Category / BU research

Social science research at BU – meeting TODAY at 2.30pm (PG11)

BU research

During the consultation on Faculty structures it became evident that there is an interest across the University in closer cross-Faculty collaboration amongst those whose work is based in or influenced by the social sciences. To this end, Prof. Barry Richards of FMC and Prof. Jonathan Parker of HSS are convening a meeting at 2.30 (note start time) on Tuesday 17th March (in PG11, Talbot Campus) to discuss cross-Faculty collaborations in social science-based research. There are already a number of such collaborative projects underway, and the aim of this meeting would be to explore the prospects for developing existing links and shared activities in a more strategic way. This could create new synergies, raise BU’s profile as a place where ‘4*’ social research and thought leadership can be found, and strengthen our hand in funding bids. It could also have implications for research organization and REF planning.

So if you are engaged in or planning some research which you think might benefit from an environment with stronger inter-Faculty links and a richer interdisciplinary context, or would just like to know more about SS research across BU, do put this meeting in your calendar.

For further details, please contact Prof. Barry Richards

Round 2 – 2015 BU PhD Studentship Competition – Now open for Project Proposals

BU research

The Graduate School is delighted to announce that Round 2 of the 2015 BU PhD Studentship Competition is now open for project proposals. There will be up to 15 studentships available for Matched Funded Projects only.

At this stage, Academic Staff are invited to submit proposals for studentship projects which, if successful, will be advertised to recruit PhD candidates for a January 2016 start.

Full details can be found on the Graduate School Staff Intranet

Submission Deadline:

Applications should be submitted on the Studentship Proposal form to the Graduate School – email: phdstudentshipcompetition@bournemouth.ac.uk) no later than 5pm on Monday 11 May 2015. Funding decisions will be made in line with the Studentship Policy within 3 weeks of the deadline.

General Enquiries:

Please email the Graduate School Team – graduateschool@bournemouth.ac.uk

Bournemouth University Computer Human Interaction (BUCHI) talks by Microsoft (Seattle, US) and University of Duisburg-Essen (Germany)

BU research, Fusion

Bournemouth University Computer Human Interaction (BUCHI) initiative received funding from the Fusion Investment Fund (Staff Mobility and Networking) to host two prestigious researchers who will deliver a talk on Tuesday, 17th March, 1pm. These two talks will take place in the Executive Business Centre (EB708) and will be free and open to all.

Our first speaker will be Jürgen Ziegler who is a full professor in the Department of Computer Science and Applied Cognitive Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.  Jürgen directs the Interactive Systems Research Group and will talk about “interactive recommending” i.e. increasing user control and transparency in recommender systems.

Our second speaker will be Stephen Giff who is the Head of User Experience (UX) Research and Design at Microsoft Advertising, Seattle, USA. Stephen will talk about “trust as a design problem”.

You can read the abstracts below for more details:

Interactive Recommending (Prof Jürgen Ziegler, University of Duisburg-Essen), 13.00-14.00

Recommender systems have come to play an important role in helping users search for information items or products of interest in very large information spaces. While algorithmic recommender techniques have reached a high level of maturity in recent years, they often fail to the support the situational needs of the user and typically lack user control and transparency, resulting in reduced effectiveness and trustworthiness. Interactive approaches to recommending aim at overcoming some of these issues, allowing users to express their preferences in a more flexible fashion and to control how recommendations are generated. In this talk, I will discuss the concept of interactive recommending and present some recent developments in our group that combine interactive filtering techniques with recommender algorithms.

Trust as a Design Problem (Stephen Giff, Microsoft), 14.00-15.00

To ensure anything more than superficial engagement with customers, an organization needs to establish and maintain trust. But trust is complex – it’s hard to build, and extremely easy to lose. In terms of trust in a software or online setting, there are three key factors that contribute to a decision to trust an organization, and decide to share data with them: (1) Role of Individual; (2) Role of Context; and Role of Experience. Designing for trust is a fairly straightforward problem if considered from an engineering and legal perspective – we need to protect user data, and notify what data is being gathered, and how it will be used. However, it is much more complex if considered from a human perspective – what data are users comfortable sharing, and in what context? When is the right moment to ask for data? What is the appropriate value exchange? How can we design experiences that are trustworthy? This talk will provide an overview of online trust factors as they relate to opt-in, and will recommend that instead of focusing on  technological and legal aspects of trust, the industry needs to pivot to focus on the user – ultimately viewing trust as a design problem to be addressed by a rigorous design process.

You can contact Dr Huseyin Dogan (hdogan@bournemouth.ac.uk) for more information about these two talks.

British Science Week: join us on Talbot for BU’s Science Tents!

BU research

To mark British Science Week (13th – 22nd March), BU is celebrating excellent examples of research taking place all across the university.  From 10am on Monday 16th March, students and staff will be able to participate in a range of hands on science activities run by BU’s academics, postgraduates and student societies.  This will include fingerprinting activities, face recognition and eye tracking activities, and even opportunities to participate in current research projects.

 

Over the course of the two days, staff and students will also have the opportunity to hear short talks from academics featured in the 2015 Bournemouth Research Chronicle which will be launched to coincide with British Science Week.  Featuring examples of research from all over the university, the BRC gives a small insight into some of the exciting work going on at BU, including improving nutrition in cancer survivors, reducing fatigue in people with MS and mapping auditory processes.

 

The research featured in the BRC has been published ‘open access’, meaning that unlike traditional models of academic publishing, it is freely available for anyone to read and use.  Open access is increasingly becoming a feature of academic life, and it’s exciting to see BU’s researchers are already taking the opportunity to share their work with a wider audience.  Staff from the Research Knowledge and Exchange Office will be on hand to answer any questions academics may have about open access after each talk

Events

Science Tent (semi-circle outside SportBU)

Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 March, 10am – 4pm

Students and staff will be able to participate in a range of hands on science activities run by BU’s academics, postgraduates and student societies.

16 March:

  • Janet Walker – Getting students involved in the research project of handling reproduction hand axes and seeing how males and females can handle different sizes. 10-16:00
  • Forensic Society – Fingerprint identities 10-16:00
  • Anna Bobak – Face recognition/Passport check 10- 16:00
  • Julie Kirkby & Abby Laishley– Mobile Eye tracking 10-13:00
  • Genoveva Esteban  – Microscopes and microbes 13:00-16:00

17 March:

  • Janet Walker – Getting students involved in the research project of handling reproduction hand axes and seeing how males and females can handle different sizes. 10-16:00
  • Genoveva Esteban  – Microscopes and microbes 10-16:00
  • Anna Bobak – Face recognition/Passport check 10-13:00

 

Short talks from academics featured in the 2015 Bournemouth Research Chronicle

Science Tent (semi-circle outside SportBU)

Talks: 16March
11:00 am – Andy Mullineux: Making banking fairer for the public
12:30 pm – Carrie Hodges and Wendy Cutts: Seen but Seldom Heard
1:00 pm – Peter Thomas and Sarah Thomas: Reduce fatigue in MS

Talks: 17March
11:00 am – Jane Murphy: Improving nutrition in cancer survivors
12:30 pm – Kevin McGhee: The genetics of psychiatric disorders
3:00 pm – Emili Balaguer-Ballester: Mapping auditory processing

 

Staff from the Research Knowledge and Exchange Office will be on hand to answer any questions academics may have about Open Access after each talk.

 

Please check back here to see further updates.

– See more at: http://blogs.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/2015/03/02/british-science-week-and-the-launch-of-the-bournemouth-research-chronicle/#sthash.Lc4LLkPd.dpuf

Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team: how have we been flying the KEIT for you?

BU research, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team

 

The Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team (fondly known to us as KEIT) is a relatively new team within RKEO.  KEIT is made up of an enthusiastic group of people working to ensure that BU’s research and  knowledge is informed by society for the benefit of society on a number of cross institutional projects such as the Festival of Learning and HEIF-5 funded initiatives, amongst many others!

 

The past month has been a busy one as Festival of Learning preparation kicks off in earnest.  Over 150 events have been submitted for this summer’s Festival (11th – 17th July), so there’s bound to be something for every taste and interest!  Excitingly, this year will feature a day dedicated to family activities, including a whole host of different interactive sessions, games and workshops.

 

This week also sees the launch of the 2015 Bournemouth Research Chronicle, an annual publication showcasing some of the excellent research going on at BU.  From 3D printing, to mapping auditory processing to improving nutrition in cancer survivors, our academics are involved in a variety of hugely exciting and potentially influential areas of research.  The BRC is just one of the ways that we make sure people beyond BU know about our work.

 

Another way we’re telling the world about our academic’s research is through the newly launched Research Photography Competition.  Around 50 academics and postgraduates have submitted photos, summing up the essence of their work.  Their creative and engaging images are a testament not just to their research skills, but also to their ability to explain their research in a new and innovative way.  Voting is open until 27th March, and the most popular images will form part of a photo exhibition on Talbot campus later in the year.  More details will follow!

 

Our student engagement programme continues to go from strength-to-strength, with a lively discussion at 14:Live following a presenting on Samuel Nyman’s dementia research, articles in the Rock and a feature on Nerve radio.  And if you’re on Talbot campus today, pop down to the semi-circle outside SportBU to try out some of our hands on science activities as part of British Science Week.  More details about the event can be found here.

 

Looking beyond our university community, KEIT has begun a new working partnership with Dorset Police.  It’s a fantastic opportunity to use our combined knowledge to target key issues for society.  If you know of anyone who would be interested in getting involved in our collaboration, please contact Rebecca Edwards for more information.

If you’re feeling inspired by our blog post and would like to get involved with some of our projects then feel free to get in touch:

–        Rebecca Edwards – Knowledge Exchange and Impact Manager

–        Rachel Bowen – Research Communications Manager

–        Rachel Clarke – Knowledge Exchange Adviser (KTP)

–        Jayne Codling – Knowledge Exchange Adviser

–        Naomi Kay – Public Engagement Officer

–        Harry Gibson – Public Engagement Events Organiser

–        Sam Squelch – Student Engagement Coordinator

To find out more about us and what we do, take a look at our team page.

Congratulations to Dr. Zulfiqar Khan and Hammad Nazir

BU research, Featured academics

A BIG congratulations to Dr. Zulfiqar Khan and Hammad Nazir for their recent publication which has made the most read articles list on the Taylor and Francis website. Dr. Zulfiqar Khan leads the  Sustainable Design Research Centre as Director. A recent REF2014 Panel feedback has identified Sustainable Design Research Group as having the highest proportion of outputs judged to be internationally excellent!

The publication ‘Modelling of Metal-Coating Delamination Incorporating Variable Environmental Parameters‘ in the Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology was written in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Salisbury. The research was co-funded by BU and Defence Science & Technology Laboratory Ministry of Defence, with in-kind support from The Tank Museum.

The article was published online on December 15th 2014, and is 4th on Taylor and Francis’ most read article list along with other articles published since 2012. To date, the article has been downloaded/viewed more than 300 times.

Evolving Research Clusters: Are You Interested?

BU research

Organised by Dr Carol Clark, the afternoon of the 4th February 2015 saw a group of academics from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, mostly physiotherapists, come together to discuss their research interests.  Professor Vanora Hundley facilitated the session providing food for thought around growing research entities and planning ahead.  Dr Zoë Sheppard finished up by summarising the challenges of research impact with an activity thinking through how the group’s research can make a difference.  Lisa Gale-Andrews was usefully on hand to take forward any arising research ideas and collaborations.  In an activity involving grouping research interests, it became clear that there were many shared interests where links could be made with existing groups and others that could potentially evolve into research ‘clusters’ in pain, public health, rehabilitation, education, and research methods.  

Thanks to the people who gave up their time to attend – Emma Hallewell, Colin Paterson, Rachael Bewes, Caroline Belchamber, Jonny Branney, Dr Simon Dyall, and Dr Judith Chapman.  Please get in touch with Lisa Gale-Andrews if you are interested in joining and growing one of these research ‘clusters’ so that she can put you in touch with the appropriate people – cross-Faculty links are also most welcome!  Finally, please get in touch if you are another interested group of academics working in the Faculty who would like to hold a similar session.

Impact Lunchtime Seminar with Andrew Harding on 18th March

BU research, Fusion, PG research, Uncategorized

Lunchtime Seminar on Wednesday 18th March in R207, 1 – 1.50pm

Research should make a difference, and as the Faculty’s strapline is ‘helping to make people’s lives better’, it is of relevance to us all. Our forthcoming Seminar series will showcase some of the excellent work of the Faculty to inspire other academics and PhD students.

No need to book, just turn up. Contact Zoe on zsheppard@bournemouth.ac.uk for more information.

Future Impact Seminar dates can be found by clicking on the link below.

Impact Seminar dates 2015

We look forward to seeing you there.

News from the Learning Research Group

BU research, Fusion, Publishing, REF Subjects

BU’s new Learning Research Group held its second workshop last week, so here is a quick update on activities so far since the group formed.

                

The group is convened by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and CEMP and meets in the CEL space with two objectives –

1. To bring people together for research into learning, pedagogy and education, related to the broader work of CEL;

2. To develop research strategically for a submission to the Unit of Assessment for Education in REF 2020.

Researchers in the group are working on projects and towards outputs in three related areas – Media and Digital Literacies; Practitioner Enquiry and (Higher) Education Dynamics. Impact case studies are in development in each of these areas and a strategy for capacity building, demonstrating impact and research environment has been produced.

In the first workshop, Professor Alex Kendall from Birmingham City University talked to the group about REF 2014 and gave advice for working across disciplines and faculty structures. In the second workshop, Julian shared sub-panel feedback with a focus on how BU’s research can be distinctive in the changing landscape, Isabella Rega ran a workshop activity to bring us together around research themes, methods and beneficiaries, and the group worked together to refine the plans for the group’s direction of travel, discussing development needs and targets for outputs and impact.  The next time we meet, we will be guided by Professor Becky Francis from KCL.

The learning research group will continue to do two things in tandem – work towards a REF submission and support the research element of CEL’s work. To get involved, contact julian@cemp.ac.uk or just come along to the next workshop (after Easter, date will be circulated on the research blog).

 

 

 

Apply for the Undergraduate Research Assistantship programme now!

BU research

On 1st March we announced the launch of the next round of the Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) programme and opened the call for applications for positions to run in summer 2015 (see Launch of the summer round of the BU URA programme). The deadline is fast approaching (20th March) so you will need to get your applications in soon (apply here).

Having a URA working with you has many benefits to both you and the student. These include:

  • Increased opportunity for co-creation between you and the student
  • Increased satisfaction for you and the student
  • Promotion of careers in academia and research to the student
  • Promotion of opportunities for postgraduate study to the student
  • The student will support you with your research

Picking up on this last point, this could include supporting you with undertaking a pilot study which could then be used to strengthen your application for external research funding. Typical duties of a URA include (but are not restricted to):

  • performing experiments and analysing the results
  • disseminating new knowledge orally or in written outputs
  • literature searches
  • presenting results at conferences
  • providing general research support to academics

You can apply for a URA position to run in summer 2015 by competing this short application form and submitting it by 20th March.

Vice-Chancellor PhD (Fee Waive) Scholarships

BU research, PG research

The Graduate School is delighted to announce the launch of the 2015 Vice-Chancellor Doctoral (Fee Waive) Scholarships (VC PhD Scholarships) which will offer support to up to 25 outstanding postgraduate research students (PGRs).

The VC PhD Scholarships will be awarded to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, have the support of their supervisory teams and are accepted by the relevant Faculty and UET.

Details of the Scholarships:

The VC PhD Scholarships will provide a full fee waive for up to 36 months, and exceptionally to a maximum of 48 months in the case of part-time candidates.  Fees will be charged after 36/48 months respectively.  To be clear about the ‘48 month exception’: this is included so that in some cases a sponsor or employer may continue to provide candidates with part-time employment, effectively releasing them for doctoral study part-time.  Please note these scholarships will only be allocated to part-time candidates in exceptional circumstances.  The Scholarships may NOT be used to support professional doctorates, current BU postgraduate research students, nor may they be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.

Stipends, to cover living expenses, are NOT included in the scholarship and candidates must demonstrate at application stage that they are able to support themselves as part of the application process.

It is up to the Faculty the number of Scholarships allocated.  Please speak to your Deputy Dean for Research & Professional Practice for guidance on the number that will be available for your Faculty.

For full details about the Scholarships, including Candidate Eligibility, Process and Timetable, please refer to the VC PhD Scholarship 2015 – Policy.

Prospective applicants should be directed to: https://research.bournemouth.ac.uk/pgr/vice-chancellor-phd-scholarships-2015/

Further information on VC PhD Scholarships can be found on the Graduate School Intranet.