Category / BU research

CMWH well represented at International Labour and Birth Conference

The Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health was well represented at last week’s International Labour and Birth Conference with presentations from Sara Stride, Dominique Mylod, and Vanora Hundley.

Sara StrideSara was presenting her doctoral work where she has used appreciative inquiry to explore midwives’ experience and processing following the occurrence of Obstetric Anal Sphincter injury (OASI) during spontaneous vaginal birth. Sara said that she found the conference and networking opportunities “inspiring and helpful for her PhD.”

Dominique and Vanora brought their prototype app, which has been designed to support women in the early phase of labour. This was well received by attendees and the next step is to evaluate its implementation into practice.Dom and Vanora

Dominique’s attendance at ILB Conference 2025 was supported by an award from the Science of Birth Research Cluster, University of British Columbia.

Megan Perkin’s work exploring breastfeeding experiences of women with visual impairment was presented as a poster. Unfortunately Megan was not able  to attend due to her clinical commitments, but Vanora was on hand to answer any questions.

 

BU paper among top 20 most cited papers

BRIAN, PG research, writing

The international journal Sociological Research Online ranked a paper written by Bournemouth University academics in its top twenty most cited papers in the past three years.  The methodological paper ‘Using a range of communication tools to interview a hard-to-reach population’ has as lead author Dr. Orlanda Harvey in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Science.

Reference:

  1. Harvey, O., van Teijlingen, E., Parrish, M. (2024) Using a range of communication tools to interview a hard-to-reach population, Sociological Research Online 29(1): 221–232 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/13607804221142212

Nepal migrant workers returning from India

international, open access, Publishing, writing

Nepal has been in the world news this week for the wrong reasons, with young protesters burning down the parliament, and damaging many government building in all seven provinces.  Some 30 young people died in the process and and thousands of sometimes dangerous prisoners were freed.   After the political and social upheaval in the country this past week, Nepalese migrant workers are beginning to return home from India to be with their families. Today (Friday 12th September) the BBC online reported under the heading ‘Worried migrants head home from India after Nepal turmoil‘.

The journalist interviewed both migrant workers and students from Nepal living in India.  The piece also cited several studies on Nepalese migrant workers in India, including a Bournemouth University (BU) study with the title ‘The Health of Nepali Migrants in India: A Qualitative Study of Lifestyles and Risks‘ [1].  This publication is one of the many published papers on the health and well-being of Nepalese migrant workers conducted in BU’s Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences.  The lead author of this paper in theInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is Dr. Pramod Regmi, Principal Academic in International Health. 

 

References:

  1. Regmi PR, van Teijlingen E, Mahato P, Aryal N, Jadhav N, Simkhada P, Zahiruddin QS, Gaidhane A. (2019) The Health of Nepali Migrants in India: A Qualitative Study of Lifestyles and Risks. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 16(19):3655. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16193655.

 

New BU midwifery publication

NHS, open access, Publishing, Women's Academic Network, writing

Congratulations to Laura Stedman in the Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH) on the publication of a new paper in the international academic journal Midwifery.  This new paper ‘Then they’re not there. Women’s experiences following admission of their newborn to a neonatal intensive care unit‘ [1], has been co-authored with two fellow midwives: Associate Prof. Catherine Angell and Prof. Vanora Hundley.

The paper reports an online study into the experiences of UK women been diagnosed with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) whose baby was admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at or shortly after birth. The qualitative analysis identified two themes: ‘experience’ and ‘understanding’; the former had five sun-themes and the latter was based on three sub-themes. A lack of understanding and knowledge was identified, with calls for enhanced education and joint decision making. Women recalled feelings of grief, isolation and stress as a result of the admission. For many, this experience was traumatic with lasting effects. For babies born at term, feelings of surprise and separation were paramount, in contrast to those born pre-term.  The authors concluded that there is need for more education and improved material to support for those facing this outcome. Future research should also focus on reducing the incidence of admission to NICU for women who have received a diagnosis of GDM.

Well done!
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Reference:
  1. Stedman, L., Angell, C., Hundley, V. (2025) Then they’re not there. Women’s experiences following admission of their newborn to a neonatal intensive care unit, Midwifery [online first]

UK Turing Scheme: My student mobility programme in Nepal

international, Knowledge Exchange, PG research, student research, Women's Academic Network

My name is Anjana Regmi Paudyal, and I am a PhD student in the Faculty of Health, Environment and Medical Sciences (HEMS), Bournemouth University (BU). My doctoral research focuses on modern slavery, particularly the opportunities and barriers to survivors reintegrating into their families and communities. I was honoured to take part in the Turing Scheme traineeship and other international academic activities in Nepal, which became a truly transformative experience both personally and professionally. The Turing Scheme lasted four weeks and was hosted by the Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences (MMIHS) in Kathmandu.

My traineeship was arranged through Bournemouth University in partnership with MMIHS in Kathmanduand it was supported by my BU supervisors Dr. Orlanda Harvey and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen. I chose this placement because MMIHS has a strong research culture and offers opportunities to collaborate with students, faculty, and NGOs working in migration and modern slavery.

From the very beginning, I felt warmly welcomed by academics and students, which helped me settle in quickly. The first week was spent getting to know the university, its values, and its research culture. I particularly enjoyed informal discussions with first- and second-year MSc students, where we shared ideas and experiences across different academic settings.

By the second week, the focus shifted towards intensive academic engagement. I participated in a research workshop on grant applications, systematic reviews, and qualitative research methods led by expert guest speakers. These sessions sharpened my skills in data analysis and literature reviews, giving me fresh insights into areas highly relevant to my own PhD. Alongside this, I began engaging with NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) working in the field of migration and modern slavery. I met with Ms. Manju Gurung, Director of POURAKHI Nepal, an organisation that supports female returnee migrants and survivors of trafficking. I also gathered policy documents and insights from Green Tara Nepal (GTN) and the Nepal Development Society (NeDS), both of which have significant experience in migration health. These connections will help to shape my upcoming PhD fieldwork.

During the third week, it was my turn to share. I presented my PhD project, and my approach, using photo elicitation, is relatively new in Nepalese research, therefore, it sparked great curiosity among students and faculty. The discussions that followed were highly rewarding, especially around ethical considerations and practical challenges. I was struck by the students’ engagement, particularly the second-year MSc cohort, who found the sessions useful for their own research journeys.

As my time in Nepal came to an end, I reflected on the differences between teaching and learning styles in the UK and Nepal. I spoke with students about the UK system, where independent study and varied assessment methods are emphasised, which was particularly valuable for those considering postgraduate studies abroad. Beyond academia, I was fortunate to experience cultural festivals within and beyond Kathmandu Valley, which deepened my appreciation of Nepal’s vibrant traditions and community spirit.

I was fortunate to witness the “Gaijatra Festival” in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Gai Jatra is a Newari Hindu festival that honours deceased loved ones by parading decorated cows or children dressed as cows through the streets. The belief is that cows guide souls to the afterlife. Celebrated around the August full moon, the festival features music, dance, humor, and satire to provide comfort to grieving families and encourage them to embrace life despite their loss.

Looking back, this traineeship not only enhanced my academic and research skills but also strengthened my confidence in working across cultures and linking theory with practice. It confirmed my motivation to pursue a global research career and taught me the importance of being open, flexible, and curious. My greatest achievement was being able to present and discuss my methodology with such an engaged audience, while also building long-term connections with NGOs and academic partners.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Turing Scheme to other students. It is challenging but deeply rewarding, offering the chance to grow personally, academically, and professionally while contributing meaningfully to international collaborations.  The environment at MMIHS was welcoming, though more structured compared to the UK. Students showed huge interest in UK teaching and assessment styles. Most academic sessions were in English, but some conversations were in Nepali, which helped me practice my language skills and build rapport.

If you get the opportunity: Say yes to goin abroad on the Turing Scheme.  It challenges you, but the growth and insights are worth it. I am much more confident working with diverse groups, whether in academic or NGO settings. Presenting my PhD methodology in Nepal and receiving recognition and engagement from students and academics. Academic presentation, intercultural dialogue, trauma-informed sensitivity, networking with NGOs, and collaborative learning. Absolutely. The Turing Scheme was transformative for both my personal and professional development.

Bournemouth University psychologists publish new book

Publishing, Women's Academic Network, writing

The international publisher Routledge published earlier this month a new book with the title: The Psychology of Stress [1].  The three authors of this excellent book are: Drs. Charlotte Mottram, Alison Woodward and Shanti Farrington.  The latter two academics are based in Bournemouth University’s Psychology Department.

Well done and congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Reference:

  1. Mottram, C., Woodward, A. & Farrington, S. (2025). The Psychology of Stress London: Routledge.

Connecting Research with Practice: FoodMAPP Secondment in Austria and France

international

Our Bournemouth University team visited Baden, Austria, for a secondment with Ronge & Partner — Austria’s leading large-scale kitchen consulting firm. This was part of the EU-funded FoodMAPP project and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchange, which connects research with industry.

In Austria,  Professor Melanie Klinkner (International Law), Professor Jeff Bray (Consumer Behaviour), Dr Quyhn Nguyen (Hospitality Management), and myself, Dr Guljira Manimont (Food Marketing and Advertising) discussed with Ronge & Partner to explore how food service practices can better support local sourcing. These discussions are shaping FoodMAPP’s interactive platform, which connects consumers with local producers to reduce waste and enhance traceability.

After this visit, Dr Quynh Nguyen and myself, Dr Guljira Manimont continued to Lyon, France, where we visited Institut Lyfe — a leading centre for hospitality, food service, and culinary arts education. Welcomed by Dr Maxime Michaud, Head of the Social Sciences team, and Calixte Engelberg, we toured the campus and explored how research can be integrated into hospitality training and industry practice.

FoodMAPP is developing an interactive, map-based platform designed to connect consumers with locally produced food. This tool aims to reduce food waste, promote regional food economies, and improve food traceability. The secondment with Ronge & Partner, for example, provided us with valuable insights into the operational realities of the food service and kitchen design sector — a critical link between food producers and consumers.

The MSCA Staff Exchange programme has played a vital role in making this kind of exchange possible. It allows researchers to step outside the academic environment, test ideas in real-world settings, and build partnerships that help ensure our work delivers real, tangible impact.

As food marketing researchers (doing what we arguably do best), we took the chance to experience Austria’s food culture firsthand by visiting traditional Heurigen — small, family-run wine taverns known for their local wines, breads, cured meats, and fresh produce.

In Lyon, we focused on the city’s bakeries, sampling artisan breads that showcase the region’s strong food heritage. These moments brought home the real value of local and transparent food systems, which lie at the heart of FoodMAPP’s mission.

PS: Having spent four weeks based in these foodie spots, I compiled a list of favourite spots to eat and drink. If you’re ever in Vienna or Lyon, feel free to get in touch—I’d be happy to share it! 🙂

Health promotion paper read 8,000 times

international, open access, Publishing, writing

This morning ResearchGate informed us that our paper ‘Understanding health education, health promotion and public health‘ [1] which was published in 2021 has been read 8,000 times.  This thinking piece delves into the differences between the concepts of: (a) health education; (b) health promotion; and (c) public health. This confusion does not limit itself to the individual terms, but also to how these terms relate to each other. Some use terms such as health education and health promotion interchangeably; others see them clearly as different concepts. The paper starts by outlining the authors’ understanding of these individual terms.

They suggest how the five principles of health promotion as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 1984) fit into Tannahill’s (2009) model of three overlapping areas: (a) health education; (b) prevention of ill health; and (c) health protection. Such schematic overview places health education within health promotion and health promotion itself in the centre of the overarching disciplines of education and public health.  The authors hope their article helps reduce confusion among all those interested in our discipline, including students, educators, journalists, practitioners, policymakers, politicians, and researchers.

 

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

CMWH

 

Reference:

  1. van Teijlingen, K. R., Devkota, B., Douglas, F., Simkhada, P., & van Teijlingen, E. R. (2021). Understanding health education, health promotion and public health. Journal of Health Promotion, 9(01), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3126/jhp.v9i01.40957

 

Academic Identity In The Age of AI

BRIAN

We had the pleasure of organising a thought-provoking session at made possible through funding from British Academy ECRN, focused on one big question: How is AI reshaping who we are as academics?

We were joined by two inspiring speakers:
-Peter Magnani, CEO and founder of BEEM, who shared the development journey of his AI-powered app and how it’s transforming user experiences
-@Prof. Professor Gelareh Roushan-Easton, reflected on how AI is influencing academic practice, from teaching and learning to research and student engagement
-Dr. Samreen Ashraf (organiser of the session) shared her research about identity and the timely nature of the topic considering the rapid changes in higher education.

The heart of the session was an interactive activity where participants explored:
1. How they define their academic identity.
2. Where and how AI intersects with their roles and values
3. The opportunities, tensions, and uncertainties this evolving landscape presents
The conversations were honest, reflective, and energising, reminding us that as AI continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of academic identity.

And finally massive thanks to all involved in this workshop, our guest speakers, audience, BAECRN, and my colleague Marianna for helping with this.
💬 I’d love to hear from others in higher education:
How is AI influencing your professional identity? What excites you or concerns you most about this shift?

Feel free to get in touch with me at sashraf@bournemouth.ac.uk , if you are interested in this topic area 🙂

Free event on Solutions to Inequalities in Dementia Diagnosis and Care

Dr Catherine Talbot is hosting the upcoming EquaDem Quarterly Network Event on the afternoon of 3rd September at Bournemouth Gateway Building. This free, in-person event brings together researchers, students, health and social care professionals, third-sector workers, and people with lived experience to explore how we can collectively reduce inequalities in dementia diagnosis and care.

The event will feature short presentations from Dr Gladys Yinusa, who will discuss how nutritional care can be tailored to support people with dementia and carers; Sue Warr from PramaLife, who will highlight the charity’s work delivering dementia awareness training and running local support groups; and, a public advisor researcher from the EquaDem Network, who will provide an update on their ongoing work.
Attendees will also take part in networking activities designed to spark discussion about solutions to address dementia inequalities.
Register your attendance for free here: Equadem Quarterly Network Event Bournemouth Tickets, Wednesday 3 September 2025 at 12:30 PM | Eventbrite

Are You a Veteran? Take Part in Research Here at BU!

Following our initial work last year, we’re excited to be launching the second phase of our research exploring the barriers and enablers for veterans seeking support for memory concerns and/or dementia.
One of the key findings from our initial research – which involved working with veterans living with dementia – was the difficulty in reaching and engaging veterans. That’s why we’re reaching out to BU staff: whether you’re a veteran yourself or connected to someone who is, we’d love your support.
More about the project: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/served

1. Join an In-Person Workshop

We’re running in-person workshops at BGB to co-create a short animated film that raises awareness of dementia and support for veterans. These sessions are open to all veterans – there is no expectation of personal experience with dementia or memory concerns to take part.
Workshop Dates (11am–2pm, including lunch/refreshments):
• Monday 11th August
• Tuesday 19th August

2. Take Our Short Survey

We’re also running a nationwide survey for veterans to gather broader insight. It takes just 5–10 minutes to complete, and we’d be very grateful if you could complete it and/or share it with others.
Survey link: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/served-survey
If you’re interested in taking part in our workshops, or know someone who might be, please contact Becky Dew at rdew@bournemouth.ac.uk for more information. Any help with this research would be gratefully received!

Interactive Tangible and Intangible Heritage Applications – BU student work featured in new book chapter

Publishing, REF Subjects, student research

SpringerNature: Interactive Media for Cultural Heritage At the beginning of July, the chapter Interactive Tangible and Intangible Heritage Applications Built on Real-Time Graphics Systems: Heritage Experiences in Desktop CG, Virtual and Augmented Reality by Eike Falk Anderson, Valery Adzhiev, Paul Cheetham, Glyn Hadley, David John, Catja Larsson, Ana-Maria-Cristina Ureche and Mario Romero was published in the volume Interactive Media for Cultural Heritage of the highly regarded Springer Series on Cultural Computing.

The chapter explores different types of interactive heritage experiences that can be built using modern computer games technologies, including museum exhibits, games and mobile apps, providing exemplars for heritage applications in the form of a set of case studies that encompass both tangible and intangible heritage.

Images from the projects described in the chapter. Among the featured case studies are three final year undergraduate student projects that were created at the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) during the 2021/2022 academic year: two projects by Catja Larsson and one project by Ana-Maria-Cristina Ureche. Both alumni co-authored the chapter, demonstrating once again the excellent quality of work produced by NCCA undergraduates.

Second paper for CMWH MRes student

PG research

Congratulations to Maryam Malekian, a MRes student in CMWH, who has just published her second paper as part of her integrated thesis in the highly respected journal Midwifery. Maryam’s paper reports her recently completed scoping review looking at knowledge and attitudes of nulliparous women regarding breastfeeding.

Malekian M, Irving M, Hundley V (2025) Factors associated with breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among non-pregnant, nulliparous women of reproductive age: A Scoping review. Midwifery, vol 148, September, 104511

The protocol was published earlier this year in MIDIRS Midwifery Digest. She has also presented this work at the Maternal, Parental and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Unit (MAINN) Conference in April.

Malekian M, Hundley V, Irving M. (2025) A scoping review protocol of factors influencing breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes among non-pregnant, nulliparous women of reproductive age. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 35, no 2, June, pp 179-182.

AI and Academic Identities: Navigating the Future

The RKEDF is excited to announce this ECRN seed funded event:

AI and Academic Identities: Navigating the Future
📅 Thursday, 18th July 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:15 PM
📍 FG06, Fusion Building, Bournemouth University

This interdisciplinary workshop explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping academic identity, challenging traditional roles in research, teaching, authorship, and professional development. Join us to reflect on what it means to be an academic in the age of AI and how to navigate these shifts with clarity and confidence.

Workshop aims:

  • Examine how AI is influencing the academic profession and the nature of scholarly work
  • Share cross-disciplinary perspectives and with me or Samreen experiences
  • Encourage open dialogue around ethical, practical, and professional implications
  • Consider how universities can support identity development in a tech-driven landscape

Click here for more information and to register your place.

(Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis)

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with mconsonirubio@bournemouth.ac.uk  or sashraf@bournemouth.ac.uk