Well, the weather may now be very reminiscent of a muddy Glastonbury year, but we still have some amazing events lined up for the last three days of the Festival of Learning! Before I give you a sneaky preview of these, I just wanted to share one element of the fantastic feedback that have received in the Festival office. A recent attendee to the Story Stew event emailed: “Just wanted to say my daughter and I found this event to be excellent. Mary had exactly the right balance of humour, learning, participation, adult/child balance. She did an excellent job and really enthused my already avid writer child into wanting to write even more (just not at the moment as she has a broken wrist – made Kira’s day that Mary wanted to sign her cast!) We were really impressed”. Congratulations to Mary Evans for her fantastic event (and all my colleagues that helped the event run smoothly).

If you still haven’t been to an event, why not take a break from marking and come along to:

• Five go Killing
• Social sensing: Are you happy to work as a monitor?
• Rufus Stone the movie: Community screening and feedback
• Engaging the public: Effective public engagement
• Digging deeper in Dorset: Introduction to zooarchaeology (animal bones)

But what about that have happened before? Below are some reflections from the Research and Knowledge Exchange office:

Story Stew – Saturday 8 June, Reflections from Natalie Baines:

Mary Evans led a fantastically fun and entertaining event at BU enjoyed by children and adults alike. A funny poem about smelly dads, which dads in attendance helped to bring to life by acting out different parts, was very well received by their children! Following the recipe for the perfect story, the audience helped Mary with the ingredients to create an amazing story stew and with her they chanted:

Somebody tries

To get what they want

Oh no! What’s in the way?

Rescued now. What happens next?

You’ll have to see-Hooray!

The main principles of story writing were covered in a humorous, light-hearted and exciting way which made for lots of smiling, happy faces on yet another bright and sunny festival day.

Engaging young women with sun safety: the learning from a research study. Organised by Liz Norton. Reflections by Jenny Roddis

This exciting event organised and presented by ‘the sun lady’ (so called by study participants) considered a research study which developed a theory as to why young women adopt the approaches they do to sun safety. The talk focused on the propensity to forget about sun protection and to inadvertently get sunburnt – categorised as slipping up. Although getting sunburnt is perceived as bad (others would laugh at them and it is painful), young women get burnt inadvertently. They also confuse heat with radiation, and if it is windy or cloudy, they are unlikely to realise they can get burnt. They perceive the sun as being hotter abroad, and don’t realise that the sea or a pool – where they go to cool down – actually intensifies the radiation. Contrary to adults’ opinions, young women don’t get sunburnt just because they like to take risks!

How to Self Publish (Staying Solvent and Sane): reflections from Natalie Baines

Valuable advice and knowledge about self-publishing was shared during this event by Mary Evans. The world of self-publishing can be overwhelming with the array of possibilities out there in this digital age. Mary’s lecture helped to address and make sense of self-publishing so that attendees had some valuable information to go away with. The formats of books and e-books were explored as well as options such as printing on demand and publishing your work yourself. The pros and cons of each were highlighted along with the costs and different packages available from companies such as Amazon, Lulu and more. Another informative and entertaining event from the Festival of Learning which was very well received by attendees.

Mobile Momentum, reflections from Natalie Baines:

Elvira Bolat led the first session providing background to the academic understanding of mobile technology, business practice in deploying mobile technology, an overview of the methodological approach and research context along with the results of her research. Leading the second session was guest speaker, Mike Read, from Taptiva, a company who specialise in touch-screen websites. How the mobile experience could be improved was explored and discussed in detail and it was emphasised that user experience should be the focus. Attendees participated in discussions where they exchanged knowledge, experience and their opinions. This event gave a great introduction into the world of mobile technology.

We are now well into the second week of the Festival of Learning – how did that happen so quickly? Despite the amazing weather at the weekend, we had a great turn-out on Saturday with colleagues enjoying learning about how to build the Perfect Sandcastle, Story Stew (it did involve a large stew pot), How to Self Publish (Staying Solvent and Sane), a field trip to Russell Alfred Wallace’s home (complete with nature walk and talk), a theatre performance to help us learn about Russell Alfred Wallace’s life and not to mention over 250 people visiting Bioblitz over in Poole Park. Amazing stuff and the fun continued on Monday… more reflections from my fantastic colleagues in the Research and Knowledge Exchange Office below. Before, we move to them, what do we have happening on Tuesday 11th June? Lots and lots, so take your pick:

• The fastest men on no legs: Disability, prosthesis and the role of technology in elite sport – no need to book in advance, come to the Loft at 7pm to hear from our award winning science communicator!
• 20 years of law at BU 
• Social media monitoring 
• Community cohesion
• Equipping the business leaders of the future 
• Engaging young women with sun safety
• Mobile technology: Distraction or touch point in education and professional development?
• An introduction to motion capture
• Intervention in childbirth: What’s wrong with letting women choose?
• Children’s sleep: What goes wrong? What can we do?

So, what has been happening at the Festival so far… my colleagues from RKE provide their reflections:

Power of the placement year: Reflections by Emily Cieciura

Following a networking breakfast, Mark Ridolfo and Linda Ladle outlined the power of the placement to a gathering of local businesses. The benefits to the company and to the placement student were highlighted along with how the scheme works and is supported by BU. The session also included talks by BU students. Attendees also enjoyed the opportunity to talk with BU staff, including key Placements and careers staff, and network with other local companies. To find out more visit BU’s Business Services Webpages (http://bu.bournemouth.ac.uk/business-services/graduate-and-student-recruitment/index.html) and follow links to all the services we offer.

The perfect sandcastle: Reflections by Emily Cieciura

Professor Sandcastle himself (aka Professor Matthew Bennett) told us the enthralling story of sand and introduced us to the big and little ‘sedi-people’ who make up sand, which is especially wonderful along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Matthew used the audience to demonstrate the importance of size, shape, friction and water in making great sand. He explained the physics behind making glass sheets stick together with just water and how water can go uphill, revealing how these scientific feats are vital for having fun at the beach. Using samples of local Bournemouth sand, we worked out the best proportion of sand and water to make that perfect sandcastle. Staking his reputation on it, Matthew told us all the secret of the perfect mix but sorry, you had to be there…. Now, where is my ice-cream?

Reading, writing and eye movements, event organised by Sine McDougall and Julie Kirkby, report by Jenny Roddis

Attendees at this well attended event heard about the history of written language, beginning with pictures and including the English language (did you know that yacht was spelt yot until the advent of the printing press in the Netherlands?). Consideration was also given to the future of English, which is changing as a result of text messaging, emails and Internet chat rooms – should we be able to spell however we wish? Individuals then separated into groups, where they heard about research using the eye tracker and assessing reading skills. An engaging final discussion was held about how dyslexia can be spotted in the classroom.

 What a first week of the Festival of Learning! A huge thank you to everyone that has made the first week so brilliant. But, there is more to come – much, much more! Before we move onto our daily round up of events, what could you come to on MONDAY?

• Lights, cameras and some action: My three year learning curve of science, public engagement and the media
• Mobile momentum: Creating opportunities and being SMART
• Reading, writing & eye movements
• Working in partnership: Academia, artists and community organisations
• eTourism innovations in the digital era
• Science café: Health in the time of mobile technology
• An introduction to sustainable product design
• Digging deeper in Dorset: Introduction to geophysics (seeing beneath the soil)
• The power of the placement year

So how about what has already happened? Read all about it from the fantastic Festival team that have been supporting events this week:

The Inner Primate in Us All: Reflections from Jo Garrad

This fun and hugely enjoyed event saw talks from Fiona Coward on the intelligence of humans and other animals, followed by Amanda Korstjens on what primates are and the story of Boris the orang-utan becoming a fully flanged male, followed by Ari Shedden on conservation and threats to primates.  It was interesting to hear about non-human language vocalisation systems and how it is thought that Neanderthals spoke; how chimpanzees communicate immediate food needs rather than thinking about what they’ll have for tea tomorrow; how the aye aye has a useful long finger for poking inside trees to extract grubs; and 71% of Asia’s primates are threatened mainly due to forest fragmentation, which leads to the destruction of their habitat and isolation.  We then had a game to see how generous we were and I’m pleased to say that whilst we started with 5 sweets, most ended up with 8-9.  The day ended in the Bone Lab where several primate skulls were on display and attendees got to assemble skulls and skeletons (the wrist is a lot more complicated than it looks) with the help of the student volunteers.

Community Screening of Rufus Stone : Reflections from Teresa Coffin

Community Screening of Rufus Stone the movie on Wednesday 5th June at the Lighthouse, Poole, hosted by  Kip Jones and Lee-Ann Fenge. Rufus Stone is a story of growing up gay and growing older in rural south west England, based on three years of in–depth research conducted at Bournemouth University into ageing and sexuality in rural Britain. The film was directed by Josh Appignanesi and stars well-known actor, William Gaunt in the title role. After the showing of the 30 minute film the audience were invited to engage in a discussion with Kip about the showing. There was a good turnout for this event, across a wide age range from 16 to 79 and many interesting point where raised about both the film and the issues it razed.   There was also a lot of there was a lot of positive feedback for both the film and the event itself.

Walking in the Footsteps of our Ancestors: Reflections from Nicola King

Professor Matthew Bennett gave attendees at this event a very interesting insight into his extensive work investigating fossilised human footprints around the world. We learnt where the world’s most famous footprints are located, from Kenya to Namibia to Italy and Mexico. We learnt how Professor Bennett and his colleagues actually ‘read’ these footprints, and he gave us an overview of some of the science involved in analysing them. We also learnt that geology matters! Interestingly, Professor Bennett told us that his research indicates that the differences between how our ancient ancestors walked, and how we walk today are not that great, suggesting that the basic characteristics of the foot were formed very early in evolutionary history. Following the talk, attendees were invited to ask any questions in a short Q&A session. In summary, this was a very well-received and engaging talk.

Fascinating Feats: Reflections by Emily Cieciura

Fascinating Feats attracted over 65 people – a mixture of parents, grandparents, friends and, of course, children keen to try their hand at all the science-based experiments on offer. Naomi Capell and her team of BU students hosted hands-on tables where participants found out how to take the shell off an egg and leave the sack inside intact, why slime is a non-Newtonian liquid, how to make mini-rockets and, highly popular, how to make ice cream without a fridge. All of the experiments used items that can be found at home. By the looks of concentration and the smiles on the children’s (and grown-ups’) faces, this event showed that science and technology learning can be great fun, even after a day at school. This was certainly an “I’m bored” free zone!

Behind the Scenes TV Studio Day: Reflections by Paul Lynch

A palpable air of excitement hangs over the group;  we are all grown-ups but there is a sense of anticipation and a rekindling of the magic of childhood.  Overblown?  Well, no.  The people attending this course were truly enthralled and exhilarated by this glimpse behind the big velvet curtain (or whatever the  studio equivalent is).   Turns taken at scripting, directing, camera operation, presenting, operating the sound desk etc led to oddly familiar and dramatic scenes of stress, chaos and sheer communal joy.  The product, an episode of  “Cooking Today, was equally pleasurable for participant and viewer alike  and gave equal space to both hidden talents and talents that should be hidden.  A true joy.

Professor Fluffy @ BU: Reflections by Jenny Roddis and Caroline O’Kane

A large group of children from local primary schools were introduced to Professor Fluffy (she’s a Professor of Engineering) and the delights of scientific experimentation by the AimHigher team and their student ambassadors. This enthralling event involved a range of engaging activities, such as playing a computer game which explored the differences between school and university, experimenting with eggs and red cabbage and making a mortar board hat and the children even experienced their very own graduation ceremony. They also had a tour of the University campus and enjoyed a great pizza lunch. Both teachers and children were delighted with the day.

Well, can you believe it, after a year of hard work and preparation we are nearly through the first week of the Festival of Learning – and what a fantastic week it has been! Yesterday, Natalie Bennett, Leader of the Green Party was quoted as saying: “It is really great to see a festival that is very open to lots of different ideas and discussions because I think that’s what a university should be” Another a Festival attendee left the following comment on Facebook: “Really enjoyed ‘Don’t eat poo’ tonight – congrats to all at the Festival of Learning, such a fab way to get people through the doors. My 8 year old daughter was awestruck by the campus in general and it was lovely to be able to inspire her like this”.   Does this leave you feeling #BUProud?

Before the Research and Knowledge Exchange Office reflects on some of the events that have taken place, what could you come to on Friday and bring the family to on Saturday?

FRIDAY:

• Walking in the footsteps of our ancestors
• Student Life @BU
• Dorset’s Darwin: ‘Unremitting passion for the beauty and mystery of the natural world: Alfred Russel Wallace Centenary”: Bournemouth University joint meeting with SHNH and the Linnean Society
• Pathways to impact: Ageing, diversity, connectivity and community
• Dorset’s Darwin: BNSS drinks reception
• Taster session for new CIPD-approved MSc Professional Development (HRM) Programme

SATURDAY:

• The perfect sandcastle
• Dorset’s Darwin: Exploring the life and death of Alfred Russel Wallace: fieldtrip to Broadstone Cemetery
• Story stew
• Dorset’s Darwin: “You should ask Wallace”
• Dead on time
• Food hygiene for childminders
• Celebration of cultures
• How to self-publish (and stay solvent and sane)

Reflections on Festival of Learning events so far:

Oh, for a good night’s sleep! Convened by Andy Mayers, reflections from Jo Garrad

This all day event was attended by nearly 50 individuals, with the majority having varying degrees of sleep problems.  There was a lively discussion to start to identify what type of sleep problems were being experienced, followed by an interactive presentation from Dr Andrew Mayers about what they were experiencing and how they could improve their sleeping.  Dr Phillippa Lawson from thegoodsleepprogramme gave expert advice on how to tackle insomnia without resorting to tablets.  Dr Chris Alford from the University of the West of England gave a highly entertaining presentation and discussion on the effects of sleep deprivation and how driving late at night (when you’ve been up all day) can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.  James Wilson (the sleep geek) and Paul Whittey demonstrated products that could aid better sleep.  Who knew that moisture absorption in a duvet was so important in order to get a good night’s sleep?  What I learnt:  napping is bad, sleep patterns are good, caffeine after 4pm is bad, having a snack is good,  having your ironing in the room is bad, having your pet in the room (can) be good, high thread content is bad, alpaca’s are good.  If this sparks your interest, why not join Andrew again on Tuesday, 11 June for ‘Children’s sleep: What goes wrong? What can we do?

2005 Mental Capacity Act. Convened by Michael Lyne,  reflections from Paul Lynch

So you think your next–of-kin are to be trusted if you lose your decision making capacity?  They may be trustworthy but as there is no legal basis or status for what next-of-kin means – it is an academic question.  The blow of this revelation was somewhat softened by an explanation of the 2005 Act which, for the first time, delivered protection for those who lose mental capacity; a single framework for assessing capacity and opportunities for individuals to plan, whilst still having capacity, for what should happen if they are unfortunate enough to lose it.  Fascinating, useful and worrying.  All this and “psychiatric tea”.  Don’t ask!

Science and the media: issues, debates and controversies  – reflections from Brian McNulty

How science is represented in the media and how journalists write about science so that readers can understand the subject.  Discussion on how scientific announcements can be misrepresented in the media for many different reasons, including sensationalism.  The importance of fact checking and the role of an organisation’s Legal department when preparing a story.  Focus placed on climate change.

Let’s Take Pride in Engineering. Convened by Reflections from Naomi Kay

This event was a fascinating look into the past, present and possible future of engineering in the UK compared to super powers such as China and India.  Mehran discussed how the UK went from the world leader in engineering in the time the industrial revolution to a country becoming more dependent on Asia for our engineering and manufacture needs. He also spoke about the changes in this area investment, the economical impact, and the need to inspire future generations to be passionate, creative, and continue to change the face of the world through innovation.

Putting Pen to Paper, convened by Emma Scattergood

Attila the Hen and Sci-fi Chicken: learning how to get published

Emma Scattergood shows how to put Pen to Paper in order to perfect the art of writing by practicing re-writing common stories such as why the chicken crossed the road. This very interactive session included top tips on writing to get published (and self-publishing) through the ingredients needed for a gripping story and how to employ the 50 Shades of Grey model. Attendees creative tales ranged from sinister murders in a wood, to a patriotic typewriting Seal to a re-write of Cinderella’s story with lesbian step sisters who have a major crush on our lead.

Dr Corrina Dickson, Research Development Manager at Bournemouth University, said, “Hearing the creative and enthusiastic participants develop and share their ideas for stories through the techniques shared was fantastic. The group left full of passion and raring to write!’

Another day in the Festival of Learning and another fantastic programme of events! What could you learn about on Thursday?

Perhaps one of the most encouraging reflections so far from the Festival is that people who are coming to one event, are then signing up for more! In-fact I met someone yesterday that has been to at least two events per day, morning, noon and night on  a vast array of different topics. So, what could you come along to on Thursday? How about:

• Fascinating feats
• The psychology of eating, health and wellbeing
• Behind the scenes in a TV studio
• Health and wellbeing in the Roman world
• The inner primate in all of us
• Professor Fluffy
• Enterprise security: Mitigating fear, uncertainties and doubt

Also, do stop by and take a look at our exhibition items, which on Thursday includes:

• 6th Sense transport project
• Microscope madness exhibition
• Are you a super-recogniser?
• Humanising healthcare through historical enquiry

Reflections on Festival of Learning event:

The focus of this event was very much about what is understood by the term ‘wellbeing’. Les Todres gave a talk on ‘Understandings of Wellbeing’, explaining the dimensions of this within his model. Workshops took place on three subjects: Building and sustaining friendships in older age; Building energy, strength and a healthy balance system; and Active Living: Making health and wellbeing a possibility for older adults. At the end of the day outcomes of the sessions were shared and the following were considered to be important factors to achieving wellbeing: having a purpose, being valued, choice, control, connectivity, stillness, travel, money, time to ourselves, family/friends and health. Overall this event had some really positive outcomes such as discussing the ways awareness could be raised about what is already on offer in communities for older people and suggestions were given to the council about services and support they could provide to improve the situation in Bournemouth and Poole.

It’s good to walk! Reflections from Julie Northam:

Prof Ahmed Khattab gave a highly informative and interesting talk about peripheral artery disease to an audience of around 40 people. Exercise, diet, stopping smoking, and controlling conditions such as diabetes are more effective at improving the symptoms of peripheral artery disease than surgery, and are obviously far less dangerous. Dr Ibtisam Ali, a vascular scientist from Royal Bournemouth Hospital, then provided members of the audience with free ultrasound testing of the arteries in their legs and neck. These tests are only available from the NHS with a GP’s referral or at cost from a private clinic. In summary the event provided members of the public with access to expertise and information about their health and the ability to have their health tested for free. Read more about peripheral artery disease on the NHS website.

The Campus Permaculture Project, reflections from Nicola King:

“A small group of like-minded individuals gathered together to discuss permaculture,  what it means, and what it encompasses. Attendees were also keen to explore how they could attempt to live a permacultural way of life.  All attendees were happy to share ideas and experiences, and the event generated much discussion. A key highlight was an interactive Q&A Skype session with Patrick Whitefield, a leading permaculture expert/consultant.  He shared his ideas on how to incorporate a permaculture way of thinking into everyday life, and how to try to spark interest in others to follow the same example. Atttendees also heard from BU’s Kathy Hodder and Ben Thomas, who led the event, and screens and display stands around the room gave an array of information on subjects such as biodiversity on campus, sustainable construction, waste minimisation and recycling,  student engagement in sustainability, and the potential role of permaculture in reducing UK carbon emissions.  There were also pictures of local community gardens, community farm projects, forest gardening, and other permaculture projects that are taking place locally. We learnt that permaculture is about ‘people care’, ‘earth care’ and ‘fair share’.”

Well, the sun certainly shone for day two of the Festival of Learning, and what a day it has been! The hustle and bustle on Talbot Campus and in the EBC has been tremendous, with fantastic feedback continuing to pour in. Congratulations to all involved for making the Festival happen and giving members of the public such a big BU welcome.

But what does Wednesday bring? Another day of exciting events, that’s for sure! What could you come along to? As ever, take a look at where the event is taking place on the website and our welcome desk can direct you further.

• Research degrees @ BU
• Rufus Stone the movie: Community screening and feedback
• Let’s take pride in engineering
• Don’t eat poo and die, eat poo and live: An investigation into the things that we eat and the things that we don’t
•  A living wage – what it is and what it does
• Games can be fun for everybody
• Science and the media: Issues, debates and controversies
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005: What’s in it for me? What’s in it for them?

What about some events that have already happened? Some of my fantastic colleagues in the Research and Knowledge Exchange Office have some reflections on how it has gone:

Mehran Koohgilani – ‘Designing our Future’ by Dianne Goodman

“This highly absorbing event was meant to run from 7-8pm however the audience were so captivated we ran on until around 9pm, Mehran’s presentation style was captivating and stimulated many questions at the end. Mehran started his presentation asking us to consider the products we have purchased and use every day – do we take for granted they are safe? Using the plastics and toxic dyes in children’s toys and computers as designed products that most of us use every day. Mehran asked us to consider for one moment that a computer often contains more than a thousand different kinds of materials including toxic gases, toxic metals (such as cadmium, lead and mercury acids, chlorinated and brominated substances and other additives) However even though we are aware that this may be the case we often choose to ignore this fact and designers often seem to keep our consciences at bay. Reflecting what we need to be aware of for ‘Designing for the Future’ as well as the actual components of the products we also need to consider how we are being brainwashed and directed into continually needing the latest and most up to date gadgets. How can designers be more ethical when the consumer is happy to discard their existing products for the most up to date. Considering cost, infrastructure factors and recycling issues. He wanted us at the end of his presentation to go out with more questions than answers and we certainly did.”

Philippa Hudson – A Fridge Safari

Avoiding future projectile vomit and explosive diarrhea incidents by embarking on a Fridge Safari. Philippa Hudson took the audience on a tour of what we should do to avoid very sore tummies and more serious illnesses associated with our food preparation. This lively session uncovered the mysteries of fridges and food preparation and why we sometimes get a dicky tummy after stuffing our faces. We learned why animals should be hosed down before slaughter, why street food may be better for us than supermarket meat, why we shouldn’t eat food after the use by date and why we should wash melons before chopping it. There was also an autopsy of several audience members fridges which had a variety of commonly found no-nos. Dr Corrina Dickson, Research Development Manager said “it was fantastic to see everyone finally having answers to questions they had wondered for years–drinking tap water in foreign countries, keeping salad in the bottom drawer of the fridge, reheating rice. A fantastic and informative event”.