travel with the intent of networking
• Conference attendance with the intent of networking
• Pilot research work
• Fieldwork
• Attendance at external networking events leading to collaborative research proposals
• Meetings with external organisations to establish collaborations
• Preparation of specialist material or data
• Replacement teaching 

You can read more on this scheme in the EUADS Policy Document  and make a submission using the  EUADS Application Form.   

The deadline for applications is Friday 19th December 2014.  Applications and any questions should be submitted to the Funding Development Coordinator, Giles Ashton, gashton@bournemouth.ac.uk

Event idea for the Festival of Learning 2015- A ‘who do you think you are’ family themed event & using the game ‘Top Trumps’ to make a successful event idea

Festival of Learning

with the deadline fast approaching for proposals to be submitted, here are a further couple of event ideas which may be food for thought for the Festival of Learning.

A ‘Who do you think you are’ themed event could use the concept of people’s ancestors and talk about how family history can have an impact on the individual choices we make today. This is often of great interest to many of us and can create a real debate in the room. This was further proven to be a successful topic at Engage 2014 in which a talk focused on how people should ‘remember their ancestors roots and way of living’ and stick to this in their everyday life.

An event idea which is of a completely different angle is that of using the popular game of ‘Top trumps’ and embedding your research around this game. Gamification is a quickly growing concept in the business world and is gaining recognition as one of the most talked about words in recent years. This is the way in which learning can be gained from games with your chosen content. For example, you could use as an example different bacterias in a top trumps style. This would involve the younger generation pitting against one another to see who had the ‘deadliest bacteria’.

 

For more information on the Festival of Learning 2015 please email Naomi Kay and she will be happy to help with event proposals and general inquiries.

Festival of Learning 2015- Thinking outside the box? Maybe try thinking outside of BU for your events.

Festival of Learning

When thinking about running an event at the Festival of Learning it is common to assume this has to be on campus, however you may have not considered the greater appeal you may be able to get at a different location. Here are some ideas about places that may add that unique selling point which will draw in greater numbers of the public and improve your overall engagement.

 

The Aquarium

Bournemouth’s Aquarium is an instantly recognisable symbol for what people associate with great venues in Bournemouth.  This would be a great place to , hold an event especially if your area of research is marine based, although this isn’t necessarily essential. An idea which could possibly be built on is to hold ‘A night at’ themed event at this location. So get your creative caps on and see what you can come up with for this fantastic venue.

Afc Bournemouth

Bournemouth University and Afc Bournemouth have an incredibly strong working relationship and there is always the possibility to run events from this location. This could be a great venue for sports related research topics, imagine the instant appeal if your event could be held at the Championship high flyers ground!

Shelley Theatre (Boscombe)

The Shelley Theatre is in a great location for when the Festival takes place. It is close to the town centre, creates a great atmosphere and provides audience members with a memorable experience. This venue would work well for a variety of event ideas and has played host to brilliant Festival of Learning events in the past.

 

If any of these locations seem to inspire you to submit an event, or you have a general event inquiry. Please email Naomi Kay and she will be happy to help you in the proposal process of making that event idea you have a reality. The deadline for proposals is fast approaching (19th December at noon) so don’t hesitate to get involved!

 

Showcasing Undergraduate Research Excellence – SUREBU 2015: call for submissions

Fusion, student research

SUREBU is a Fusion funded project aimed at showcasing the best of BU’s undergraduate research.  Research is broadly defined and could include work towards an undergraduate essay or dissertation, work carried out as part of a volunteer or work placement, or activities for an academic society.  Not only are research skills a central part of undergraduate study and academic life, but they are also vital skills for any future career.  By encouraging undergraduate students to think critically and develop their skills, research will help to enhance their student experience and increase their employability upon graduation.

The call for submissions is now open, and all BU undergraduate students – from all schools and courses – are eligible to apply.  Examples of research could be anything from preparing for a dissertation or an essay to work carried out during a placement year to volunteering or work with academic societies.   The main criteria is that evidence of the student’s own critical thinking can be demonstrated.  As well as developing new skills, this is a good opportunity to enhance their CVs through a conference presentation, publication of abstract or even being the winner of awards and prizes.

To get involved, register on SUREBU’s website and submit an abstract.  Abstracts should be a maximum of 300 words, with a title no longer than 150 characters.  The deadline for submission is 5th January 2015.  If you know of a student or recent graduate who would be eligible to submit, do encourage them to apply!

National Contact Point: Manija Kamal

Guidance

 

National Contact Points (NCPs) provide impartial advice regarding EU Funding within their specialist area of Horizon 2020.  The advice is free and confidential and tailored to your needs.  This is an excellent service for drawing on the experience and knowledge of someone who deals exclusively with a particular scheme or work programme.  If you are interested in testing out project ideas, checking scheme eligibility, discussing the direction of travel of a particular funding stream or just asking some questions on the practicalities of applications they are a great source of help. 

This week we would like to introduce you to Manija Kamal, who is the NCP for Embedding Social Science and Humanities across H2020.  Follow the link for further details on NCPs and Horizon 2020.   

Funding Development Opportunities:Travel Fellowships

Funding opportunities

The British Council in Israel and the Science and Innovation Network have launched three travel fellowships: BIRAX Regenerative Medical Fellowships, Inaugural UK-Israel Science Fellowships, and Inaugural UK-Israel Science Lectureships. The schemes are designed to further research experience, establish or strengthen research links and develop scientific collaborations.  The deadline for these opportunities is 12 January 2015. 

The Executive Committee of HUCBMS has established two annual Fellowship Travel Awards to encourage collaboration in biomedical sciences teaching and research between UK-based and overseas universities.  The closing date for applications is 16 January 2015. 

For more information on these opportunities, visit the British Council website 

 

Newton – funding update

Funding opportunities

Further to the November post outlining the Newton Funding opportunities, two new calls have been announced for China and India.  Please note the closing dates:

 

UK-China Research and Innovation Partnership Fund (deadline: 27/02/2015)

Newton-Bhabha PhD Placements Programme (deadline: 15/01/2015)

India-UK Collaborative Industrial R&D Programme (deadline: 15/04/2015)

Further information and application guidance available on the website.

If you wish to apply, please contact your RKEO Officer as soon as possible.