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Calling All Consumer Behaviour Researchers … A forum for discussion around CB research.

Research themes

 

The study of consumer behaviour has always been a multi-disciplinary endeavour, so perhaps it is not too surprising that there are pockets of related research activity all around BU.  These include consumer related research clusters in the Business School, the Media School, School of Tourism and Psychology.  What is surprising is how little we are aware of each other’s work.

Given this the ICB research cluster are hosting a ‘Hands-on Information Sharing Session’ to provide a forum for discussion around CB research at BU.  The session will provide an opportunity to meet others with similar research interests and learn more about the variety of consumer research being carried out across the University through brief research presentations, followed by discussions over refreshments to look for potential cross-discipline research opportunities.

Wherever you are in BU, if you think that you would like to be part of a forum aimed at developing a stronger research presence in this area please come along to a meeting over coffee and cakes ….

‘CB Hands-on Information Sharing Session’

Wednesday 22nd October at 15:30 in TAG22, Talbot Campus.

Please could those wishing to attend let Juliet Memery know as soon as possible to ascertain likely numbers for catering purposes, and then send three Powerpoint slides (max) that briefly cover your research/interests in issues relating to consumer behaviour research to her by Monday 20th October (email: jmemery@bournemouth.ac.uk ).

All welcome – we look forward to seeing you there!

 

Space themed call for KTP has been launched!

Funding opportunities

Pun intended.

Innovate UK (formerly Technology Strategy Board) has launched a new specialised Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) call for space.

This targeted call will support 10 to 12 KTP projects which are in line with the UK’s Space Innovation and Growth Strategy (IGS).

Key points of this targeted call are:

  • ‘Upstream’ projects in satellite and satellite instrument manufacture need to be generally aligned with the National Space Technology Strategy
  • ‘Downstream’ projects need to link to a defined market/end product
  • All projects must use expertise from outside of the space sector
  • There is a bursary fund available for a number of KTP associates to attend the International Space University summer school

This call is now open and closes on 11th February 2015.

For complete information on this call, please visit the Innovate UK website.

If you would like to discuss this call and potential KTP ideas around this call, please do contact me: Rachel Clarke, Knowledge Exchange Adviser (KTP) – 01202 961347 – clarker@bournemouth.ac.uk

New report on enterprise education led by BU staff

Enterprise is becoming a more important part of UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) activity as a source of revenue, added value to students, and broader demonstration of the contribution of HEIs to the economy. Despite this there is little information on the overall provision of business services by HEIs in the UK and even less on that which involves students engaging with consultancy. This new report, by BU staff Dan Jackson, Mike Molesworth (now Southampton) and Graham Goode, maps out what we do know about how other universities engage students in enterprise projects. The report contains:

– An overview of how involved students are engaging in knowledge exchange through consultancy via a comprehensive audit of all 164 UK HEI’s. Here, we identify different models of student consultancy in terms of their links to research and education, and offer some more broader reflections on the way that UK universities are engaging with business.

– Through four case studies (with a total of 32 interviews and 3 focus groups), an analysis of the key tensions, barriers and motivations (both internal and external) in integrating students in consultancy in ways what benefit them, academic staff, HEIs and external organisations.

– The implications for the management of such projects, and a series of recommendations for those who wish to involve students in university consultancy services.

The report should be essential reading for academic leaders and staff involved in delivering education for employability.

The full report and case studies that underpin the session can be found here: http://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/cmc/sector-intelligence-reports/
The authors will be leading a CEL session about the project in November 2014, but please get in touch if you would like to talk about the findings and they can help inform your practice: jacksond@bournemouth.ac.uk

Fusion Investment Fund launch

Fusion

FIF is open!

Excuse me? You don’t know what FIF is?

FIF stands for the Fusion Investment Fund. It is designed to support staff in developing as researchers, educators and practitioners. Since its inception in 2012, FIF has funded over 200 projects with awards totalling more than £1.9m.

Want to know more?

Two funding strands are available to staff: Co-creation and co-production strand (CCCP), and Staff mobility and networking strand (SMN).

For all the policy documents, Fund FAQs and information about applying, please visit the FIF intranet pages.

 

Please direct all initial enquiries to the Fusion Investment Fund Co-ordinator, Sue Townrow, at Fusion Fund.

The Fusion Investment Fund is managed by Samantha Leahy-Harland.

 

Newton Fund – Call for Applications.

Funding opportunities

The Newton Fund is an initiative with the aim of developing the long-term sustainable growth and welfare of partner countries through building research and innovation capacity. It forms part of the UK’s Official Development Assistance commitment. The Newton Fund Partner Countries are: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Newton Advanced Fellowships

The Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy and Royal Society are inviting applications to the first round of the Newton Advanced Fellowships as part of the Newton Fund. Newton Advanced Fellowships provide established researchers with an opportunity to develop the research strengths and capabilities of their research group or network through training, collaboration and reciprocal visits with a partner in the UK. Awards last for up to three years and are available to support researchers across the natural sciences including engineering, clinical or patient-oriented research, social sciences and humanities. Up to £37,000 is available each year for:

  • A salary top up (maximum £5,000) for the group or network leader from the partner country.
  • Research support (up to £15,000) to cover costs for studentships, staff, consumables or equipment.
  • Travel and subsistence (up to £12,000) to cover travel costs of the UK partner to the international partner and/or travel of the international partner to the UK.
  • Training (up to £5,000) to support the career development of the applicant and their research group or network.
The closing date for applications is 17:00, 22/10/2014. 
For further information, please visit the funder’s websites:
The Academy of Medical Sciences – www.acmedsci.ac.uk/newton-advanced

Newton Mobility Grants

The British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society are inviting applications to the first round of the Newton Mobility Grants as part of the Newton Fund.
This scheme helps strengthen the research and innovation capacity of researchers from Partner Countries by facilitating exchanges of researchers. Applicants should be researchers from academic establishments or government-funded research institutes. Awards last for up to two years and are available to support researchers across the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. Applications must include a researcher from the UK and a researcher from an eligible partner country. Awards will cover costs for travel, subsistence and research expenses. The grant must be based around a joint research project.

  • The British Academy programme is known as Newton Mobility Grants. Grants are offered up to a maximum of £10,000 for a period of one year.
  • The Royal Academy of Engineering programme is known as the Newton Research Collaboration Programme. Awards provide funding at a flat rate of £2,000 per month of exchange visit (up to £24,000 for twelve months total exchange visit/s).
  • The Royal Society programme is known as Newton International Exchanges. Awards last from between three months and up to two years, and up to £12,000 is available dependent upon the length of the visit.
The closing date for applications to the British Academy and Royal Society is 17:00, 22/10/2014. 
The closing date for applications to the Royal Academy of Engineering is 16:00, 24/10/2014. 
For further information, please visit the funder’s websites:
The British Academy – www.britac.ac.uk/newtonfund/
Royal Academy of Engineering – www.raeng.org.uk/NewtonFund/
Royal Society –  https://royalsociety.org/grants/schemes/newton-mobility-grants/

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Academic Development Scheme 2014

Funding opportunities, Training

I am delighted to announce the launch of the inaugural Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Academic Development Scheme (KTPADS).  This centrally coordinated programme is for academic staff to work towards achieving a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

What is KTP?

A KTP is part-funded by the government and the aim of this scheme is to encourage collaboration on projects between businesses and academics.  KTP had previously been called the Teaching Company Scheme (TCS), though a rebrand a decade ago saw the TCS become KTP.  KTP is managed by Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board) and provides benefits to all parties involved – this scheme offers a fusion of academic and industry collaboration supported by an associate (graduate).

What is to benefit to me?

KTP is an excellent way of bringing in income and developing knowledge exchange with a clear pathway to impact.

Key benefits of KTP are as follows:

  • Facilitates research impact
  • Increases research funding, including supervision time for the Knowledge Base Supervisor (academic) to the Associate (graduate), this time averages at half a day a week
  • Contributes to the University’s REF submission
  • Improve links with industry partners
  • Apply knowledge to innovative business-critical project
  • Raise your profile among colleagues/the Institution

What does this scheme involve?

This scheme consists of an initial one-day training course, on Wednesday 29th October 2014, off campus to provide you with the necessary information to pursue a KTP in your area of research.  The training day consists of information about KTP, engaging with business and writing proposals.  Members will be required to bring KTP ideas to develop.

Members are then supported throughout the year in developing their KTP ideas including support in working with business and bespoke one-to-one sessions with the Innovate UK KTP Adviser.  Additional support includes a travel budget for members to use on potential KTP collaboration visits.  Expected time commitments for this scheme are: one full day for the training course on 29th october 2014, two half-day support networks in 2015 and at least three one-to-ones with the KTP Adviser from Innovate UK and unlimited one-to-ones as per your requirements from the KE Adviser (KTP) within the BU Research and Knowledge Exchange Office.

Please note: members are expected to collaborate with business and submit a KTP proposal within a year of starting the scheme.

What are the KTP funding priorities?

If you’re interested in working on KTP, there are a number of funding priorities for KTP as detailed below:

  • Advanced materials
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biosciences
  • Electronics, photonics and electrical systems
  • Information and communication technologies
  • High value manufacturing
  • Digital technologies
  • Emerging technologies
  • Energy generation and supply
  • Environmental sustainability
    • Sustainable agriculture and food
    • Low impact buildings
  • Creative industries
  • High value services
  • Medicines and healthcare
    • Assisted living
    • Detection and identification of infectious agents
    • Stratified medicine
  • Transport
    • Low carbon vehicles
  • Space

Currently, there is a special funding call with an agri-food theme.  This funding call has an additional £2.3m to fund KTP in this area, further information on this call can be found here.

If your research speciality fits into any of these themes, then KTP could be a great knowledge exchange project for you.

How do I apply?

To apply for a place on the scheme, please contact Rachel Clarke to request an application form.  This form will need to be signed by yourself and your Deputy Dean of Research & Enterprise (or equivalent).  Applications open on Monday 22nd September and close at midnight on Wednesday 8th October.

A further KTP Academic Development Scheme will be announced in 2015 via the BU Research Blog.

 

If you would like to discuss this scheme or receive an application form, please contact Rachel Clarke, Knowledge Exchange Adviser (KTP) on 01202 961347 or clarker@bournemouth.ac.uk

 

Helping you gain inspiration for the FOL from the events which were a ‘Not’ at this year’s British Science Festival in Birmingham

Festival of Learning

Not

  • Carnival of the animal senses

Running between 6pm-7pm, this was one of the evening events on Tuesday which I attended. Unfortunately, it was a miss for a topic which had potential to be very interesting and engaging.

The talk was run by Helen Czerski, who some of you may know or recognise from a few animal programmes which were run on the BBC.

The key points to remember when creating your own talk learnt from this were to firstly, to keep to the topic your discussing and perhaps not to stray too far away from the point. Secondly, it may be advisable not to use too many complicated diagrams as over information can throw an audience.

A key positive which came from this talk was her use of short videos, which are always a safe bet to improve your talk.

  • Tackling  sport concussion

This event took place on the final day of the festival between 4:30-5:30pm, and was one I was really looking forward to seeing.

 The reason for this being a ‘not’ was a common theme which can be learnt from the festival, the advertising was misleading! By advertising the event to “all adults” it failed to correctly inform its audience that you needed a high level of knowledge before coming to the talk. What was discussed was very much geared towards professions in the sports coaching profession.

It was also a shame that the room that had been allocated for the talk was very small and didn’t create a great atmosphere for those of us that watched. There were some difficulties with videos that didn’t play, however this is an inconvenience which will inevitably occur at these events at some point.

A key learning point is the importance of targeting your audience correctly. Doing this poorly can lead toconfused audience members and an unsatisfactory experience.

On the positive side, the talk had four speakers which created a ‘dream team’ like panel. In addition, the calibre of the speakers was of a high quality.

  • Hypnosis: Therapy or Quackery

This was an evening event which cost £6 to attend.

The talk was quite entertaining; however the way in which it was organised was quite messy.

The major stick out which makes this ‘not’ from me was the timing issue as over-running events can really drag down the positive aspects of a talk. Some parts of hypnosis were spent longer on than others and the talk did over-run to the extent we had to leave. This was disappointing as the engagement for the audience was left until the end and as we had to leave for a train we never got to get involved!

 

  • The second 30 minutes of Explosions in the sky

The reason for this being a ‘not’ was that for an event which was advertised as being suitable for “all adults” it wasn’t  catered with the target audience in mind. By going into the complexity of different formulas and graphs with little explanation it can make an audience feel disconnected to the very interesting information that is being given.What stuck out for me was that you need to be very aware about the way in which you put across your research, in order for the general public to understand and engage with you. The only other notable ‘not event’ was ‘our dynamic sun’ for similar reasons to explosions in the sky.

 

Hopefully this will help you in gaining inspiration for your event at the Festival of Learning this year. One thing I noted  from attending the BSF was the popularity of health related topics and having a clear, simple PowerPoint with a variety of visual aids. In terms of negatives, It is great to have an in depth talk about Quantum Physics aimed at the quantum physicsists out there… but you probably lost average man.  

 

Helping you gain inspiration from what was ‘Hot’ at this years British Science Festival in Birmingham

Festival of Learning

Hot

  • The first 30 minutes of Explosions in the sky

Between 11am and 12 pm on Wednesday 10th October at the BSF Explosions in the sky attracted a large audience (including myself) who were eager to learn about the topic.

The talk was split into two halves, Louise Harra started the talk and Mike Lockwood conducted the second half.

Louise Harra conducted an engaging talk, which used visual representation very effectively to back up her clear, simple and well catered points which made the subject easily understandable for members of the audience.

  • The Huxley Debate

Also delivered on the Wednesday 10th October was The Huxley Debate between 6pm and 7pm. At £6 this was one of the priced events of the festival which delivered in repaying the audience with strong engagement and entertainment for the evening.

Delivered by Aral Baklan, the talk was based on exposing the security flaws of companies such as Facebook and Google and the way these ‘free’ apps make money. In short, the reason was by using your personal data which proved to get a great reaction from the audience.

Aral was an excellent speaker who had the ability to keep the audience hanging on his every word. As an American who could have been described as Steve jobs long lost twin in appearance and way of interaction, what he got so very right was showing his passion shine through in the talk. 

  • Frogs and Friends

A comedy based learning experience on the same night as the previous two was a light hearted, funny and memorable talk. This was also a worthwhile priced event at £6.

Simon Watt (the ugly Animal Preservation society’s professor of comedy) was the stand out of a triple act which took place between 7:30 pm and 9pm.

In this case, his dry comedic sense of humour was a hit with the audience and his likable engagement with us proved to make this the most memorable event of festival.

If you fancy yourself as the next Peter Kay, why not give comedy a go in making your Festival of learning event one to remember?

 

Very Hot

  • Your astonishing liver

On the last day of the festival it was incredibly clear that the health related topics were/are a real hit with the general public. Delivered by a team of scientists and surgeons, there was a packed audience which watched this talk. The event was delivered for all varying levels of knowledge in the field and with the use of visual aids worked very smoothly.

Having four speakers really seemed to work, by having a small section of the topic to comment on this kept the audience engaged throughout. Running between 2-3pm this was also a free event!

The interactive side saw electronic yes/no devices handed out to the audience, after asking really strong questions for debate we would answer the question with a yes/no/not sure answer and visual graphs with the data collected would appear on the board. This was the best way the public were engaged out of the events I had attended over the week.

 

Other notable ‘hot’ events were: A night at the museum (although overpriced), Greg and Alice Roberts and the concept of The X-Change (had good days/ bad days)

 

Latest Major Funding Opportunities

Funding opportunities

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

The Academy of Medical Sciences, along with other funders has announced that they are inviting applications to the Daniel Turnberg travel fellowship scheme. Daniel Turnberg Travel Fellowships give early-career biomedical researchers the chance to undertake short-term visits to further their research experience and learn new techniques. This scheme aims to build research links and developing ongoing scientific collaborations between the UK and the Middle East. A maximum award amount of £9,000 is available. The closing date for application is 17:00, 19/01/2015. 

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), has announced that they are inviting applications to their Flexible interchange programme. The programme (FLIP) supports the movement of people from one environment to a different one to exchange knowledge/technology/skills, developing bioscience research/researchers and addressing their strategic priorities. Awards will typically last up to 24 months, cost up to £150,000 in total at 80% fEC. The deadline for applications is 16:00, 15/10/2014. 

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), is also inviting applications to their China Partnering Awards scheme. The aim is to set up partnership links between UK and overseas laboratories, to promote the exchange of scientists, particularly early career scientists and to promote access to facilities. Funds can only be used for travel, subsistence and other activities, such as workshops or exchanges. They are not to fund salary costs, consumables, items of equipment or other research costs, nor to link ongoing single collaborative projects. Typically up to £30,000 over a period of up to 4-years for partnerships with 1 or more Chinese life science laboratories is awarded. The deadline for applications is 16:00, 13/11/2014. 

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), is inviting applications to its Super follow-on funding scheme. The programme is designed to support the translation of fundamental research funded by them into practical application, including commercialisation. The aim of the programme is to help researchers maximise the societal and economic benefits of their research. Project duration and funding available differentiates between the types of follow-on fund. The call will open on 01/12/2014 and the application deadline will be 04/02/2015. 

Innovate UK has announced that they will be accepting applications to their Innovation in the space sector scheme. This targeted competition for KTPs will support 10 to 12 KTP projects of between six and 36 months, helping to translate the UK’s academic strengths in this area into commercial success. The aim is for businesses to gain the research-driven knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions, in line with the UK’s Space Innovation and Growth Strategy (IGS). Companies will then be better placed to exploit the expanding global space market. Up to £1.3million of funding is available. The deadlines for applications are 01/10/2014, 19/11/2014, and 11/02/2015. 

Innovate UK has also announced that they are inviting applications to their World-leading off-highway vehicles scheme. They will invest up to £3m in collaborative R&D projects that will enable significant reductions in off-highway vehicle emissions and/or deliver major improvements in their operational efficiency. The deadline for registration is noon, 05/11/2014, and the deadline for applications is noon, 12/11/2014. 

Innovate UK and the EPSRC have announced that applications will now be accepted to the Recovering valuable materials from waste scheme. They are investing up to £4.5million in collaborative R&D projects that seek to increase the recovery of valuable materials from waste streams. They expect projects to last up to 24 months and to have total costs of up to £800,000. This is a two-stage competition that opens for applicants on 12/01/2015. The deadline for registration is at noon, 18/02/2015, and the deadline for expressions of interest is at noon, 25/02/2015. 

The Leverhulme Trust has announced that they will soon be inviting applications to their Research Programme Grants scheme. Up to £1.75 million will be available over five years, to enable the exploration of specified research themes through a series of interlinking research projects. Further information on future rounds will be available in autumn 2014.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is inviting applications to its African Research Leader Scheme 2014/15. The aim is to strengthen research leadership across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by attracting and retaining exceptionally talented individuals who will lead high quality programmes of research on key global health issues pertinent to SSA.  The African Research Leader (ARL) should be supported by an enthusiastic local research environment and by a strong linkage with a UK partner. Awards will provide support for up to 5 years and should not exceed £750,000 in total. The deadline for applications is 16:00, 27/11/2014.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) has announced a call for hearing aid research networks. Researchers are invited to submit proposals for Hearing Aid Research Networks to develop multidisciplinary, cross-sector collaborations in the areas of optimising devices for individuals and novel methods of transduction. Applicants can request up to £150,000 (80% FEC) for a maximum period of 18 months. The deadline for applications is 16:00, 02/12/2014.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) has announced that it is accepting applications to its Partnership Awards.  Partnership Awards aim to stimulate collaborative, mutually beneficial research and partnership between industry and academia and to enhance MRC fellows’ development as research leaders. The awards offer both financial and advisory support for existing MRC fellows. There has been no deadline specified.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is inviting applications to its Knowledge exchange fellowships scheme. Directed Knowledge Exchange Fellowships work on a topic or with a business sector that the NERC community has identified as needing a dedicated person to accelerate the impact of NERC-funded science, you can find these on the link above. The maximum award amount is £200,000. The deadline for applications is 29/10/2014. 

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has also announced that it will soon be inviting applications to its Follow-on fund scheme. The Follow-on Fund is a ‘proof of concept’ fund to support the commercialisation of ideas arising from that NERC-funded research. Up to £250,000 in funding is available. The call will open on 23/09/2014 and will close on 18/12/2014. 

The Welcome Trust has announced that they are inviting applications to the Senior Investigator Awards in Society and Ethics. The awards support researchers who have an international track record of significant achievement, who have demonstrated the originality and impact of their research, and who are leading their field. Senior Investigator Awards provide flexible support at a level and length that is sufficient to enable exceptional researchers to address the most important questions about health and disease and their social, political and historical contexts. A Senior Investigator Award might be in the range of £100,000 to £200,000 per year, depending on the needs of your research and your ability to justify the proposed costs. The closing date for 2015 applications is 23/01/2015 for preliminary applications, and 02/04/2015 for full applications.

The Welcome Trust has also announced that they are welcoming applications for the 2015 New Investigator Awards in Society and Ethics. Researchers should be able to articulate a compelling long-term vision for their research and demonstrate the talent, track record and originality to achieve it. New Investigator Awards provide flexible support at a level and length that is sufficient to enable exceptional researchers to address the most important questions about health and disease and their social, political and historical contexts.  New Investigator Award might be in the range of £100,000 to £200,000 per year, depending on the needs of your research and your ability to justify the proposed costs. The deadline for preliminary applications is 23/01/2015; the deadline for full applications is 02/04/2015. 

Please note that some funders specify a time for submission as well as a date. Please confirm this with your RKE Support Officer.

You can set up your own personalised alerts on ResearchProfessional. If you need help setting these up, just ask your School’s RKE Officer in RKE Operations or see the recent post on this topic, which includes forthcoming training dates up to November 2014.

If thinking of applying, why not add notification of your interest on ResearchProfessional’s record of the bid so that BU colleagues can see your intention to bid and contact you to collaborate.

Academics meet to discuss accounting and finance research in emerging economies

Academics from eleven UK universities converged at the Executive Business Centre (EBC), Bournemouth University, on Thursday 18th September, 2014 to discuss research in accounting and finance in emerging economies. This was the 12th meeting of the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) (Research in Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies (AFEE) Special Interest Group) since it was founded six years ago.
The international conference which was hosted by the Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, part of the Business School, welcomed 35 participants from universities such as Royal Holloway (University of London), University of Essex, University of Sussex, University of Huddersfield, University of Plymouth, University of Southampton and Makerere University (Uganda).
Delegates to the conference were welcomed by Professor Steve Letza who is a professor of corporate governance within the Business School. He wished the delegates well in their deliberations and also asked delegates to walk around the Lansdowne Campus to see more of what Bournemouth University has to offer.
The guest speaker for the conference was Professor Chris Napier from Royal Holloway, University of London, who spoke on ‘Historical Accounting Research in Emerging Economies’. Among others, he highlighted the need for such research but also warned of the difficulties with that kind of research given that historical records in accounting often do not exist in emerging economies.
A total of seven papers were presented and each presentation was followed by a discussant who highlighted the merits of the paper and also gave suggestions for improving the paper. The delegates, especially the PhD students, were highly appreciative of the inclusion of the discussant for the first time since the inception of the AFEE Special Interest Group.
Apart from the conference deliberations the delegates were very complimentary about the quality of the venue (EBC, 7th Floor). Above all there were really surprised to learn that the venue is dedicated to our MBA students as their respective universities do not have facilities for the sole use of MBA students.

Epidural simulator shortlisted for THE award

L-R: PhD student Neil Vaughan, Professor Michael Wee and Dr Venky Dubey.A prestigious BU and Poole Hospital medical engineering project has been shortlisted for Outstanding ICT Initiative of the Year in the 10th annual Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

Dr Venky Dubey, Dr Neil Vaughan (Bournemouth University) and Professor Michael Wee (Poole Hospital) developed a prototype epidural simulator that will improve training for this delicate procedure. The team are now working with NHS Innovations South West Ltd., who develop and commercialise new innovative technology and train NHS Innovation Leaders. Their company mission is to enhance healthcare delivery. More information is available at www.NISW.co.uk

The device uses software to replicate epidural insertion, combining ultrasound and MRI images to assist epiduralists in determining the position of the needle.

Unlike existing epidural training technology this incorporates patient’s weight, height and BMI.  Coupled with a physical manikin, this is a realistic model for training. An accompanying training package helps users monitor their improvement

There is more information on this research project on the BU Research Webpages.

Congratulations to Venky, Neil and the Poole Hospital team for this achievement. We wish them luck for the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 27 November 2014 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

The award ceremony promises to be a spectacular event with over 1000 guests expected to attend, including politicians, senior sector figures, and academic and university staff from all corners of the UK.

The full shortlist for all 18 categories is published in the latest issue of Times Higher Education, and is also available on the awards website.

 

BFX Academic Conference 2014

The BFX Conference “Digital Convergences 2014” runs next Monday and Tuesday on the Talbot Campus.

Keynote Speakers are Professor Lev Manovich, author of ‘Software Takes Command’ and ‘The Language of New Media’; and Professor Sean Cubitt, author of ‘The Cinema Effect’ and ‘Studying the Event Film: The Lord of the Rings’.

This conference intends to present and analyse the convergences that are occurring across and within the genres of moving image, in part resulting from the impact of digital technologies. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the BFX conference invites authors to examine various theoretical positionings with a view to realign the discussion in the light of current technologies. The conference seeks to revisit the arguments that position film, animation and art as aesthetically, structurally and intellectually different.

The conference director is Ms Paula Callus of the NCCA Visual Research Group.

Further information is available from:

http://www.bfxfestival.com/conference/

https://bfxconf.bournemouth.ac.uk/index.php?conference=BFX&schedConf=2014

Make Your Voice Heard – The next step

Thank you to all those who got came along and got involved in the first Make Your Voice Heard event on 10 September 2014.

Important topics were highlighted, such as how academics can enrich the media and how to balance different stakeholder wants and needs. There was also an opportunity to acquire hands-on tips and techniques for dealing with TV and radio appearances.

But the conversation doesn’t end there.

We want to know what you think about the relationship between research, academics and the media. For example, how do you currently approach the media as a researcher? What approaches worked for you, and what didn’t work? Are there limits to what should be shared via the media? And does using the media enhance a reputation?

Over the next week we’ll be posting some of the slides from the Make Your Voice Heard event on the Research Blog and asking what you think of research in the media.

Join the discussion by commenting below or email newsdesk@bournemouth.ac.uk if you would like to contribute to the debate by writing a blog post.