Category / innovation

Nanocoatings to Bionanocomposites: Sustainable Solutions

Coating Innovation for Tough Environments

At Bournemouth University, Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team at the NanoCorr, Energy & Modelling (NCEM) research group have long been developing innovative nanocoating technologies. These ultra-thin coatings are designed to protect materials from damage caused by high temperatures, pressure, corrosion, and wear.

Their work is especially relevant to industries like energy, transport, and manufacturing—where equipment is pushed to the limit every day. By improving the durability and energy efficiency of such systems, these coatings can reduce costs and environmental impact.

A recent publication by the team, featured on PubMed Central (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9788522/), explores how carefully designed nanocomposite coatings can provide long-term protection while remaining environmentally responsible. The research highlights the team’s expertise in tribology (the science of wear and friction), materials science, and surface engineering.

A New Frontier: Fighting Superbugs with Nanoscience

This strong foundation in coatings and materials research has supported Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team in addressing one of the biggest global health challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance.

In a separate study published on PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34771863/), the team introduced a novel copper oxide (CuO) bionanocomposite that shows powerful antibacterial properties. What makes this research stand out is its simple, green production method—using CuO nanoparticles derived from bitter melon (Momordica charantia), combined with natural egg yolk phospholipids and glycerol.

This eco-friendly approach avoids the need for toxic chemicals or expensive metals like silver. The result is a stable, affordable, and highly effective material that can kill drug-resistant bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus, at very low doses (minimum inhibitory concentration of just 62.5 µg/mL).

Recognised on a Global Stage

The fact that this work is published on PubMed—a leading platform hosted by the US National Library of Medicine—shows the international relevance and scientific quality of the research. Only peer-reviewed studies of high standard are included on PubMed, meaning this work by Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team has been recognised as a significant contribution to global health.

Their findings come at a time when antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s one of the top 10 public health risks facing humanity.

What’s Next?

This research opens the door to real-world applications—such as antimicrobial coatings for medical devices, tools for agriculture, or water purification systems. However, further work is needed to identify some of the unknown compounds in the material and to confirm long-term safety in living systems.

From Machines to Medicine

Whether protecting a turbine from corrosion or tackling bacteria that no longer respond to antibiotics, the work of Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team combines advanced engineering with environmental and public health awareness. Their approach shows how expertise in nanocoatings and materials science can be applied to solve very different—but equally important—global challenges.

Capturing the Power of Heat: NCEM’s Breakthrough in Clean Energy Storage Gains Global Recognition

The NanoCorr, Energy & Modelling (NCEM) Research Group, led by Professor Zulfiqar Khan at Bournemouth University, has made pioneering developments in the field of thermal energy storage, an area critical to the future of renewable energy. Their groundbreaking work in enhancing the performance of latent heat storage systems using phase change materials (PCMs) has been featured on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) website—marking a prestigious global endorsement of their innovations in clean energy technologies.

A Leap Toward Sustainable Energy

As the world shifts from fossil fuels to renewable sources, the ability to capture and store energy efficiently is a central challenge. PCMs—materials that absorb and release heat during phase transitions (like melting and solidifying)—offer an ingenious solution. NCEM’s research focuses on improving these materials’ thermal conductivity, stability, and compatibility with various containers, making energy storage more efficient, stable, and commercially viable.

Their study reviews and categorises organic paraffins and inorganic salt hydrates, the most promising groups of PCMs, highlighting enhancements like encapsulation, multi-PCM integration, and advanced container geometries. These techniques significantly boost energy capture rates and storage capacity, making clean energy more practical for widespread use.

Real-World Impact and Innovation

Backed by five industry-funded and match-funded projects, NCEM’s efforts have not only led to commercial patents in the UK and USA, but have also influenced engineering solutions for solar heating, industrial heat recovery, and smart building technologies. These contributions align strongly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs):

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Global Recognition: Why the IAEA Feature Matters

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an influential global body under the United Nations, works to promote the peaceful use of nuclear and clean energy technologies. Being featured on their platform is a significant milestone—it underscores the global relevance, technical merit, and strategic value of Professor Khan’s research. It also places Bournemouth University and NCEM at the heart of international discussions on sustainable energy systems.

This acknowledgment by the IAEA is a testament to the NCEM team’s commitment to tackling real-world problems with innovative science. It further demonstrates the potential of UK-led clean energy solutions to contribute to a low-carbon, energy-secure future for all.

A Bright Future for Clean Energy

The research led by Professor Zulfiqar Khan exemplifies how innovative materials science and engineering can drive change on a global scale. With continued support and collaboration between academia and industry, NCEM is set to play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to clean, resilient energy systems worldwide.

 

Acknowledgements: Dr Zakir Khan (NCEM ex PGR/ Post Doc) and Professor A Ghafoor.

BU collaborates with University of Exeter on modelling innovation adoption

Bournemouth University (BU) has collaborated with the University of Exeter on modelling innovation adoption diffusion. The work, led by Dr. Wei Koong Chai in BU, draw on the epidemic theory and model the diffusion dynamics considering (1) the role of network structures in dictating the spread of adoption and (2) how individual’s characteristic/capability influences the path of diffusion (e.g. an individual may have different attitude or ability towards adopting a new innovation). A positive adoption decision is related to the number of neighbors adopting the innovation. The neighbors decisions are, in turn, dependent on their own neighbors and so, it forms a complex cascading inter-dependent relationship between the different individuals in the network. As such, each node in the network is unique and its relevant adoption rate must be considered separately conditioned with the activities occurring in the network over time.

The model offers insights into how the network spectrum affects the innovation exposure rate and spreading of innovation individually and across communities with different adoption behaviours. It also illustrates the effects of the embedded social structure and the characteristics of individuals in the network on the path of innovation diffusion via two use cases: (i) innovation adoption of EU countries in a Single Market Programme and (ii) innovation adoption of specific class of technology (specifically financial technologies (FinTech)).

 

Reference:

Duanmu, JL., Chai, W.K. Modelling innovation adoption spreading in complex networksAppl Netw Sci 10, 10 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41109-025-00698-8

 

 

4th European Team-based Learning Symposium at BU in collaboration with FLIE Learning & Teaching Conference 2025!

European Team-based Learning Community Symposium 7th – 8th July 2025 at BU in collaboration with FLIE Learning & Teaching Conference 2025! Registration is open! (And free for BU staff!)Join us for the 4th European Team-based Learning (TBL) Community Symposium 2025, at BU! Keynotes, interactive workshops, lightening talks, posters, student panel – whether you are a seasoned TBL practitioner or new to TBL there is something for everyone!

Opening keynote in collaboration with FLIE Learning & Teaching Conference, 7th July 2025

Opening Keynote: Using Generative AI Effectively in Higher Education

Peter Hartley is an independent HE Consultant, National Teaching Fellow and Visiting Professor at Edge Hill University.

Sue Beckingham is an Associate Professor and the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Lead in the School of Computing and Digital Technologies, Sheffield Hallam University. Peter and Sue are two of the editors of the book, Using Generative AI Effectively in Higher Education and they have a book chapter coming out soon on the responsible use of GenAI and the Generative AI CHECKLIST. We are delighted to welcome our distinguished guests to share their expertise on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of GenAI to HE.

What else to expect – meet the ETBLC Symposium, 7-8th July 2025 keynote speakers!

Hear from our keynote speakers who are internationally recognised experts in the implementation and practice of TBL.

Simon Tweddell is a Professor of Pharmacy Education, National Teaching Fellow and multiple award-winning educator who will talk about the impact of TBL on students and staff at the University of Bradford, and his own career.

Kate Ippolito is Principal Lecturer and Deputy Director of the Education Development Unit of the Centre for HE Research and Scholarship (CHERS), and Director of Postgraduate Studies at Imperial College, London. Kate will present an argument for the need to support social and emotional learning and self-efficacy building through TBL and practical ways you can do this.

Graeme Jones is Senior Lecturer in Organic Chemistry, Keele University, recent co-recipient of the AdvanceHE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence and Chair of the Board of the European TBL Community. Graeme will lead a discussion on contemporary issues in TBL such as the threats and opportunities presented by the ongoing rapid advancements in technology notably, artificial intelligence.

 And there’s more! Find out more and register here! 

This week – Konfer – an innovation and collaboration platform

Join Us for an online Konfer Training Session!

We invite you to an online training session on 20 March 2025, featuring Anna Dent-Davies and Shivaun Meehan from the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB). They will introduce Konfer, a powerful platform for navigating the UK innovation ecosystem.

For those unfamiliar, Konfer connects users with resources and potential collaborators perfectly aligned with their research or innovation projects.

During this 1.5-hour interactive online session, Anna and Shivaun will guide you through making the most of Konfer, focusing on:

· Effectively searching the platform.

· Drafting high-quality collaboration calls by addressing four key questions.

You’ll also have the chance to discuss your specific research projects or areas of interest and even begin drafting your own collaboration call during the session.

Ahead of the session, we kindly ask attendees to:

· Sign up to Konfer.

· Come prepared with an innovation challenge or collaboration opportunity in mind.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how Konfer can support your research and innovation goals – to book your place, please visit this link.

Research seminar and tech showcase 12.02.25: ICONIC (Intergenerational Co-design Of Novel technologies In Coastal communities) project

The Ageing and Dementia Research Centre are welcoming colleagues from Plymouth University to talk about the ICONIC project (see more details below) and showcase some of the technologies they have created.

 The team are interested in talking to any BU colleagues who work on co-design/digital health or immersive technologies and AI so please do come along (and let Michelle mheward@bournemouth.ac.uk know if would like to give a short presentation about your research).

 12th February 2025

11-1pm (presentations will be first and then tech showcase)

P222, Poole House, Talbot Campus

ICONIC Project

The ICONIC (Intergenerational Co-design Of Novel technologies In Coastal communities) project is exploring how co-design of novel technologies can support digital inclusion in Cornwall and Devon. The project recruited 99 participants to join intergenerational co-design workshops to create technologies that support access to environment, heritage, and community resources. The technologies include a social game, immersive heritage and underwater experiences, and a voice AI system accessed via a telephone call. The research team will be sharing their insights from the co-design process for each technology and discuss the effects of participation on digital inclusion.

  • Dr Rory Baxter is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Technology, University of Plymouth, working on the EPSRC funded Intergenerational Codesign Of Novel technologies In Coastal communities (ICONIC) project to address digital exclusion in Cornwall and Devon. The project involves the intergenerational co-design of technologies for supporting access to heritage, environment, and community resources. His previous work includes the ESRC funded GOALD and ERDF funded EPIC projects, which focused on digital health innovation co-design and evaluation to support healthy ageing. Prior to that he completed an EPSRC funded iCASE PhD, exploring human navigation and search behaviour, during which Rory developed VR-based experimental tasks using Unity, which were adapted for online platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Dr Oksana Hagen earned a BSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NCTU (Taiwan), MSc in Computer Vision and Robotics through the Erasmus Mundus ViBOT program, and a PhD in Computing at the University of Plymouth. After a brief period in industry, Oksana joined Aldebaran AI Lab (France) under a Marie Curie Fellowship to focus on research in machine learning. She subsequently contributed to social robotics research for AgeIn project at the University of Plymouth. Currently, she is part of the ICONIC project, developing VoiceAI and underwater telepresence applications through co-design. Her research interests include machine learning, robotics and HCI.
  • Dr Marius Varga’s expertise sits at the intersection of game technology and user experience, with a focus on serious games and immersive experiences. Currently, a Research Fellow part of the ICONIC project, using a co-design approach, Marius leads the development of a multiplayer Social Game focused on seagrass conservation and for Extended Reality (XR), he is developing an immersive heritage experience in partnership with National Trust. Marius is also involved in digital health projects such part of Bridging project – focused on using XR training with autistic employees and employers and Glider project – addressing challenges in frailty through robotics, play and immersive technology.
  • Dr Linan Zhang holds an MA in East Asian Studies (Japanese) and an MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh. She later earned a PhD with Transtechnology Research at the University of Plymouth, where she developed a philosophical framework to ease the paradigm conflicts in knowledge sharing, drawing inspiration from an international health collaboration, a global health crisis, and the development discourse. She is currently an Associate Lecturer for i-DAT, a Research Fellow in Orbital Science, and the Media and Admin officer for the ICONIC Project at the University of Plymouth. Additionally, she serves as an Associate Editor for Leonardo Review.

Three tips for completing your Innovation Fund HEIF application

The guidance for the Innovation Funding Call for the HEIF drew your attention to ethics, here are three tips if you haven’t considered it yet: there are a few things you will need to check before you submit:

  1. Work through the university’s ethics checklist. This is an important part of your application, and if you needed a formal ethics review, this should have already been completed. If you submit your application without a good understanding of the ethical implications of your project, the Panel will score your project lower, so it may make the difference between your project being recognised as excellent and fundable, or not. Double check that you are ok to submit by checking the checklist: How to apply for a formal ethics review | Bournemouth University
  2. Complete the e-module on research ethics. To help you understand the ethical implications of your project, you can complete the e-module on research ethics if you haven’t already:
    Research ethics training opportunities | Bournemouth University. Even if you feel you have a good understanding of ethics in your research, you may find that if you are working with methods/populations/approaches that are cross-disciplinary (or outside of your usual field) that there are ethical angles you may not be aware of. This has been the case with some previous HEIF applications, so don’t discount it. If you don’t know where to go to get guidance, look across the BU faculties for expertise, including the PEIR (Public Engagement in Research) academics, or other specialists in the field you are working with. If you have contacted someone for advice, let us know in your application. It will show that you are taking the research ethics of your project seriously, and we will see the result of this in your project proposal.
  3. Make sure you give yourself time to do the Research Commercialisation Checklist. It is a requirement of the funding call that you do this, and if as a result you need to contact the Research Commercialisation Manager (Lesley Hutchins) you will urgently need to make time to schedule a conversation. Let us know in your application if you have contacted Lesley, so that we can see you understand the issues and requirements surrounding your commercialisation project – it will mean that the Innovation Funding Panel will be able to see the viability of your project within BU’s legal and process requirements, which will result in a better score for appropriate projects.

    Although the Innovation Fund is for knowledge exchange projects – which means you are working with non-HEI external partners, for example industry/businesses, charities, NGOs etc – your knowledge exchange activity is grounded in your research and must meet the universities ethical requirements to be successful. Please do not submit purely research projects without suitable knowledge exchange partners.

    Good luck with submitting your application tomorrow, please do get in contact if you have any questions. Dr Wendelin Morrison – Knowledge Exchange Manager wsmorrison@bournemouth.ac.uk

KTP Development Session, 20th November 2024: Telling a Compelling Story!

KTP Development Session with KTA, Stephen Woodhouse

 

Wednesday 20th November, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, BG315 (Bournemouth Gateway Building)

Telling a compelling story: Developing a coherent and convincing KTP application

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-sessions-tickets-1040509119787

 

Developing a Coherent and Compelling Project Narrative

KTP application is not just a series of checkboxes; it’s a story. When crafting your narrative, consider the following key elements:

 

**The Problem Statement**: Clearly articulate the problem the business partner is facing. Avoid jargon or overly technical language; instead, focus on describing the issue in terms of its impact on the company’s operations, market position, or growth potential. Describe why the problem matters and how its resolution will create value.

 

**The Academic Solution**: This section should highlight your research expertise and how it aligns with the project’s needs. Provide examples of relevant past work, studies, or methodologies that showcase your department’s strengths. Be specific about how your knowledge will be applied to the problem. Remember, specificity and clarity here reinforce credibility and the potential for impactful results.

 

**Innovative Methodologies**: Describe the approach you’ll take to solve the problem. A strong application demonstrates not only that the academic team has the expertise but also that they have a clear, actionable plan. This might involve specifying experimental techniques, data collection strategies, or proprietary methods developed in your lab. Explain how these approaches differ from, or improve upon, traditional solutions.

 

Telling a compelling story is part of our series of developmental sessions for academics and businesses wishing to further their understanding of KTPs will be taking place monthly Moving between Talbot and Lansdowne Campus.

Sometimes organisations can see an opportunity for growth, something that will supercharge their business, but they don’t quite know where or how to start. That’s when a Knowledge Transfer Partnership could help.

Imagine having a specialist graduate, post-graduate or PhD student working closely with an expert academic, focused solely on bringing your idea to life. And having the UK Government fund a large proportion of that work. Often heralded as the World’s best kept secret, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) turn 50 this year. That makes them the UK government’s longest running and most successful innovation funding programme, investing £50m each year in R&D projects across a full range of sectors and business sizes. And companies that participate in a KTP programme are shown to grow at an exponential rate.

As part of ongoing work to grow our KTP numbers and to coincide with their milestone birthday, we are hosting a series of developmental sessions for staff (and businesses) to debunk myths, provide insights, and forge connections. These will take place once a month between October 2024 and May 2025 on Wednesday afternoons.

With 1 – 1 bookable sessions afterwards with faculty Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Managers and KTA, Stephen Woodhouse:

Rachel Clarke (BUBS): rclarke@bournemouth.ac.uk

Finn Morgan (SciTech): fmorgan@bournemouth.ac.uk

Matt Desmier (FMC): mdesmier@bournemouth.ac.uk

Mary-Ann Robertson (HSS): mrobertson@bournemouth.ac.uk

 

DNS staff share their virtual reality research at AHSN Wessex

on behalf of Professor Debbie Holley

I am delighted to report that Dr Michele Board, Dr Heidi Singleton and I were invited to share our virtual reality research as part of the Wessex Academic Health Science Network webinar on 16.03.2023. Dr Board presented her work on ‘walk through dementia’, which brings the reality of lived experiences places the viewer in the shoes of the person with dementia. More information about this projects and the collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Society are available from the ADRC website.

Dr Singleton and I presented on our work on the mental health 360 video scenarios we created for student nurse education which have been embedded within the curriculum.

Evaluated via Focus group discussions (n=6 students) and an online survey (n=33 thus far); with 94% of nursing students reporting that the videos were extremely or very useful for their learning.  

“It flags up potential extra considerations in practice that you wouldn’t anticipate with just the theoretical teaching. You can better visualise.” (Student Nurse 31) 

“It made me feel confident in how to interact with an individual who may be having a mental health breakdown.” (Student Nurse 15) 

“It showed me that you can take time and check the correct information and repeat steps when assessing and treating a patient.” (Student Nurse 8) 

The learning resources mean that students can link theory to practice and can repeat the activity at any point during their course and from any location.

Thanks to the wider team Ursula Rolfe, John Moran, Emma Collins and our former colleague Jasmine Snowden,

 

BU Hosted the National KTP Practitioner Conference 2024! Matt Desmier

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are an extremely useful tool for any forward-thinking institution or team of academics wanting to apply their research in real world settings.

The UK Government’s longest established business support and research funding allocation, they’re a tried and tested vehicle that consistently demonstrate how Universities can have a measurable impact on the world around them.

Earlier this summer, Bournemouth University was selected as the honourable host of the 2024 KTP Practitioners Conference, the annual gathering of knowledge exchange professionals from across the country. This was a coup for BU and an excellent opportunity to cement our place in the canon of proactive institutions embracing the potential of KTPs.

Over the course of one and a half days, Fusion Building welcomed 200 delegates, representing 79 universities alongside guests from Innovate UK Business Growth and Innovate UK Business Connect, some interested businesses and a smattering of academics too.

The convened audience enjoyed three high profile keynote talks, updates from both the KTP funders and the National Forum, as well as twelve workshops designed to equip those present with the skills they need to grow and manage their KTP portfolio.

Assisted by Bournemouth’s wonderful micro climate, the whole event was a resounding success. Much was learnt, many connections were made and the bar was set extremely high for Manchester Metropolitan University, who’re hosting the event next year.

WEDNESDAY 26th – DISCUSS, COLLABORATE & CONTEMPLATE  TO INNOVATE

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