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”.

Well, the first day of the Festival of Learning is very nearly done and dusted (the last events finish at 9pm) and what a day it has been! I would love to hear your reflections on the day, please do email me with your thoughts. Like any day of any event there have been highs and lows, but it has been fantastic to see so many members of the public raving about BU events.

Below, you can learn a bit more about what happened on Festival of Learning day one. But before you read about has has been, why don’t you come along to something to an event on Tuesday? Pop along to the welcome desk in either Poole House (for Talbot Campus events) or the EBC (for Lansdowne Campus events) and we can advise you on where to go.

Events on Tuesday include:

• The myths and facts behind the sustainability agenda
• Café Scientifique: So you think you are what you eat?
• Putting pen to paper
• Cutting through the paperwork to deliver brilliant events
• The campus permaculture project
• An introduction to the Raspberry Pi
• Oh, for a good night’s sleep!
• Ageing well: An interactive and creative event
• It’s good to walk: Have you checked your blood vessels?
• Marketing for SMEs workshop
• Faith-based health promotion: Opportunities and barriers

Also, do come along to our exhibition that is taking place in Poole House Atrium and Kimmeridge House Foyer.

But what happened on Monday? Here are just a few reflections from my colleagues in the Research and Knowledge Exchange office:

Living with a long term condition: Reflections from Paul Lynch:

“For this event, our event organisers were Dr Carol S Bond and Jenny Roddis. In the morning they were joined by co-presenter Dr Jaqui Hewitt-Taylor and in the afternoon Chris Pitt. The morning session was attended by a diverse range of people, with an interesting mix of healthcare professionals and service users (and other folks too!).  The participants joined in a vibrant and informative discussion of the practical application of a theory of well-being and long term conditions.  This was followed by a lively and highly entertaining discussion of information services and their utility.  The afternoon session was a practical workshop demonstrating and implementing techniques for successful internet searching of health related information.  Both sessions offered opportunities for exchanging experiences and information in a positive and supportive atmosphere that was widely appreciated by all of the participants”.

Start local, aim global: Reflections from Emily Cieciura:

“Huiping Xian and invited speakers, Roger Colmar and Peter James gave a detailed and highly practical review of how best to do business with government bodies and companies in China and Japan, summarised as build friendship, build trust, ensure win-win. The UKTI is a key source of information. The cultural differences and similarities were considered with emphasis given to the importance of developing relationships leading to trust, tips for etiquette (including personal space through to giving gifts), awareness of regional differences, and taking time to be comfortable with the country and its people. Regarding legal contracts, Chinese partners favour good faith rather than complex legal relationships. Peter stressed the fast pace of change in China with opportunities such as the ‘green’ agenda, improvements to health and safety, a move away from a ‘saving’ to a ‘spending’ culture and increased entrepreneurship.  The event concluded with a lively discussion with speakers and guests airing their personal experiences of working with Asian business people”.

Nicola King, reflecting on Social Media for the Terrified:

“This 3-hour event was attended by nearly 50 individuals who were all keen to find out more about social media and social networking. Attendees learnt about the main social networks, what social media can actually enable us to do, and that social networks are the latest form of marketing for individuals and businesses alike. LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and others were all discussed, but attendees were also made aware of the potential dangers of social media if not used correctly. After an interesting talk by Debbie Sadd,  who led the event, attendees were then invited to discuss their particular areas of interest with others in small teams. One team focused on Facebook, another on Twitter, and they used their own devices (phones, tablets, laptops) to explore their area of interest, asking any questions of the experts on hand as they went. In summary this was a very interesting discussion focussing on a topical and, judging by the turn-out, popular subject”.

Testing capacity in people with dementia, reflections by Emily Cieciura:

“Prof. Simon Thompson outlined the features of the many forms of dementia, including those relating to head injuries, drug use and exposure to chemicals earlier in life. The legal issues arising from ascertaining mental capacity especially when the person diagnosed with dementia is drawing up a will or when a will is contested after death were aired. Early conversations are needed, soon after diagnosis, along with consulting a solicitor. The GP is normally the starting point for accessing help from social agencies. In planning ahead, a power of attorney, with forms available from The Office of the public guardian or an advanced directive, with advice available from Compassion in Dying may be of help. The Alzheimer’s Society  was highly recommended as a source of information and support. BU’s BUDI website gives information about our research and activities”.