Category / REF Subjects
Appreciative Inquiry Resource
Today we received a copy of the book Appreciating Health and Care in the post. This book has a sub-title ‘A practical appreciative inquiry resource for the health and social care sector’ and refers to the work led by Bournemouth University’s Dr. Rachel Arnold. Appreciative Inquiry values people’s expertise and vision and can motivate people to see the world differently and instigate positive change. Rachel been the lead author on several publications around Appreciative Inquiry [1-3].
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH)
References:
- Arnold, R. (2024) Learning to use Appreciative Inquiry, i2Insights, 16th January.
- Arnold, R., Way, S., Mahato, P., van Teijlingen, E. (2024) “I might have cried in the changing room, but I still went to work”. Maternity staff managing roles, responsibilities, and emotions of work and home during COVID-19: an Appreciative Inquiry, Women & Birth 37: 128-136.
- Arnold, R., Gordon, C., Way, S., Mahato, P., van Teijlingen, E. (2022) Why use Appreciative Inquiry? Lessons learned during COVID-19 in a UK maternity service, European Journal of Midwifery 6 (May): 1-7.
New BU migrants’ health paper
Drs. Pramod Regmi and Nirmal Aryal in the Department of Nursing Sciences published a new paper with colleagues from Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines in PLoS ONE under the title ‘Assessing the basic knowledge and awareness of dengue fever prevention among migrant workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia’. [1] Globally, 390 million dengue virus infections occur per year. In Malaysia, migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to Dengue Fever (DF) due to mosquito breeding sites exposure and poor health literacy. This study reports on assessing the current Dengue Fever knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP). The paper identifies strategies to promote awareness around Dengue Fever among migrant workers in Malaysia. Most respondents were male, working in the services industry, had completed high school, aged between 30–39 years and with less than ten years work experience in Malaysia. Overall, respondents’ knowledge was positively correlated with attitude but negatively with practices. Older respondents, who had completed higher education, obtained higher knowledge scores. Similarly, those with working experience of >20 years in Malaysia obtained higher attitude scores. Respondents with a previous history of Dengue Fever strongly considered the removal of mosquito breeding sites as their own responsibility, hence tended to frequently apply preventive measures. Respondents’ knowledge was also positively correlated to their understanding of Dengue Fever information sourced from social media platforms.
Congratulations!
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Reference:
- Chaudhary MN, Lim V-C, Faller EM, Regmi P, Aryal N, Mohd Zain SN, Azman AS, Sahimin B. (2024) Assessing the basic knowledge and awareness of dengue fever prevention among migrant workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. PLoS ONE 19(2): e0297527. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297527
Congratulations to Prof. Sara Ashencaen Crabtree
This book employs both ethnographic and secondary, archival data, drawing on a rich, fascinating trove of original material from the pre-1940s to the present day. It offers a unique historiographic study of twentieth century Methodist missionary work and women’s active expression of faith, practised at the critical confluence of historical and global changes. The study focuses on two English Methodist missionary nursing Sisters and siblings, Audrey and Muriel Chalkely, whose words and experiences are captured in detail, foregrounding tumultuous socio-political changes of the end of Empire and post-Independence in twentieth century Kenya and South India.
This work presents a timely revision to prevailing postcolonial critiques in placing the fundamental importance of human relationships centre stage. Offering a detailed (auto)biographical and reflective narrative, this ‘herstory’ pivots on three main thematic strands relating to people, place and passion, where socio-cultural details are vividly explored.
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’ Health (CMWH)
Writing some blurb
Publisher Routledge announced the forthcoming edited volume Menstruation in Nepal: Dignity Without Danger, which is edited by Sara Parker, Madhusudan Subedi and Kay Standing. This book examines the complexities of menstrual beliefs and practices in Nepal. Taking an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach, it explores and promotes the rights of women, girls and people who menstruate, to a dignified and healthy menstruation. I had the honour of being asked to write some of the blurb for this exciting book. Partly, because of our wide-range of health services and health promotion research in the country and partly because of our previous paper on reusable sanitary towels in the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal [1].
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health
Reference:
- Budhathoki, S.S., Bhattachan, M., Pokharel, P.K., Bhadra, M., van Teijlingen, E. (2017) Reusable sanitary towels: Promoting menstrual hygiene in post-earthquake Nepal. Journal of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care 43(2): 157-159.
The Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations (CSBT) Hosted The “Powering Innovation” Event
🚀🌱 The Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations (CSBT) at Bournemouth University hosted the “Powering Innovation” event, bringing together industry, academia, and government to explore the impact of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) on business innovation. 🌍
🎓 Professor Marcjanna Augustyn, Head of CSBT, highlighted the Center’s interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to supporting businesses in developing sustainable models, technologies, and strategies through collaborative research and KTPs.
🎤 Inspiring insights flowed from Professor Marcin Budka, a CSBT member, who shared firsthand experiences and tangible benefits of academic-industry collaborations via KTPs. Rachel Clarke, Business Engagement & Knowledge Exchange Manager at BU Business School, provided a comprehensive overview of the Knowledge Exchange (KE) landscape, emphasising its strategic importance to academics and industry, signalling potential growth. 📊
A deep dive into KTPs, especially Management KTPs, led by Stephen Woodhouse from Innovate UK: Business Connect, illuminated the intricacies of forming partnerships, the application process, and key factors that make a KTP project stand out to assessors. The vibrant Q&A and networking session that followed sparked exciting discussions on potential collaborations and project ideas. 💡
Professor Marcjanna Augustyn commented: “With a fantastic turnout from BU and local industry, we look forward to taking conversations further.” 🚀
📧 Businesses eager to explore sustainable business transformations for impactful change, please reach out: csbt@bournemouth.ac.uk.
“Seeking meaning in diagnosis”: Exhibition by BU MSc Student Sarah Clark
Explore the concept of diagnosis through the lens of BU MSc student, Sarah Clark, in her photo exhibition titled “Seeking Meaning in Diagnosis.”
The exhibition will be in the Atrium Gallery, Poole House, running throughout March.
Sarah, currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology at BU, delves into the theme of understanding diagnosis, as well as a sub-theme of utilizing creativity and time in nature to enhance well-being.
Diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in February 2020, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder, Sarah’s journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered her Autism spectrum condition diagnosis in May 2022 during autism lectures on the Neurodevelopmental Diversity Unit of her MSc course.
Sarah’s lived-experience qualitative MSc Research Project, supervised by Dr Emily Arden-Close, explored the daily experiences of individuals living with both autism and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and her dissertation is currently being written up for journal submission.
Acknowledging the transformative impact of formal diagnosis on her life, Sarah has embraced lifestyle changes and effective self-management strategies for her hEDS and various co-morbidities, including mast cell activation syndrome, autonomic dysfunction, and Median arcuate ligament syndrome alongside mental health challenges of Complex PTSD and OCD and managing the interactions with Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
In constant pain with every inhaled breath hurting and studying for her Masters whilst being on a liquid-only diet due to MALS, Sarah is now on a year-long waiting list for MALS surgery. She hopes her exhibition and sharing her diagnostic journey will provide inspiration to show what can be achieved even with extreme barriers.
Sarah sits as a patient expert in the EDS International Consortium, Psychiatric and Psychological Aspects Working Group, and Sarah presented her BMJ paper, “Help me trust you after my misdiagnosis,” at The EDS Global Learning Conference in Dublin last August.
Alongside being a student here, Sarah also works at BU as a Student Ambassador, Digitial Marketing Ambassador and a member of BU PIER (as a member of the public).
Passionate about medical education and raising awareness of rare health conditions, Sarah regularly engages in public awareness, volunteering, and charity fundraising.
Sarah recently facilitated a workshop on EDS for BU PIER for second-year nursing students and gave part of a lived-experience lecture on EDS to some of the MSc Health Psychology students.
As well as being a patient expert, photographer and blogger Sarah is also a keen yogi and she was featured in Hotpod Yoga’s Move with Purpose Campaign, discussing her late-autism diagnosis.
Influenced by her own health journey and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, coupled with Complex PTSD from childhood trauma, Sarah has developed a keen interest in various aspects of the diagnostic journey.
Her exhibition, “Seeking Meaning in Diagnosis,” coincides with the ten-year anniversary of her March 2014 exhibition “Almost Beautiful” at Harbour Lights Cinema, Southampton.
Sarah’s exhibition aims to be thought-provoking, shedding light on the challenges of being diagnosed with rare conditions, inspiring creativity, and encouraging a connection with nature.
Expressing immense gratitude to the BU Community for the support and encouragement Sarah’s received here at BU, has not only improved her health and well-being but has also led to various amazing opportunities.
To learn more about Sarah’s interest in “diagnosis” – visit her website.
Opportunity to get more involved in preparing our REF2029 submission
We are currently recruiting for Review Panel members to help support preparation for our next REF. The deadline for expressions of interest is 15 March 2024.
This is for new members who wish to join Review Panels – existing Review Panel members do not need to re-apply.
The roles are recruited through an open and transparent process, which gives all academic staff the opportunity to put themselves forward. Applications from underrepresented groups (e.g. minority ethnic, declared disability) are particularly welcome.
We are currently preparing submissions to thirteen units (otherwise known as UOAs). Each unit has a leadership team with at least one leader, an output and impact champion. The leadership team are supported by a panel of reviewers who assess the research from the unit. This includes research outputs (journal articles, book chapters, digital artefacts and conference proceedings) and impact case studies.
We currently have Review Panel member vacancies in the following units:
3 – Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy
11 – Computer Science and Informatics
14 – Geography and Environmental Studies
17 – Business and Management Studies
20 – Social Work and Social Policy
24 – Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism
32 – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
All roles require a level of commitment which is recognised accordingly with time to review, attend meetings, and take responsibility for tasks.
Undertaking a UOA role can be enjoyable and rewarding as two of our current champions testify:
“As UOA Outputs Champion you develop a detailed knowledge of all the great work that colleagues are doing related to the subject, and the different outlets used for disseminating their work. As an outputs committee member, you also get to know what research is going on across BU, and it’s interesting to see the differences between disciplines. It’s a good way develop your knowledge of the bigger picture of BU’s research, and also to understand the importance of REF and how it works in practice. You do spend quite a bit of time chasing colleagues to put their outputs on BRIAN for REF compliance but hopefully they forgive you!”
Professor Adele Ladkin – UOA 24 Output Champion
“As a UoA 17 impact champion, I work closely with the UoA 17 impact team to encourage the development of a culture of impact across BUBS. I try to pop into Department / research group meetings when I can to discuss impact, and I’ve enjoyed meeting people with a whole range of research interests. Sometimes it can be tough to engage people with impact – understandably; everyone is busy – so it’s important to be enthusiastic about the need for our BU research to reach the public. Overall, the role is about planting the seeds to get researchers thinking about the impact their work might have in the future (as well as the impact they have already had, sometimes without realising!)”
Dr Rafaelle Nicholson – UOA 17 Impact Champion
How to apply
All those interested should put forward a short case (suggested length of one paragraph) as to why they are interested in the role and what they think they could bring to it. These should be clearly marked with the relevant role and unit and emailed to ref@bournemouth.ac.uk by 5pm on 15 March 2024
Further detail on the role and the process of recruitment and selection criteria can be found here:
UOA IRP Process and criteria for selection
For further information please contact ref@bournemouth.ac.uk, a member of the current UOA Team or your Deputy Dean Research and Professional Practice with queries.
Urgently need participants
Collaborative midwifery paper cited 40 times
The same team wrote a separate paper the following year on ‘Antenatal care trial interventions: a systematic scoping review and taxonomy development of care models’ [2]. Interestingly, ResearchGate tells us this paper has been read fewer times and cited ‘only’ 21 times to date.
Reference:
- Symon, A., Pringle, J, Cheyne, H, Downe, S., Hundley, V, Lee, E, Lynn, F., McFadden, A, McNeill, J., Renfrew, M., Ross-Davie, M., van Teijlingen, E., Whitford, H, Alderdice, F. (2016) Midwifery-led antenatal care models: Mapping a systematic review to evidence-based quality framework to identify key components & characteristics of care, BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth 16:168 http://rdcu.be/uifu
- Symon, A., Pringle, J., Downe, S, Hundley, V., Lee, E., Lynn, F, McFadden, A, McNeill, J, Renfrew, M., Ross-Davie, M., van Teijlingen, E., Whitford, H., Alderdice, F. (2017) Antenatal care trial interventions: a systematic scoping review & taxonomy development of care models BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth 17:8 http://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-016-1186-3
Interdisciplinary Research Teams/ Interdisciplinarist
The Interdisciplinary Research Team not the Interdisciplinarist
Worldwide there is a growing interest in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. This overview paper addresses some of the pitfalls and barriers to being an interdisciplinary researcher. Being involved in interdisciplinary research is not an easy option for an individual discipline expert. It requires individual skills, ability to see beyond one’s discipline and perhaps personality characteristics such as a great team player. Interdisciplinary research may involve a mixed-methods approach underpinned by conflicting, and according to some incommensurable, research philosophies. The paper uses some examples from our own experiences of working in interdisciplinary teams to illustrate its potential.
On Valentine’s Day we received a message from ResearchGate that our paper ‘The Interdisciplinary Research Team not the Interdisciplinarist’ has received 2,000 reads.
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Reference:
Shanker S, Wasti SP, Ireland J, Regmi PR, Simkhada PP, van Teijlingen E. (2021) The Interdisciplinary Research Team not the Interdisciplinarist. Europasian J Med Sci.;3(2):111-5. Available from: https://www.europasianjournals.org/ejms/index.php/ejms/article/view/317
New BU Public Health publication
Yesterday we received the proofs of the recently accepted paper ‘Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities at School and their Effect on Educational Achievement in Basic Level Students in Nepal’ [1]. Luckily these are only the proof pages as my family name is misspelt, and the paper still lists the old name of our Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health, which was, of course, the correct name at the time of submission.
The last time I published a paper on hygiene was also with colleagues in Nepal seven years ago, this time it was on menstrual hygiene [2].
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health
References:
- Sharma, M., Adhikari, R., van Teijlingen, E., Devkota, B., Khanal, S. (2024) Improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities at School and their Effect on Educational Achievement in Basic Level Students in Nepal, International Journal of Health Promotion & Education (accepted). https://doi.org/10.1080/14635240.2024.2314459.
- Budhathoki, S.S., Bhattachan, M., Pokharel, P.K., Bhadra, M., van Teijlingen, E. (2017) Reusable sanitary towels: Promoting menstrual hygiene in post-earthquake Nepal. Journal of Family Planning & Reproductive Health Care 43(2): 157-159.
Paper by BU MSc student accepted for publication
Congratulations to Mr. Musa Lewis Nhlabatsi whose paper ‘Clinicians’ barriers to screening and diagnosing diabetes distress in patients with type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a systematic review’ has just been accepted by the African Journal of Health Sciences [1].This systematic review’s initial search identified 1,579 studies, but only four primary studies from three countries met the inclusion criteria. The studies reported five barriers: (1) lack of knowledge, (2) lack of time, (3) lack of accessibility to mental health services, (4) lack of motivation and (5) patients’ denial of their diabetes distress. The two most reported barriers were lack of knowledge and time. In conclusion this review identifies critical barriers to the underdiagnosis of diabetes distress by clinicians and highlights the need for policymakers and organisations to conduct pragmatic research to understand clinicians’ experiences in assessing diabetes distress in various healthcare settings to improve diabetes management.
The paper developed from his work on the Systematic Review Module for Masters student. Earlier Musa won The Department of Medical Science and Public Health Award in July 2023 and he graduated in November 2023.
Congratulations!
Profs. Vanora Hundley and Edwin van Teijlingen
Reference:
- Nhlabatsi, M.L., van Teijlingen, E., Hundley, V. (2024) Clinicians’ barriers to screening and diagnosing diabetes distress in patients with type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a systematic review’, African Journal of Health Sciences (forthcoming)
Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory academics – Would you like to get more involved in preparing our next REF submission?
We are currently recruiting for an Output Champion to help support preparation for our next REF Submission to Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory. The deadline for expressions of interest is 1 March 2024.
This role is recruited through an open and transparent process, which gives all academic staff the opportunity to put themselves forward. Applications from underrepresented groups (e.g. minority ethnic, declared disability) are particularly welcome.
We are currently preparing submissions to thirteen units (otherwise known as UOAs). Each unit has a leadership team with at least one leader, an output and impact champion. The leadership team are supported by a panel of reviewers who assess the research from the unit. This includes research outputs (journal articles, book chapters, digital artefacts and conference proceedings) and impact case studies.
We currently have vacancies in the following roles:
Output Champion – 32 – Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
All roles require a level of commitment which is recognised accordingly with time to review, attend meetings, and take responsibility for tasks.
Undertaking a UOA role can be enjoyable and rewarding as two of our current champions testify:
“As UOA Outputs Champion you develop a detailed knowledge of all the great work that colleagues are doing related to the subject, and the different outlets used for disseminating their work. As an outputs committee member, you also get to know what research is going on across BU, and it’s interesting to see the differences between disciplines. It’s a good way develop your knowledge of the bigger picture of BU’s research, and also to understand the importance of REF and how it works in practice. You do spend quite a bit of time chasing colleagues to put their outputs on BRIAN for REF compliance but hopefully they forgive you!”
Professor Adele Ladkin – UOA 24 Output Champion
“As a UoA 17 impact champion, I work closely with the UoA 17 impact team to encourage the development of a culture of impact across BUBS. I try to pop into Department / research group meetings when I can to discuss impact, and I’ve enjoyed meeting people with a whole range of research interests. Sometimes it can be tough to engage people with impact – understandably; everyone is busy – so it’s important to be enthusiastic about the need for our BU research to reach the public. Overall, the role is about planting the seeds to get researchers thinking about the impact their work might have in the future (as well as the impact they have already had, sometimes without realising!)”
Dr Rafaelle Nicholson – UOA 17 Impact Champion
How to apply
All those interested should put forward a short case (suggested length of one paragraph) as to why they are interested in the role and what they think they could bring to it. These should be clearly marked with the relevant role and unit and emailed to ref@bournemouth.ac.uk by 5pm on 1 March 2024
Further detail on the role and the process of recruitment and selection criteria can be found here:
Process and criteria for selection
For further information please contact ref@bournemouth.ac.uk, a member of the current UOA Team or your Deputy Dean Research and Professional Practice with queries.
New Nepalese migrant health paper published
New paper on migrant workers from Nepal was published this week in KMC Journal. The paper ‘Risk Perception and Protective Health Measure Regarding COVID-19 among Nepali Labour Migrants’ Returnee from India’ has Shanti Khanal as lead author [1]. The journal is Open Access, hence freely available online across the globe. The paper examines the association between risk perception and protective behaviour regarding COVID-19 in returnee migrant workers. A total of 384 returnee migrants, based in a quarantine centre on return from India, participated in the study. Using the health belief model (HBM) as a theoretical framework, a structured interview questionnaire was designed and administered. A further three health workers were interviewed face-to-face.
The study showed that the perceived risk of COVID-19 among participants was medium to low. Participants perceived few barriers and had low self-efficacy levels compared to other constructs. This study further showed that participants were more likely to follow a range of protective health behaviours, but not found all. The study revealed a significant association between all risk perception constructs and protective behaviours (p=< 0.05). This study accordingly highlighted a significant relationship between the respondents’ risk perception level and protective health behaviours. The study envisaged that public awareness of risk to the people who returned from India is essential to increase risk perception during the outbreak.
The study works towards fulfilling SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), especially ‘Good health and well-being’ (SDG 3) and Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH)
Reference:
- Khanal, S.P., van Teijlingen, E., Sharma, M., Acharya, J., Sharma, C., Kharel, S., Gaulee, U., Bhattarai, K., Pasa, R.B., Bohora, P. (2024) Risk Perception and Protective Health Measure Regarding COVID-19 among Nepali Labour Migrants’ Returnee from India. KMC Journal, 6(1): 313–330. https://doi.org/10.3126/kmcj.v6i1.62364
Global BU: Dr Gloria Khamkar receives Global Ambassador Programme award from University of Saskatchewan
Congratulations to Dr Gloria Khamkar, Principal Academic in Journalism from the Faculty of Media and Communication, for her success in securing a Global Ambassador Programme award from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
Dr Khamkar is at the start of a collaboration with Dr Monica Hwang, Associate Professor, Sociology Department, from the University of Saskatchewan and the two put forward their bid at the end of 2023. Securing these travel awards was a highly competitive process, and both of their applications were successful.
The award provides funding for both academics to travel to each university to work together to develop ideas for future research. Both have a shared interest in immigrant radio and initially plan to explore this in Toronto.
During her visit to University of Saskatchewan, Dr Khamkar will conduct knowledge exchange activities with Dr Hwang. Dr Khamkar will be teaching on the Multiculturalism course that Dr Hwang runs and conduct research seminar in-person in March/April 2024. Dr. Hwang intends to visit Bournemouth University in the summer of 2024. During these visits, Dr Khamkar and Dr Hwang plan to develop a joint research project proposal on ‘Impact of community radio on refugee community development in the UK and Canada’. This project has a potential to shape the migration policies of the UK and Canada by offering evidence-backed insights on community radio’s impact.
Dr. Khamkar’s research interests align seamlessly with the research areas of University of Saskatchewan’s Sociology Department, which holds international acclaim for its research in globalisation, immigration, transnationalism, integration, and race/ethnic relations. Dr. Khamkar’s contribution to cultural and migration studies, particularly through her research and published work on ethnic community radio for migrants, including her book “The Evolution of British Asian Radio in England” published with Springer Nature in April 2023, promises to enrich the research and teaching environment of the USAsk’s Sociology Department. Dr Khamkar is also a community radio broadcaster. She is currently leading a study on ‘Mobile Storytelling with Ukrainian Migrants in Dorset, England’ to help with their integration process, in partnership with the Ukrainian Community Dorset. The invaluable insights she would bring will be a significant asset to both the staff and student community at University of Saskatchewan.
Smilarly, Dr. Hwang’s academic expertise bridges the fields of inequality, race, and politics. Her research has focused on ethno-racial inequality, social and political trust, and civic activity. Her projects include editing and authoring “Social Inequality in Canada: Dimensions of Disadvantage,” published with Oxford University Press in February 2022 and examining the racialization processes of East Asians during COVID-19. She conducted this research during Visiting Senior Research Fellowship at the London School of Economics and Political Science (January 2022-2023). She is currently leading a study about voting options for permanent residents in Saskatoon, in partnership with the City of Saskatoon and Saskatoon Open Door Society and is analysing the economic and political integration of Ukrainian migrants who arrived in Canada after Ukraine gained political independence. These studies are funded by the Research Junction Project and by the Canadian Centre for Ukrainian Studies.
BU signed a partnership agreement with University of Saskatchewan in 2023 and the two international offices have worked over the last twelve months to match academics in areas including science, nursing and media. The Global Engagement Hub team is now working towards a study exchange agreement with University of Saskatchewan and are identifying curriculum areas where this location will be of interest to students.
If you are interested in academic collaboration for research or in developing study exchange with University of Saskatchewan, please do get in touch at globalbu@bournemouth.ac.uk. Find out more about University of Saskatchewan here.
To find out more about staff mobility opportunities, visit Staff Opportunities Abroad – Bournemouth University Intranet.
REF Impact Subcommittee Chair: deadline extended to submit Expression of Interest
Would you like to play a key role in supporting preparations for the Engagement & Impact element of BU’s REF2029 submission?
The REF Impact Subcommittee (RISC) has a vacancy for a Chair, which is open to all members of the Professoriate. You are invited to submit an Expression of Interest by 5pm Monday 5th February.
RISC reports on progress in the development of impact case studies to the REF Committee, making recommendations on impact resourcing and ensuring evidence of impact is robustly recorded.
Key responsibilities include:
- Chairing the quarterly RISC meetings.
- Ensuring discussion is fair, open and supportive.
- Providing guidance in determining where greatest resourcing and support may be required, according to progress updates from impact champions.
- Acting as champion for raising awareness across BU of the importance of REF impact case studies in relation to QR funding for the institution as a whole.
Application process:
Please submit a short case (one page max.) to impact@bournemouth.ac.uk, outlining why you are interested in this important role, and the knowledge, skills and experience you think you could bring to it. Applications from underrepresented groups (e.g. women, minority ethnic, declared disability) are particularly welcome. The deadline is: 5pm, Monday 5th February.
EoIs are reviewed against the selection criteria detailed below by a gender-balanced selection panel comprising:
- Chair of the REF Steering Group
- Chair of the REF Committee
- RDS representative
In the event of there being just one EoI received for a particular panel member role, the panel will still review it using the selection criteria to ensure the applicant is suitable for the role.
Further details on the role and selection criteria are here:
Chair REF Impact Subcommittee role descriptor
Process and criteria for RISC Chair recruitment
Selection criteria
The panel will give each EoI a score out of 15, based on how well they score against the criteria outlined below. These are equally weighted, with each criterion carrying a total possible score of 5. The panel will offer the role to the applicants with the highest ranked EoIs. A member of the panel will provide feedback to all applicants.
- Knowledge and experience of REF and research impact (scored out of 5): The Chair/Deputy Chair are expected to have a thorough knowledge of the REF process, preparations and timeline and the requirements relating to the impact submission for REF2029. Ideally, they will have been involved in preparations for previous REF exercises or submitted an impact case study. It is expected that they will be practising researchers and will have a breadth of understanding of research across BU.
- Experience of chairing meetings and reaching consensus to ensure sound decision-making (scored out of 5): The Chair/Deputy Chair will need to be able to chair meetings effectively and ensure prioritisation decisions are made in alignment with the requirements of the impact element of BU’s REF submission.
- Plans for leading the impact agenda across the University (scored out of 5): The Chair/Deputy Chair are responsible for motivating the impact champions of each Unit of Assessment, as well as the wider research community, to optimise BU’s performance in the Engagement and Impact element of REF2029. They should have ideas for how they will do this.
Questions
Any queries regarding the process should be directed to impact@bournemouth.ac.uk. Specific questions about the Chair role should be directed to REF Committee Chair Professor Einar Thorson
REF2029 update on People, Culture and Environment
The REF team have announced an update on the People, Culture and Environment (PCE) element of the REF2029 exercise.
A project has been commissioned to co-develop, with the research community, indicators to be used for the assessment of PCE. These indicators will be used to evidence and support institutions’ PCE submissions as part of a structured questionnaire for REF2029 submissions.
A pilot exercise to enable in-depth testing of the PCE indicators will run alongside the project. This will involve the drafting of example PCE submissions by a sample of HEIs for assessment by pilot panels, in a selected subset of Units of Assessment (UoA).
More details can be found on the REF2029 website, along with information on how HEIs can get involved in the pilot.
The team have also released an updated timetable for the REF2029 exercise.