BU Research Blog

2 October 2023

Panel Discussion on Research Challenges for Resilient and Responsible Collaborative Networks: Insights from Bournemouth University

BRIAN, Public engagement, Publishing lxu2012

Dr. Paul de Vrieze had the honor of serving as an international scientific expert in a panel discussion on “Research Challenges for Resilient and Responsible Collaborative Networks” at PRO-VE 2023, which took place on September 28, 2023. In collaboration with Dr. Lai Xu, Dr. de Vrieze shared insights into the scientific challenges surrounding resilient and responsible collaborative networks.

Scientific Panel of Research Challenges for Resilient and Responsible Collaborative Networks

Dr Paul de Vrieze as a International Scientific Expert for Scientific Panel of Research Challenges for Resilient and Responsible Collaborative Networks

Our research, conducted as part of the EU FIRST project, uncovered critical areas where businesses and organisations face challenges in adapting to the digital landscape. Despite the increasing digitisation of interactions and the transformation of informal collaborations into collaborative networks, SMEs still lack a comprehensive digital understanding and capability.

Our perspective on the scientific challenges in achieving more resilient and responsible collaborative networks includes:

How to effectively measure the resilience, execution, performance, and environmental impacts of collaborative networks?
Strategies for monitoring and enforcing invariants within collaborative networks.
Leveraging prediction and simulation techniques to enhance system quality.
Bridging the gap between laboratory-based collaborative networks and practical implementation.
Ensuring the security of collaborative networks in an increasingly digital world.

During the PRO-VE 2023 conference, Dr. de Vrieze also presented our work on “Securing Collaborative Networks: Requirements for Supporting Secured Collaborative Processes.” This research aims to address the vital need for securing collaborative processes within these dynamic networks.

22 September 2023

A catalyst for knowledge exchange at the CBI

Business Engagement, HEIF, Industry collaboration, innovation, Knowledge Exchange John Oliver

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) acts as the catalyst between industry and government to drive positive change in the UK economy. As such, they were an ideal partner to host an Executive Round Table event that examined the role of ‘leadership and strategic communications as twin pillars of business resilience’.

The HEIF project was run by Prof John Oliver (FMC) with nearly 30 senior executives attending the event from sectors of the UK economy that included aerospace, defence, management consulting, strategic communications, journalism,governance and policy.

Keynote presentations were given by Professor Lucy Kung, Strategic Advisor & Senior Research Associate, Oxford University, Professor John Oliver (BU), James Gater and Tom Sharpe OBE (Special Project Partners Ltd) and Juliet Eccleston (Chair, CBI Sharing Economy Council).

Professor Oliver said “many thanks the CBI for hosting our Executive Round Table discussion, the keynote speakers and an enthusiastic group of senior executives” whilst James Gater of commented that the “eclectic group made for a brilliant and thought-provoking discussion on leadership, nurturing the right culture as well as overcoming chronic underperformance through effective communications”.

8 September 2023

Emerging Leaders in Drowning Prevention: BU PhD student Shafkat Hossain

Awarded & submitted bids, conferences, international, PG research, Training Edwin van Teijlingen

Congratulations to BU’s PhD student Mr. Md. Shafkat Hossain who has been selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of the Emerging Leaders in Drowning Prevention programme. This programme has been designed to create a cohort of younger leaders to join national and international efforts to raise awareness and strengthen solutions and political commitment towards drowning. This programme is hosted by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and provides a unique opportunity for people like Shafkat to develop leadership skills in drowning prevention, and be a part of a global community working to reduce drowning deaths. This first group of Emerging Leaders includes people from Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Uganda, United States and Vietnam. Each Emerging Leader will be expected to participate in monthly sessions, both online and in person. The programme includes funding for Shafkat to attend the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Perth, Australia in December 2023 (wcdp2023.com/) and the World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion in Delhi, India in September 2024 (worldsafety2024.com/).

Shafkat’s PhD research focuses on aspects of the Human-Centred-Design element of the Sonamoni project. Bournemouth University and the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) jointly lead research into the prevention of children drowning deaths in Bangladesh. The project, called ‘Sonamoni’, is being coordinated by BU in collaboration with the University of the West of England, Bristol, the University of Southampton, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). We are working with CIPRB to reduce drownings among newly-mobile children, generally under two years old. This £1.6m project has been made possible thanks to a grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through their Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation programme. For more information, visit the NIHR website.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

CMWH

7 September 2023

Time for Something New?

Funding opportunities, Fusion, HEIF, innovation, international, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Transfer, PG research, R & KE Operations, REF Subjects wmorrison

Front image of The Diamond Sutra manuscript

The Diamond Sutra manuscript from Mogao Caves

It’s been a couple of months since I started in my new role as Knowledge Exchange Manager at BU and while I’ve been getting to know people and how things work, I’ve also been reflecting on something which has come up a lot – innovation. It’s something I’ve had a wonderful opportunity to work with across my career in the Higher Education sector and in Whitehall, and innovation is also important in my ongoing my research. Some people might think this is surprising considering my research focus is the Ancient Silk Road… however the ‘Library Cave’ in the Taklamakan Desert of Dunhuang, NW China (where my research is based) contained the first known, dated, (11th May, AD 868), printed book in the world – the Diamond Sutra – which tells you all you need to know!

Virtual books: images only – The Diamond Sutra: Introduction (bl.uk)

This academic year, as well as having the pleasure of working across all faculties, with a range of academics to enhance research knowledge exchange culture, capabilities and capacity, I am joining Professor Lee Miles and Assoc. Professor Elvira Bolat on the Knowledge Exchange Innovation Funding Panel (starting in September). Further details are to follow, so keep an eye on the Research Blog for announcements…

The way I see it, Bournemouth University has something unique to offer the world of Higher Education. How it has developed as an institution, has meant that is has a particularly creative, exploratory and applied perspective. This means that as an academic community we have the potentiality – the various elements which can be brought together – to generate some real innovation. So what exactly do I mean by innovation…what does it mean to me?

Innovation is one of those words that gets bandied about in Higher Education and in Government, but its meaning has almost become an anathema – it’s lost its true essence and joined the ranks of other words co-opted by frameworks and means of measuring, such as ‘impact’ and ‘evaluation’, to become something often considered as arduous ‘add-ons’ to research. But to me, innovation is not just doing something a little bit different to the way it’s usually done and trying to make it sound special. Innovation is something truly new.

So does this make it harder to do innovation in our research? Because in reality, we could choose not to innovate. We could just do things the way they have always been done; stay nice and safe without taking any calculated risks, not challenge the status quo and forget about the creative, lively, curious, experimental, exploratory, and adventurous parts of our minds, hearts and lives.

Universities exist because of all these aspects of who we are. They are places to not only meditate on the great questions in our hearts and minds about the world we live in, what it is to be human, and how to go beyond limitations, but also to have the space to play, explore, discuss and put our answers to the test. In other words we have the opportunity to really see things anew, the way they have never been thought of, seen or done before, even when it feels both risky, and exciting. Innovation is the juice that drives us as researchers.

So where is she going with this? I hear you say…

Well, doing things differently is a risk worth taking, because the result, if it is successful, could make a real difference. The important factor in my mind is to remember that research is the foundation, and the checks and measures are only a means of sharing them to benefit the institution as a whole – which means sustainability for our research going forward and recognition of our work and efforts to make a difference in the world. Innovation in research helps to create the structure of Higher Education, it offers us the space to explore, muse, and collaborate with others who are as passionate about research and discovery as we are, inside, and outside of the University.

However, when doing research and deciding it’s time to bring our innovative ideas, materials, development, technology, way of seeing the world, interpretation, or story, to the light

Wild Rhododendrons in Kashmir – by Major Edward Molyneux

of day, taking a moment to reflect is important. It is human nature that people may think of similar answers or solutions to certain problems. It’s important to check that an idea really is innovative. To ask if it truly is new, and not just a little different from something someone else has done somewhere else in the UK, or in the world. It’s less common than you might think that two people can come up with the same entirely new and brilliant idea at the same time. Look at Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace – and if you want to take an actual look at the co-emergent development of the theory of natural selection by these two biologists, here’s a link to a discussion from Berkley, University of California.

Natural Selection: Charles Darwin & Alfred Russel Wallace – Understanding Evolution (berkeley.edu)

Innovation is brought to life by us and the research that inspires us. Once we have generated a research outcome that is new, publish, take on a proof-of-concept opportunity, trial or pilot it…all of these options offer a chance for us to check, tweak, discover something we weren’t expecting, or prove to ourselves that we’ve got something truly innovative to share with the world.

As well as my Knowledge Exchange role, I keeping going with my research independently – and with a young family I’m not saying it doesn’t have its challenges – but researchers do what we do because we love it. We are passionate about our subject, our questions and what we can do to bring new knowledge and ideas into being through our work, and to share and exchange this. Even when hitting an inspiration slump, something, somehow, always lights the fire again, and again, and again…even when we fail. No failure, no learning, and no learning, nothing new.

https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/bournemouth-university-ranked-in-top-7-of-universities-globally-in-times-higher-education-the-impact-rankings/

At BU we have an opportunity to bring our innovative research to life – so whether you’ve got something you’ve come up with from your research that is ready to roll, or you’ve got the seed of something creative, exploratory or ‘not quite formed or acceptable because it doesn’t follow the rules, but you always felt it might be completely awesome‘, that’s been hidden away in the bottom drawer of your mind while you get on with the ‘real work’ – stop ignoring it and come and have a chat with me in the Fusion Café, you can usually find me working there on a Monday; or drop a message in my inbox or Teams chat wsmorrison@bournemouth.ac.uk

Links to give context and inspiration for Innovation:

A UKRI template for a brilliant approach to creating powerful Research Resumes, rather than the traditional CV, which evidences a wider range of skills and experience for individuals and teams for applying for UKRI funding opportunities:

Résumé for Research and Innovation (R4RI) guidance – UKRI

UKRI-210223-ResumeResearchInnovationTemplate2023.docx (live.com)

Industry and Innovation at the Royal Society, Supporting innovation, promoting collaboration and recognising innovative scientists, including some case studies: Industry and innovation | Royal Society

An interesting post on the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ from the World Economic Forum ‘Why the Arts and Humanities are Crucial to the Future of Tec’; inspiring us to collaborative insight and research:

Why the arts and humanities are key to the future of tech | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
…and a useful reference on innovation in the arts from a developing research funding proposals perspective:
Innovation in the Arts: Concepts, Theories, and Practices – 1st Editio (routledge.com)

Back to basics with the R&D People and Culture Strategy from Whitehall, take a look for things you don’t expect, like information on public dialogue, community-led research and innovations, research leadership and talent: R&D People and Culture Strategy (publishing.service.gov.uk)

And if you are interested in funding social innovation like Climate Resilience or Equality research, have you seen the Global Innovation Fund? There are calls for bids and consultancy calls advertised in their News section. Worth a look even for the brilliant dancing on the current home-page!:

Global Innovation Fund | Improving lives through social innovation

…and if going global with your research is new for you, you can always discuss your ideas and questions with the BU Global Engagement Team GlobalBU@bournemouth.ac.uk.

3 September 2023

Revolutionising Industries: The Significance, Impacts, and Reliability of Nanocoatings

Info Days, innovation, writing Zulfiqar Khan

Introduction:

Nanocomposite coatings, a ground-breaking development in materials science, have emerged as a transformative force across various industries. These coatings, with their unique properties and applications, hold immense promise for enhancing performance, reducing maintenance costs, and addressing critical global challenges. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the key significance of nanocoatings in a range of industries, their substantial impacts, and their reliability [1–4]. Furthermore, we explore how Professor Zulfiqar Khan is collaborating with generative AI and predict the potential benefits of this partnership for industry and contributions to new knowledge. This narrative aims to influence UK science and technology policy, attract funding, and foster new partnerships to drive innovation and competitiveness.

The Multifaceted Significance of Nanocoatings:

Nanocoatings in Cavitation and Beyond:

Nanocomposite coatings have brought transformative advantages to industries grappling with issues such as cavitation, corrosion, tribology, and fluid dynamics. They provide enhanced protection and resilience in the face of harsh operational conditions, including extreme temperatures, high pressures, corrosive environments, and minimal lubrication. The significance of nanocoatings lies in their ability to extend the lifespan and reliability of vital components and systems across multiple sectors.

Nanocoatings Addressing Global Challenges:

Industries today are confronted with pressing global challenges, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, and system durability. Nanocoatings offer innovative solutions to these challenges by optimising surfaces and interfaces through surface modifications and coatings. They play a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency, ensuring the reliability of systems, and promoting sustainability. These benefits are invaluable in the context of UK science and technology policy, which emphasises the transition to greener technologies and sustainable practices.

The Impact of Nanocoatings:

Academic and Industrial Benefits:

The development and application of nanocoatings have not only enriched academic research but have also provided tangible industrial advantages. Researchers worldwide are actively engaged in studying several types of nanocomposites to create durable and energy-efficient coatings. This collaboration between academia and industry fosters innovation, encourages knowledge exchange, and accelerates the adoption of innovative technologies. It aligns with the UK’s vision of becoming a leader in innovation and technology development.

Experimental Advancements:

Professor Khan’s work exemplifies the impact of nanocoatings on the industry. His experiments with alumina, silicon carbide, zirconia, and graphene nanocomposite coatings have displayed their robustness under different conditions, including exposure to seawater. Such empirical evidence guides industry practitioners in selecting the right coatings for their specific applications, reducing maintenance costs, and ensuring system reliability.

III. Reliability of Nanocoatings:

Advanced Modelling and Predictive Tools:

One key aspect of nanocoatings’ reliability lies in the advanced modelling and predictive tools developed by researchers like Professor Khan. His cathodic blistering model (Khan-Nazir I) [5] and coating failure model (Khan-Nazir II) [6] offer a deeper understanding of coating behaviour under stress, wear, and corrosion. These models enable precise predictions of coating performance, which is crucial for industries seeking dependable solutions.

Lubrication Modelling:

Furthermore, lubrication modelling, which incorporates wear-corrosion and mechano-wear equations, investigates the influence of microstructural properties like porosity and surface stresses on the coefficient of friction (CoF). This is vital in ensuring the reliability of systems operating under various conditions, as reduced friction leads to increased durability.

Collaboration with Generative AI:

Harnessing AI for Materials Discovery:

Professor Zulfiqar Khan’s collaboration with generative AI represents an exciting frontier in materials science. Generative AI can accelerate materials discovery by simulating and predicting the behaviour of nanocomposite coatings with unmatched speed and accuracy. By leveraging AI, researchers can design coatings tailored to specific industry needs, further enhancing their reliability and performance.

Predicted Benefits and Contributions:

Industry Advancements:

The partnership between Professor Khan and generative AI holds the promise of revolutionising industries. Predictive modelling and AI-driven materials discovery will enable the creation of coatings that are not only more reliable but also more cost-effective to produce. This will stimulate innovation, reduce downtime, and boost competitiveness across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing.

Contribution to New Knowledge:

The collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to new knowledge in materials science, computational modelling, and AI-driven materials discovery. This research can inform policy decisions and attract funding for initiatives aimed at harnessing AI for materials development. As the UK government seeks to position the nation as a global innovation hub, investments in cutting-edge research of this nature will be pivotal.

Influencing UK Science & Technology Policy:

Nurturing Technological Leadership:

To influence UK science and technology policy, it is imperative to underscore the role of nanocoatings and AI-driven materials discovery in nurturing technological leadership. Emphasising the potential economic and environmental benefits of these innovations can encourage policymakers to prioritise investments in research and development.

Supporting Sustainable Practices:

Aligning nanocoatings with the UK’s sustainability goals is crucial. Highlighting how these coatings enhance the sustainability and reliability of systems can resonate with policymakers keen on promoting sustainable practices and technologies.

VII. Forging Partnerships:

It is essential to articulate the transformative impact of nanocoatings and AI collaborations on industry and the potential for significant contributions to knowledge. Presenting a clear roadmap for how investments will yield tangible results can attract the attention of funding bodies interested in fostering innovation.

Industry-Academia Synergy:

Lastly, forging partnerships between academia and industry is fundamental. Collaborations that integrate academic research with industry needs can ensure that innovations like nanocoatings find practical applications and drive economic growth.

In conclusion, nanocomposite coatings represent a pivotal advancement with far-reaching significance and impacts across industries. Professor Zulfiqar Khan’s collaboration with generative AI holds immense promise for further enhancing their reliability and performance. This partnership aligns with UK science and technology policy objectives, attracting funding and fostering collaborations that will drive innovation and competitiveness, positioning the UK as a global leader in materials science and technology.

Acknowledgement: This article is written in collaboration with GAI.

References

[1] Nazir, M.H.; Khan, Z.A.; Saeed; Bakolas, V.; Braun,W.; Bajwa, R. Experimental analysis and modelling for reciprocating wear behaviour of nanocomposite coatings. Wear 2018, 416, 89–102. [CrossRef]

[2] Nazir, M.H.; Khan, Z.A.; Saeed, A.; Siddaiah, A.; Menezes, P.L. Synergistic wear-corrosion analysis and modelling of nano composite coatings. Tribol. Int. 2018, 121, 30–44. [CrossRef]

[3] Abdeen, D.H.; El Hachach, M.; Koc, M.; Atieh, M.A. A Review on the Corrosion Behaviour of Nanocoatings on Metallic Substrates. Materials 2019, 12, 210. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

[4] Nazir, M.H.; Khan, Z.A.; Saeed, A.; Bakolas, V.; Braun,W.; Bajwa, R.; Rafique, S. Analyzing and Modelling the Corrosion Behavior of Ni/Al2O3, Ni/SiC, Ni/ZrO2 and Ni/Graphene Nanocomposite Coatings. Materials 2017, 10, 1225. [CrossRef]

[5] Nazir, M.H.; Khan, Z.A.; Saeed, A.; Stokes, K. A model for cathodic blister growth in coating degradation using mesomechanics approach. Mater. Corros. 2016, 67, 495–503. [CrossRef]

[6] Nazir, M.H.; Khan, Z.A. A review of theoretical analysis techniques for cracking and corrosive degradation of film-substrate systems. Eng. Fail. Anal. 2017, 72, 80–113. [CrossRef]

1 September 2023

Bournemouth University’s top 13 scholars

Delicious links, Fusion themes, international Edwin van Teijlingen

This week Research.com, a leading academic platform for researchers, finished releasing the 2023 rankings of best scientists and universities in the world across all major scientific disciplines. Click here for a quick summary of how Bournemouth University stood in these rankings.

Congratulations go to 13 BU scholars who are listed in this world ranking! Top of the list is Professor Dimitrios Buhalis!

The single largest group of six BU academics belonged to ‘Ecology & Evolution’, two scholars are based in ‘Environmental Science’ and one each fit into six other individual scientific disciplines.

30 August 2023

Dedicated to drowning prevention in Bangladesh

international Edwin van Teijlingen

Today we held the first International Advisory Group for the Sonamoni project. Sonamoni is a BU research project with CIPRB (the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh) which aims to design and develop interventions to reduce the number of young children drowning in Bangladesh. The public health project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through its Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation programme. For more information, visit the NIHR website.

We are grateful to the members of our International Advisory Board for volunteering to do this important work. We were struck by the dedication of the international team members this morning. We especially admire the International Advisory Board member who was online at 21.00 local time in Australia and even more perhaps our member in Canada for whom the local time was 3.00 in the morning.

Sonamoni is being coordinated by Bournemouth University in collaboration with the University of the West of England, Bristol, the University of Southampton, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). This project, with Prof. Dr. Aminur Rahman as Bangladesh lead, includes a BU-based PhD project. The interdisciplinary team at Bournemouth University covers three faculties through: Dr. Mavis Bengtsson, Dr. Kyungjoo Cha, Dr. Mehdi Chowdhury, Dr. Yong Hun Lim, Mr. John Powell, and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen.

8 August 2023

New midwifery interdisciplinary paper

innovation, international, open access, writing Edwin van Teijlingen

Congratulations to Dr. Laura Iannuzzie in the Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH) on the publication of her latest paper ‘Exploring the Role of Birth Environment on Italian Mothers’ Emotional Experience during Childbirth‘ [1].This new paper is co-written with Italian architects and organisational psychologists. It is the third publication by this interdisciplinary team [2-3].

This latest publication investigates mothers’ perceptions of spatial-physical humanization, affective quality of place, and emotions during childbirth. To achieve this goal, the first part of our work was dedicated to selecting two birth environments (hospital and birth centre) with different degrees of humanization. The rectangular hospital layout is in the drawing above and the circular birth centre layout is shown below (both drawing are from the published paper [1]). The team’s research methods include observations and field survey which mainly concerned the environmental quality of the spaces and the layout of the birth unit, and self-report questionnaire about perceived environment, affective quality attributed to place, and delivery experience. Participants are 66 low-risk women, choosing to give birth in hospital or a birth centre. The findings indicate an enhanced perception of both the spatial-physical aspects and the social and functional aspects of the care unit among mothers who give birth at the birth centre. These same mothers also reported a more positive perception of the childbirth experience. The paper offer greater insight into the role of birth environments in shaping mothers’ emotional experiences during childbirth.

Well done

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

CMWH

Reference:

Migliorini, L., Setola, N., Naldi, E., Rompianesi, M.C., Iannuzzi, L., Cardinali, P. (2023) Exploring the Role of Birth Environment on Italian Mothers’ Emotional Experience during Childbirth. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(15):6529. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20156529
Setola, N., Naldi, E., Cocina, G.G., Eide, L.B., Iannuzzi, L., Daly, D. (2019) The Impact of the Physical Environment on Intrapartum Maternity Care: Identification of Eight Crucial Building Spaces. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 12: 67–98.
Setola, N., Iannuzzi, L., Santini, M., Cocina, G. G., Naldi, E., Branchini, L., Morano, S., Escuriet Peiró, R., Downe, S. (2018). Optimal settings for childbirth. Minerva ginecologica, 70(6): 687–699. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0026-4784.18.04327-7

4 August 2023

RED-Research & Enterprise Database

Post-award Katerina Kakaounaki

This session is aimed at all academics to provide an overview of the Research & Enterprise Database, including how to access the system, the information available to view, budget management via RED, and how to use RED to identify your supporting pre and post award officers.

The first, online session is on Tuesday 12th September, 15:30-16:00 and it will be repeated on a monthly basis.

You can find a suitable date and book your space here Int roduction to RED

For any queries regarding this workshop, please contact Alex Morrison Post Award Programme Manager morrisona@bournemouth.ac.uk

3 August 2023

An Interview of BU-lead EU H2020 FIRST project published in “Horizon”, the EU Research & Innovation Magazine

Industry collaboration, innovation, international lxu2012

Recently, Dr. Lai Xu, the joint coordinator Dr. Paul de Vrieze of the EU H2020 FIRST (Virtual Factories: Interoperation supporting Business Innovation) project, was featured in an interview by Horizon, the EU Research & Innovation Magazine. The interview-related article and a concise video have been published.

The FIRST project, which concluded in December 2022 after a six-year duration, was a substantial undertaking with a budget of 1.2 million Euros and involved eight international partners. It aimed to address the challenges associated with constructing a virtual factory using existing Industry 4.0 frameworks and standards. The project not only explored potential business innovations for manufacturing products, such as integrating business and manufacturing processes for customized products, but also for manufacturing services, like virtual maintenance services.

The scope of the project extended beyond enhancing manufacturing efficiency and empowering SMEs. It also focused on safeguarding the future of European manufacturing by preventing the theft of advanced technologies. The consortium driving the FIRST project is comprised of partners with robust expertise in computer science and information systems, some of whom possess mechanical engineering proficiency. Additionally, the consortium includes two software vendors from Germany and China, along with a traditional manufacturing facility.

24 July 2023

World Drowning Prevention Day Bournemouth University

international, PG research Edwin van Teijlingen

Worldwide drowning has caused over 2.5 million deaths in the last decade. The overwhelming majority of these deaths (90%) happen in low-middle-income countries. Globally, the highest drowning rates occur among children aged 1–4 years.

To mark this year’s World Drowning Prevention Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is raising awareness of drowning interventions such as teaching school-age children basic swimming water safety and safe rescue skills. Drowning is a public health issue, through their World Drowning Prevention Day campaign, WHO will be reminding people that: “Anyone can drown, but no one should.”

In Bangladesh, drowning is the leading cause of death in children over the age of one. Globally, the country has one of the highest rates of drowning, especially among children. Additionally, the risk of drowning in rural areas is twice as likely in comparison to cities. Some of the reasons for this are due to access to hazards, e.g., because there are a significant number of ponds and ditches, creating natural drowning hazards for very young children.

Bournemouth University and the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) jointly have received funding for research into the number of children drowning deaths in Bangladesh. The project, called ‘Sonamoni’, is being coordinated by Bournemouth University in collaboration with the University of the West of England, Bristol, the University of Southampton, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). We are working with CIPRB to reduce drownings among newly-mobile children, generally under two years old. The project, with Prof. Dr. Aminur Rahman as Bangladesh lead, includes a PhD project by BU’s Mr. Shafkat Hossain. Shafkat’s thesis focuses on aspects of the Human-Centred-Design element of the Sonamoni project.

This £1.6m project has been made possible thanks to a grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through their Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation programme. For more information, visit the NIHR website.

The interdisciplinary team at Bournemouth University cover three faculties supported by the following academics: Dr. Mavis Bengtsson, Dr. Kyungjoo Cha, Dr. Mehdi Chowdhury, Dr. Yong Hun Lim, Mr. John Powell, and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH)

17 July 2023

BU PhD student presents at Royal Life Saving Society event in London

conferences, international, PG research, Public engagement Edwin van Teijlingen

FHSS PhD student Md. Shafkat Hossain was invited last week to speak at the event’Accelerating Action on Global Drowning Prevention’ in London. On the 12th July the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) hosted a meeting on 12 July at Marlborough House, home of the Commonwealth Secretariat. This event was a partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and included presentations from Dr David Meddings, Drowning Prevention Lead at the World Health Organization. Our PhD student Md Shafkat Hossain presented in the event, which was well attended by staff from various High Commissions in London, representatives from the NIHR Global Health Research Programme, UNICEF, the Ministry of Health and Social Care, the International Maritime Organisation.

Shafkat spoke about Bangladesh’s experience of and contribution to drowning prevention. He introduced the NIHR-funded Sonamoni project with the title ‘Prevention of drowning for under-2 years old in Bangladesh’. The Sonamoni project has been made possible thanks to a grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through their Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation programme. For more information, visit the NIHR website. Bournemouth University (BU) is the joint lead organisation for the project with Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) with as key partners the RNLI, the University of West of England, and the University of Southampton. BU’s involvement spans three faculties, namely the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science & Technology and the Bournemouth University Business School.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH)

28 June 2023

Ageing and Dementia Research Forum – 29th June – Digital Health Coaching DIALOR

Fusion themes, Knowledge Exchange mheward

Details of the next ADRC ageing and dementia research forum are listed below. The forum is an opportunity for staff and PhD students to get together to chat about research and share experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Specific topics are discussed but there is also time for open discussion to mull over aspects of research such as project ideas and planning, ethical considerations and patient and public involvement.

Date, time, and campus

Research areas

29th June 2023

15.00-15.45

BG601, Bournemouth Gateway

Lansdowne Campus

‘Digital health coaching for older people with frailty in Wessex (DIALOR) ’Rachel Christie

If you would like to discuss your research ideas at a future meeting, please email Michelle mheward@bournemouth.ac.uk

We look forward to seeing you there.

Ageing and Dementia Research Centre

18 June 2023

Hampshire Constabulary and Bournemouth University Team Collaboration: Blue Light App

BU Challenges, innovation, Public engagement fadedoyin

Police officers often work long, unsocial hours in a highly pressurised environment and may experience difficulties managing their health and well-being. Their jobs can be highly stressful and have unusual working hours and multiple shift patterns. When we think of the policing environment of today, many roles that were previously the domain of warranted officers are now carried out by non-warranted police staff equivalents. These police staff roles are relatively new to policing but put staff under some of the same stresses as police officers.

A research project affirmed that the working environment for officers makes it harder for those affected to make healthy choices. The problem not only includes thinking of a solution to help manage personalised risk issues, but also ensuring it won’t be intrusive for users during and outside of work.

Hampshire Constabulary is collaborating with the team at BU to investigate technologies that could be used to improve health and well-being and research how these technologies could be used to measure and track health behaviour change. A multi-disciplinary project team has been assembled to work on this project. Working with Dr Huseyin Dogan (Principal Investigator), Dr Festus Adedoyin and Professor Nan Jiang from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Jane Murphy and Dr Andy Pulman from the Faculty of Health and Social Science as well as representatives from Hampshire Constabulary.

This project has developed and launched a fully functioning application (HantsPolHealth App) monitoring the members of the force’s health and well-being. This application is available in Android and iOS formats. Going forward, the App has been updated with new features covering shift patterns, financial well-being, and good mental health, and considerations are in place for its use by other blue light forces. Additionally, longitudinal usability data will be collected with the continuous use of the App. This demonstrates the potential expansion of the project and longer-term use by the funder.

As part of the collaboration effort, Dr Festus Adedoyin from Bournemouth University attended the 2023 Families Day event hosted by Hampshire Constabulary to explore further partnerships, funding, and collaboration.

21 March 2023

BU Research Funding Panels 23 – Call for Chair & Deputy Chairs, Reopening Call

Fusion, HEIF, Industry collaboration, Knowledge Exchange, PG research, Public engagement zafzal

Expressions of interest invited for Chair and Deputy Chairs of BU’s Research Funding Panels

***DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 14^th APRIL 2023***

We are seeking expressions of interest (EoIs) for Chair and Deputy Chair of the new funding panels:

Studentship Funding Panel
Research Development Funding Panel
Knowledge Exchange & Innovation Funding Panel

Applications from underrepresented groups (women, minority ethnic, declared disability) are particularly welcome.

What are the Research Funding Panels?

These are the new, agile and responsive way that internal funds for projects that support Doctoral Studentships, Research Development, and Knowledge Exchange and Innovation will be managed at BU from August 2023.

Why should I apply to be a Chair or Deputy Chair? What’s in it for me?

Being a Chair or Deputy Chair of a funding panel means that you are involved in making important decisions about applications for funding. This means you need to be able to evaluate applications fairly and be able to express your thoughts about them effectively in meetings and via feedback. You will be directly involved in the process and therefore helping to ensure that internal funding at BU is used for projects that will have real world impact. It’s also a great opportunity to engage with colleagues from across the faculties.

Chair and Deputy Chair further information:

Eligibility is as follows: EoIs from full members of the Professoriate for the posts of Chair and from Associate Professors and Professors for the posts of Deputy Chair.

These posts are very important to the running of the panels you will be chairing meetings, ensuring that decision-making is fair and robust. As such, we require applicants to these posts to have some experience of chairing meetings, sound knowledge of the panels area and a keen desire to lead the research and knowledge exchange agenda across the university. There won’t be huge demands on your time, but you will be required to read and review multiple applications and there will be occasions when you may need to respond swiftly to requests to amend uses of funds.

Sounds like it could be interesting. How do I apply?

EoIs for the Chair or Deputy Chair roles should consist of a case (maximum length of one page) outlining your suitability for the role. Please outline your experience, your understanding of agenda and anything else you feel relevant.

These should be submitted to the relevant panel mailbox by the deadline of 4.30pm 14^th April 2023. Please ensure your EoI clearly states whether you are applying for the Chair or Deputy Chair position.

Studentship Funding Panel – DoctoralCollege@bournemouth.ac.uk

Research Development Funding Panel – ResearchDevelopmentFund@bournemouth.ac.uk

Knowledge Exchange & Innovation Funding Panel – KEandInnovationFund@bournemouth.ac.uk

12 March 2023

Professor Dimitrios Buhalis contributes on the Impact of ChatGPT to tourism marketing

Business Engagement dbuhalis

Professor Dimitrios Buhalis contributes on the Impact of ChatGPT to tourism marketing

CUTTING EDGE PAPER ON ChatGPT with key colleagues and examples from KALAMATA and BOURNEMOUTH 🙂

“So what if ChatGPT wrote it?” Multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities, challenges and implications of generative conversational AI for research, practice and policy

International Journal of Information Management, Vol. 71, 102642,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102642

#chatgpt #artificialintelligence #AI #marketing #technology

16 February 2023

SaferKids VR launch

Awarded & submitted bids, Fusion, Industry collaboration, innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Transfer shodge

Before the pandemic, local school children had a local facility near Wallisdown called SafeWise. SafeWise supported children learning about keeping safe and in particular road safety. However, during the pandemic this facility closed, leaving children without such an important resource. In collaboration with Colin Parnell from Centre VR, Dr Sarah Hodge (from the Department of Psychology) was awarded a bid by Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council to develop a VR simulation/game about road safety skills; SaferKids VR.

The educational simulation/game was designed and created, with an interdisciplinary team, including psychologists, and game developers and programmers. The team of game developers and programmers, consisted of two BU graduates Sam Walsh and Josh Maddocks, as well as Andrew Ham. Since graduating from his Masters degree, Sam has led the team on the SaferKids VR development.

Within SaferKids VR, there was the creation of SKIE: Safer Kids Interactive Expert (robot pictured above). SKIE supports the player in VR, navigating the friendly real-life interactive virtual world and achieving learning goals and road safety skills. In the United States, every year, thousands of people are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. You can read this article to know what to do if you ever get into an accident.

Schools can sign up for their pupils to be involved.

For more information on the project please see the link https://centrevr.co.uk/saferkidsvr/ or contact shodge@bournemouth.ac.uk

10 January 2023

NIHR Bulletin

Funding opportunities, NHS Louise Ward

RDS NEWS

RDS Blog: Researcher, adviser, committee member – we’re all on the same side
The RDS blog this month looks at the many hats that our RDS advisers wear to support you develop the best application for submission to NIHR funding programmes. Find out more.

NIHR News

NIHR publishes its 2021-22 Annual Report
The NIHR has published its annual report and accounts, highlighting milestones and achievements during 2021/22. Find out more.

eBulletins and Newsletters

CRN West of England – AcoRD Specialist Update

NIHR ARCs Your Path in Research: January 2023, New Year Special

NIHR Evidence: December 2022

NIHR News and Research: December 2022

Funding Opportunities

Latest NIHR funding calls

Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme
22/564 Evaluating the Efficacy of Metformin in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HSDR) Programme
22/563 Evaluating new models of care for children and young people with excess weight and related complications

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme
23/1 Health Technology Assessment Programme researcher-led (primary research)
23/2 Health Technology Assessment Programme researcher-led (evidence synthesis)
23/3 NIHR NICE rolling call (HTA Programme)
23/4 NIHR James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnerships rolling call (HTA Programme)
23/6 Motor Neurone Disease (HTA Programme)

Public Health Research (PHR) Programme
Health Determinant Research Collaborations (HDRCs) – webinar on 1 February

Your local branch of the NIHR RDS (Research Design Service) is based within the BU Clinical Research Unit (BUCRU) should you need help with your application. We advise on all aspects of developing an application and can review application drafts as well as put them to a mock funding panel (run by RDS South West) known as Project Review Committee, which is a fantastic opportunity for researchers to obtain a critical review of a proposed grant application before this is sent to a funding body or if you’re hoping to resubmit the panel can provide some excellent tips and feedback.

Contact us as early as possible to benefit fully from the advice

Feel free to call us on 01202 961939 or send us an email.

Category / Digital and technological futures

Panel Discussion on Research Challenges for Resilient and Responsible Collaborative Networks: Insights from Bournemouth University

A catalyst for knowledge exchange at the CBI

Time for Something New?

Revolutionising Industries: The Significance, Impacts, and Reliability of Nanocoatings

Bournemouth University’s top 13 scholars

New midwifery interdisciplinary paper

RED-Research & Enterprise Database

An Interview of BU-lead EU H2020 FIRST project published in “Horizon”, the EU Research & Innovation Magazine

Hampshire Constabulary and Bournemouth University Team Collaboration: Blue Light App

BU Research Funding Panels 23 – Call for Chair & Deputy Chairs, Reopening Call

Professor Dimitrios Buhalis contributes on the Impact of ChatGPT to tourism marketing

SaferKids VR launch

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