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€80M Funding Available for Web Entrepreneurs, SMEs and Start-ups through the EC’s FIWARE Accelerator Programme!

Funding opportunities

The European Commission is now launching a massive call for web entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups. 80 Million Euros will be distributed across Europe.

There is a huge demand for new Internet applications and services across all industry sectors. There are plenty of people with strong skills, eager to materialize their ideas…they just need the right ecosystem to help them grow! The FIWARE Accelerator Programme aims to bring together traditional industries (manufacturing, automotive, cultural sector, etc.) with highly innovative ICT web entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups to enhance growth in their regions.

WHAT IS FIWARE?

FIWARE seeks to provide a truly open, public and royalty-free architecture and a set of open specifications that will allow developers, service providers, enterprises and other organizations to develop products that satisfy their needs while still being open and innovative. FIWARE will dramatically increase Europe’s ICT competitiveness by introducing an innovative infrastructure that enables cost-effective creation and delivery of versatile digital services, high quality of service and security guarantees.

WHAT IS THE FIWARE ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME?

The FIWARE Accelerator Programme aims to help web entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups to capture the opportunities coming from a new wave of digitization by creating a sustainable ecosystem where entrepreneurs, domain stakeholders and technology providers fulfil their needs. This is a massive opportunity for all European start-ups that need help during the first stages of business development. All across Europe, accelerators specialized in different sectors will provide direct funding (equity-free), mentoring, coaching, support and networking.

The FIWARE Accelerator Programme supports 8 sectors:

  1. Smart Cities
  2. eHealth
  3. Transport
  4. Energy & Environment
  5. Agrifood
  6. Media & Content
  7. Manufacturing & Logisticts
  8. Social & learning

There are 16 FIWARE Accelerators ready to support innovative ideas. Some of the Accelerators currently have open calls while others will open their funding applications in the coming weeks/months.

For more information on the FIWARE Accelerator Programme, check out this YouTube video.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

While the FIWARE Accelerator Programme is aimed specifically at web entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups, there is potential scope for university support on funding applications as sub-contractors/knowledge brokers. In fact, several Accelerators mentioned they’d prefer to see university involvement on applications for funding. Therefore, if you know any web entrepreneurs, SMEs or start-ups that you think fit the bill for the FIWARE Accelerator Programme, check out the website. Additionally, feel free to contact the Bournemouth University Cyber Security Unit (BUCSU), as we attended the 2nd annual European Conference on the Future Internet (ECFI), which launched the FIWARE Accelerator Programme. We’re more than happy to chat with you about this funding opportunity!

WHO statement on eliminating disrespect & abuse in childbirth

The World Health Organization (WHO) statement issued this week challenges governments, clinicians and researchers to respond to the call for the prevention and elimination of disrespect and abuse during childbirth.1   This includes:

  1. Greater support from governments and development partners for research and action
  2. Programmes to improve the quality of maternal health care, with a strong focus on respectful care
  3. Emphasizing the rights of women to dignified, respectful healthcare through pregnancy and childbirth
  4. Generating data related to respectful and disrespectful care practices, systems of accountability and meaningful professional support
  5. Involving all stakeholders, including women, in efforts to improve quality of care and eliminate disrespectful and abuse practices

We, at the Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health (CMMPH), strongly support the WHO’s statement that: “Every woman has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including the right to dignified, respectful care during pregnancy and childbirth.”

Disrespect and abuse are significant barriers to facility birth in many low and middle income countries; an area that CMMPH has been exploring. Lesley Milne and colleagues have been working on this area in Nepal2, while PhD student Rachel Arnold has been working in Afghanistan3.  In addition, CMMPH researchers are looking at dignity within the UK. Dr Jenny Hall is working with the charity Birthrights to explore dignity in maternity care for women with disabilities.

More widely, lack of compassion in health care has triggered HSC researchers to study the issue of the de-humanisation of care.  Consequently, the School of Health and Social Care has a long-standing reputation in the field of humanising care research.  Scholars such as Professor Les Todres, Professor Kate Galvin (now at the University of Hull), Dr. Caroline Ellis-Hill and Dr. Ann Hemingway to name but a few, are at the forefront of this field globally.

CMMPH applauds the WHO stand on this issue and hopes that it helps to maintain the global momentum to eliminate disrespectful care.

 Prof Edwin van Teijlingen and Prof Vanora Hundley

References:

  1. http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/maternal_perinatal/statement-childbirth/en/
  2. Milne L, van Teijlingen E, Hundley V, Simkhada P. Barriers within hospital (either real or perceived) to women seeking facility based birth in Nepal. Final report to Wellbeing of Women. 2014
  3. Arnold R, van Teijlingen E, Ryan K, Holloway I. Understanding Afghan health care providers; a qualitative study of the culture of care in a Kabul maternity hospital. BJOG (submitted).

 

 

 

Fusion Investment Fund: Millennium Development Goal Fusion of Ideas Update!

Fusion

Back in February, Bournemouth University hosted an international conference thanks to the Fusion Investment Fund awarded to Vanora Hundley, Edwin van Teijingen, and Zoë Sheppard. It brought together clinicians, academics, policy makers, students, and other stakeholders to help set the future global midwifery agenda post the Millennium Development Goals.

A smaller follow-up meeting took place in June. The two days were spent discussing arising research ideas from the conference and collaborative funding opportunities to take forward. These networking events have indeed led to a number of outcomes including important local, national, and international links; collaborative publications in progress; a potential research programme; increased media coverage for the University; and the showcasing of students’ work thereby fusing research, education, policy and practice. These important outcomes will help ensure that midwifery continues to be on the global political agenda and raise the international profile of the University.

‘Double Your Customer Spend’ event a resounding success!

The Bournemouth University Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) was delighted to welcome Peter Czapp, co-founder of The Wow Company, to the Executive Business Centre on the 23 September to deliver a thought provoking seminar ‘Double your Customer Spend in 12 Months’.

Peter is one of the CfE’s Entrepreneurs in Residence, a small group of proactive business owners who visibly support and encourage entrepreneurship by acting as Champions for entrepreneurship and Ambassadors for the CfE.  The CfE runs a regular programme of free seminars aimed at businesses, BU students and staff. They provide a great opportunity to network and gain useful insights and ideas from other business people.

The Wow Company, is a proactive accountancy practice that advises small businesses across the UK, helping them make more profit, pay less tax and have more fun! Some of Wow’s clients have achieved amazing things; changing their industries, winning awards and ultimately selling for millions. However, most of Wow’s clients are small businesses that just do ok. During this seminar Peter highlighted seven key differences between those that make it big, and those that don’t. These included having a specific client retention plan in place to ensure you are maximising sales to your existing customers and truly looking after all their needs; another important area covered by Peter related to pricing – make sure your charges accurately reflect the amount of time you spend on client work and don’t be afraid of increasing your prices!

Toby Pestridge, Creative Director of Createful was a member of the audience and produced this great visual to summarise the points raised by Peter:

Wow

We are immensely grateful to Peter for delivering this seminar and for his continuing support of the activities of the CfE. You can find out more about The Wow Company by visiting www.thewowcompany.com

Information about the BU Centre for Entrepreneurship can be found at www.bucfe.com or by contacting Nikki Harvey at nharvey@bournemouth.ac.uk

Thomas Hardye School’s Family Festival of Science | 11th October 2014

The Thomas Hardye School Science Department has invited scientists from various organisations to contribute to a range of displays, competitions and interactive activities, to add to those provided by DASP schools and Kingston Maurward College, for it’s annual Family Festival of Science.

The University will be there hosting two activities; ‘Identify Animals’, teaching forensic archaeology techniques, and Dr Genoveva Esteban’s ‘Microscope Madness’, opening up the hidden world of aquatic life in ponds, rivers and lakes (financially supported by the Society of Biology).

The Festival takes place on Saturday 11th October 2014 between 1 and 5 pm, is suitable for all ages, with open access, free entry and light refreshments available.

You can find the full line up here and we hope to see you there!

 

Seed corn funding HSC-Student staff research collaboration

Funding opportunities

Seed corn funding enabled academics from the physiotherapy programme to collaborate with undergraduates and new graduands  to conduct a research project. The aim of this project was to engage students in the research process from data collection to data analysis and dissemination and to gain feedback about this unique learning experience.

This small grant has enabled us to:

  • Actively engage BSc students in primary research (not otherwise covered in the course curriculum)
  • Bring together students from different disciplines and universities
  • Facilitate peer learning and teaching
  • Deliver a presentation on research methods to students from Bournemouth University International College
  • Produce two manuscripts for publication

Student feedback has highlighted that this project additionally served to: increase undergraduate student’s abilities in statistical analysis, increase their understanding of study design and methodology and improve their academic writing skills.

This project has encouraged staff-student collaborative learning and interprofessional understanding within HSC.

Project supervisors were: Dr Jon Williams jwilliams@bournemouth.ac.uk and Dr Carol Clark cclark@bourenmouth.ac.uk

Learning research group – workshop update

To launch the new cross-BU learning research group, a workshop will be held in the new Centre for Excellence in Learning space (PG30a) on Thursday October 2nd, 10am to 12.30pm.

Gail Thomas will talk about the role of the group in CEL. Then, we’ll discuss educational research journals and conferences, funding opportunities and share BU work underway or completed . We’ll have a skype discussion with Professor Alex Kendall who will share her experiences of leading on a REF Education submission and advise us on our approach.  Finally, we’ll share ideas and / or plans, with the aim of generating some collaborative approaches.

Please come along if you have learning research to share, are starting out, need advice on getting started or are just interested.  To help us book the right amount of tea and coffee, please let Jo Downey know if you are joining us.

There will be no obligation to join the research group or to move UoA.

KTP advisory surgery announced!

KTP Advisory Surgery next week

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are a key vehicle for academics in developing knowledge exchange with a clear pathway to impact and as such are an area that the University is supporting.

During the Autumn term, the Innovate UK KTP Adviser for our region will be hosting KTP Advisory Surgeries each month.  These sessions are formed of six one-to-one appointments.  The October session will be on Wednesday 1st October from 9.30 – 11.30 on Talbot Campus.

Each one-to-one slot is 20 minutes long and it’s an opportunity for academics to discuss their KTP ideas with the Innovate UK KTP Adviser.

If you would like to book a 20 minute slot to discuss your ideas, please contact Knowledge Exchange Adviser (KTP), Rachel Clarke on 01202 961347 or clarker@bournemouth.ac.uk

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