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AWE: Augmented Wildlife Experiences – Gaining traction

HEIF

We’re excited to share updates about our groundbreaking Augmented Wildlife Experiences (AWE) project created by a team of academics from the Department of Life and Environmental Science. The project uses digital technology to create immersive experiences along walking trails, helping people connect with nature in new and meaningful ways while supporting their well-being. Wildlife sounds, camera trap footage, and educational information are accessible on our custom-built website, www.awetrails.co.uk.

BU HEIF funding allowed us to complete our proof-of-concept trail at Holton Lee, owned by Shaftesbury Millie College – by Livability. Over the past months, we have actively shared our work and built connections with diverse audiences. Various organisations have asked us to develop an AWE trail on their lands to enhance their public engagement activities.

Sharing Our Vision

On the 11th of November, Amanda Korstjens and Anastasia Vayona presented AWE for BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, titled: “Augmented Wildlife Experiences (AWE) trails to support nature connection”. The talk reflected on the challenges faced during the setup of the first trail at Holton Lee, located on private land with restricted access owned by Shaftesbury Millie College – by Livability, compared to the unique opportunities and issues anticipated with new trails being established on public land. We also discussed how AWE can be a tool to allow less mobile people to immerse themselves in local nature online.

Join us for more public events:

January 14th 2025 Webinar for Bournemouth Natural Sciences Society: “Using IT to make wildlife trails more interesting and accessible – Augmented Wildlife Experiences ( AWE) trails to support nature connection”.

In February, 14-23rd 2025, as part of “A Heathland Celebration” exhibition at the Gallery Upstairs in Upton Country Park (led by Julia Jennings), we will hold a panel discussion.

June 3rd, 2025, we will showcase AWE at Café Scientifique with Bournemouth University’s Public Engagement team. In a relaxed setting, we’ll explore how AWE merges conservation with technology.

Building Momentum

  • Anastasia Vayona submitted a British Academy small grants proposal, seeking to test the effectiveness of AWE enhancements in promoting nature connectedness.
  • AWE now proudly includes six talented students from diverse disciplines, whose fresh perspectives and skills are driving the project forward. This SERT (Student Environmental Research Team) started planning and shaping our second trail in November 2024 (funded by departmental QR funding). The Talbot Woods trail is a collaboration with Martha Searle from Talbot Village Trust. Get in touch if you would like to contribute.

AWE is a collaborative multi-disciplinary project led by BU academics working with local organisations Dorset Electrical Solutions, Shaftesbury Millie College, and Talbot Village Trust.

With these activities and accomplishments, AWE is paving the way for a future where technology and conservation work hand in hand.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us at www.awetrails.co.uk

Introducing AWE project: nature trails augmented with digital technology

HEIF

We are thrilled to introduce the Augmented Wildlife Experiences (AWE) project. Our mission is to transform traditional nature trails into fun, educational adventures that capture visitors of all ages.

HEIF funding and QR funding have allowed us to set up and test our first proof of concept trail at Holton Lee.

 

What is AWE?

AWE integrates QR codes along a wildlife trail that unlock multimedia content bringing the story of local flora and fauna to life. Imagine walking through a forest, scanning a QR code, and instantly accessing videos, audio recordings, and detailed information about the unseen wildlife around you.

This is the magic of AWE.

Our Partnership with Livability Millie College

We are proud to collaborate with Livability Millie College in piloting the AWE project. Their beautiful campus and commitment to innovative education make them an ideal partner for testing and refining our concept.

Together, we have created a 2.4km nature trail complete with nine interactive hubs, each offering unique insights into the local wildlife. This first trail is not publicly accessible but future trails will be.

Stay connected

Visit our website at www.awetrails.co.uk to learn more about upcoming events, educational resources, and how you can support the AWE project, join us on social media @awetrails to share your AWE experiences, connect with fellow nature lovers, and stay updated on the latest developments. We are keen to collaborate to enhance our trails and build new trails elsewhere. You can get in touch with us via info@awetrails.co.uk.

Adventure Aweits!

Looking forward

In collaboration with National England and Talbot Woods we plan to set up further trails in publicly accessible areas. Our collaboration with Dorset Electrical Solutions will also be further developed to create more bespoke live-viewing systems. We are currently looking and applying for funding for these future plans.

 

 

WEDNESDAY 26th – DISCUSS, COLLABORATE & CONTEMPLATE  TO INNOVATE

BU research, ECR Network, Events, Fusion, HEIF, Impact, innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team, Research communication, research staff, Research Supervision

NEED SOME TIME & SPACE TO

DISCUSS, COLLABORATE & CONTEMPLATE  TO INNOVATE? 

THE INNOVATION COMMON ROOM

is at Fusion again THIS WEEK – SAME TIME, SAME SPACE

Wednesday 26th June, 12.30 – 3.30, FG04

A RELAXED PLACE FOR RESEARCHERS TO

MEET, DISCUSS & MENTOR

over tea, coffee and biscuits

Academics can invite their Post-Graduate Students

This is the final Innovation Common Room for this academic year.

THE INNOVATION COMMON ROOM

will return in September for the 2024-25 year

Research Knowledge Exchange Culture: Making it Happen

Contact the BU Knowledge Exchange Manager, if you need to know more

wmorrison@bournemouth.ac.uk

The Missing Persons Indicator Project: Research Collaboration for Knowledge Exchange

BU research, HEIF, humanities, Impact, Industry collaboration, international, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team, Knowledge Transfer, policy, Research communication, Research Integritiy, research methods, Research news, research opportunities, student research

The Missing Persons Indicator Project, initiated several years ago by Professor Melanie Klinkner and Andreas Kleiser from the ICMP, has recently been enhanced by a visit to the ICMP, aimed at optimising knowledge exchange. Its goal is to showcase each state’s relationship with missing persons through comprehensive data analysis. This initiative began as a collaborative effort, with data gathering undertaken by undergraduate students at Bournemouth University, engaging students in real-world research and ensuring the project’s sustainability by welcoming new students each September.

Since its inception, the project has been fortunate to work with many enthusiastic students who have completed the first round of Structural Indicator 1. This indicator demonstrates the commitment of states to international legal instruments. The table below outlines the current indicators involved in our data collection process:

Context Indicator A qualitative assessment as to whether the state has experienced extraordinary events that may be correlated to a rise in missing persons cases.
Structural Indicator 1 The commitment shown by states to international legal instruments is an indicator of their duties and obligation in relation to missing persons.
Structural Indicator 2 Domestic legislation by states as an indicator of their duties and obligation in relation to missing persons.
Structural Indicator 3 Institutional framework(s) established by states as an indicator of their duties, obligation, and enactment of legislation in relation to missing persons.

Thanks to HEIF funding, the Missing Persons Indicator Project recently had the opportunity to employ four student volunteers over the past two weeks. Their task was to accelerate the data collation for these indicators. By working through each indicator on a state-by-state basis, they developed a comprehensive understanding of each state’s unique situation. This method also allowed them to recognise and utilise specific details that might recur across the different indicators.

Every day, a designated “data-checker” reviewed previously inputted data to identify and correct any anomalies. This rigorous review process ensures the data’s accuracy, ethical integrity, and suitability for international dissemination.

Throughout this process, the students have been deeply engaged, asking insightful questions that challenged our perspectives and prompted us to consider aspects we might have overlooked. The atmosphere has been a hub of activity and intellectual growth.

We are extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication of our student researchers. Their contributions have demonstrated that a student ‘data-lab’ is an excellent model for conducting research and achieving meaningful results.

As this term draws to a close, we are keen to alert teaching staff to the potential for their students to join the Missing Person Indicator project in September as we recruit a new cohort for the new academic year. To learn more about the project please visit our website!

Open Call for HEIF Knowledge Exchange Project Applications 2024

ECR Network, Featured, Featured academics, Friday profile, Funding opportunities, HEIF, innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Research Centres

Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) February 2024 Open Call

HEIF funding is now available for innovative Knowledge Exchange projects.

Research England provide universities with funding for knowledge exchange (Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF)) to enable them to support and develop a broad range of knowledge-based interactions and work with business, public and third sector organisations, community bodies and the wider public, to exchange knowledge and increase the economic and societal benefit from their work.

The primary purpose of the funding is to support a small number of projects which can include:

  • significant projects that are underway and require a further injection of funds;
  • existing knowledge exchange projects to develop these ideas to the next stage of development;
  • projects with ambition that require a seed funding, capacity building, proof-of-concept or launchpad (please note that follow-up funding to support further development of your successfully funded HEIF-projects will be available to apply for in the 2024-25 academic cycle; we encourage applications for this call as an opportunity to kick-start your work).

The HEIF FEBRUARY 2024 OPEN CALL fund supports the ambition of the UK Government’s Plan for Growth to support and incentivise creative ideas and technologies that will shape the UK’s future. Further developing BU’s work in this area will also enable us to support UKRI’s aims to support cooperation and collaboration, as well as developing our academic talent. The aim is to provide a platform for academics to take their knowledge exchange ideas to the next stage of development or to completion.

If you would like to discuss your application or your project’s eligibility, there will be a drop in session on Thursday 29th between 1pm – 2.30pm in the Reception Area of Dorset House (BUBS). Or you can contact the Knowledge Exchange Manager by email wsmorrison@bournemouth.ac.uk

Key details

Amount: This year, £50000 of BU’s HEIF grant will be allocated through this open call, to support up to 6 knowledge exchange and innovation projects.

Timeframe: Projects should span a maximum of 4 months. The funds awarded must be spent by 31 July 2024.

Closing date: Friday, 8 March 2024

The link to the Guidance and Application form is below – please ensure you DOWNLOAD a copy to your own computer and do not edit directly on the SharePoint: HEIF February 2024 Open Call.docx

Stories of childbirth: participants needed

BU research, HEIF

Interview participants needed! Are you:

  • Female aged 18-49
  • Active social media user
  • Resident in the UK
  • Not yet had children

A HEIF (Higher Education Innovation Funding) backed project led by Dr Julia Hibbert (BUBs) is exploring how women aged 18-49 understand stories of homebirth found on social media and the potential effect this may have on future decisions linked to childbirth.

We are looking for people to take part in online interviews lasting approximately 1 hour; we will reimburse your time with a £40 Amazon voucher.  If you meet the above criteria and would be interested in taking part in an interview, please contact Dr Rachel Arnold rarnold@bournemouth.ac.uk or Anna Marsh amarsh@bournemouth.ac.uk by email for further information.

[BU research ethics ID: 44223]

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