BU Research Blog

14 February 2025

Being Human Festival 2025: call for applications now open

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

The call for applications for Being Human Festival 2025 is now open

Being Human is the UK’s national festival of the humanities. Each year researchers and staff from universities and research organisations are invited to take part in the national festival by organising a public engagement event or activity, rooted in humanities research.

This year’s festival will take place 6-15 November with the theme ‘Between the Lines’.

Being Human is a place-based festival that emphasises interaction, collaboration and engaging with communities outside higher education. The festival supports innovative, participatory and creative activities that foster genuine, two-way connections with communities.

You can get an idea of what the festival looks like, and the types of activities they support, in the 2024 highlights film, and by reading the 2024 highlights blog.

There are various ways to participate in the festival:

Funded pathway

Festival Event Grants: up to £4,000 to organise a single event or multiple events. Deadline: Thursday 10 April Being Human 2025 – Festival Event Grant – Further Information.pdf

Please note: only applicants from UK Higher Education Institutions and AHRC-recognised IROs are eligible to receive grants.

Unfunded pathway

Festival Event: organise a festival event that does not require funding from Being Human. Deadline: Friday 4 July

Funding details and support available

There is no additional funding available for small expenses, and applicants should seek support from their faculty in the first instance.
The Festival Hub model is not possible this year, as it would require match funding, which we do not have.
If you wish to apply for the £4,000 event grant, you are welcome to do so, but there is no separate funding for other expenses.
BU’s Public Engagement Team can support applicants by helping them plan and design engagement activities to ensure meaningful and effective public interaction.

Further details about how to apply, and answers to some frequently asked questions, are available here.

Apply to Being Human Festival 2025 Webinar

Find out more about applying to the festival at the online information session ‘Applying to Being Human Festival 2025’ taking place on Thursday 27 February 2-3pm. Sign up here.

Training Programme 2025

The full training programme for 2025, has sessions running from February to October. This year’s programme includes new events on engagement and inclusion and creative engagement, alongside sessions on audiences, partnerships, promoting events and delivering events.

The sessions are led by expert facilitators, alongside members of the Being Human Festival team. Training is primarily aimed at those taking part, or thinking of taking part, in Being Human Festival, but will be of interest to those working in public engagement more broadly.

All sessions are free and take place online, but booking is required. Find out more and book individual sessions.

Toolkits

The Public Engagement Toolkits have recently been updated. These downloadable PDF resources cover subjects including working with partners, delivering inclusive activities and finding the right format. Browse the toolkits

Contact

Should you require advice on public engagement activities or support with your application, please contact BU’s Public Engagement with Research Team: publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

13 February 2025

Share your research with a public audience at BU’s new Research Café

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Make an impact: engage the community with your research

Get involved with our new Research Café series – an excellent opportunity to share your research with the public in a relaxed setting. Move away from conventional slide-based presentations and connect with the community in a meaningful way.

After more than 12 years, our Café Scientifique series has come to an end. Building on its success, our new event series will open up to all areas of research. In the first talk in our new series, Bournemouth University cybersecurity expert Professor Vasilis Katos will explore how we might help to defend our towns and cities from attack – Find out more

Our event in May will showcase post-graduate researchers – more information coming soon.

For our upcoming July event, we are especially interested in hearing from arts and humanities researchers.

Why share your research with a public audience?

Sharing your research with members of the public builds understanding, trust, and support. It makes your research more relevant, encourages learning, improves communication, and strengthens the connection between research and society. The questions you receive from attendees may also help you think differently about your own research and even inspire new areas to explore.

Introduction to public engagement and available resources

The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) highlights the value of public involvement in research and provides resources to help researchers engage with the public effectively, making research more impactful and accessible. Learn more about public engagement and access resources here

Can you present your research in a simple and engaging way?

We encourage you to share your research in 10 slides or fewer. The challenge of keeping it brief will help you focus your message and keep your audience engaged. The event format will involve delivering a short talk about your research, followed by a discussion where you can answer questions from a varied audience. We strongly encourage interactive methods to keep your talk engaging.

Event details

Location: BGB Café

Event times: 6:30-8pm. Attendees will be able to arrive from 6pm to purchase drinks and food before the event begins.

We are now inviting expressions of interest for speakers for our event on Tuesday 1 July.

Who can get involved?

This is an excellent training opportunity, especially if you are new to public engagement. The friendly audience and relaxed environment will provide a great setting to build your confidence. Whether you are just starting out, or looking to improve your skills, we welcome academics at all career stages, with a focus on those beginning their public engagement journey. We encourage collaboration between experienced and newer speakers to help provide support and gain a rewarding learning experience.

What support can you expect?

Organised by BU’s Public Engagement with Research team, part of Research Development and Support, the team will support you every step of the way – from brainstorming your ideas, developing interesting and interactive ways to help you connect your research with a public audience, to event set-up and promotion. We will be there on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Evaluating your event

To help you get the most out of this experience, we will also support you in evaluating your event. By gathering feedback from your audience, you will gain valuable insights into how well your research was understood and received, and how you can refine your public speaking and engagement skills for future events.

Ready to get involved?

Complete our expressions of interest form to register your interest.

Please note completing the form does not guarantee a spot. We will reach out to discuss your potential participation.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Public Engagement with Research Team at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

17 January 2025

Get in touch with the public engagement team for support in promoting your event

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Are you organising a public engagement activity or event that you would like help to promote?

Whether it’s a community event, public lecture, workshop, or any other public engagement activity, the Public Engagement with Research team can assist in promoting your event. Our monthly newsletters and social media channels offer a range of promotional opportunities to help you reach a wider audience and ensure your event is a success.

To be considered for inclusion, your event or activity must be;

Intended for and open to non-academic audiences
Focused on BU research, either solely or as part of a wider programme. Events or activities that do not involve BU research, such as marketing or recruitment events, will not be accepted.
Submitted, at the latest, in the first two weeks of the month preceding the event. For example, an event taking place in June should be submitted via the form any time before 14 May.

Event descriptions may be edited for consistency in style with other content.

Share your upcoming public event or activity

If you have any questions, please contact the team publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

14 January 2025

Opportunity to get involved with the British Science Festival 2025

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

There is one week left to apply to run an event at the British Science Festival 2025!

The British Science Festival will take place in Liverpool from the 10 – 14 September 2025, and will be hosted in partnership by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.

The programme showcases cutting-edge science, technology and ideas that challenge, inspire and excite audiences. Each year, thousands of people come together to celebrate the latest developments in research and engage in open discussion about issues affecting our culture and society.

Open Call for proposals – Do you have an idea to engage public audiences with science and research?

Anyone can propose an event and the Festival celebrates science in its broadest sense. The organisers are looking for proposals from individuals, researchers, industry professionals, artists, writers, organisations, charities, academic institutions, and more. They aim to programme a range of formats from talks to drop-in activities and creative content that challenges perceptions of what science is and can be.

The Festival is free and open to all, but content should be appropriate for an adult (16+ audience).

More information, including how to submit a proposal, can be found here

The deadline for proposals is 23.59 20 January 2025.

If you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss your proposal, please email festival@britishscienceassociation.org.

Alternatively, should you wish to discuss your application with BU’s Public Engagement with Research team, please contact publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.

12 January 2025

Federalisation & health research presented in Nepal

BU Challenges, international, Knowledge Exchange, Publishing, writing Edwin van Teijlingen

Last month we reported on this Bournemouth University Research Blog (click here!) that Ms. Amshu Dhakal, presented findings from our Nepal Federal Health System Project in Nepal. Amshu’s presentation at the Nepal Health Conclave 2024, organised by the Ministry of Health and Population and supported by WHO (World Health Organization) Nepal and UNFPA, resulted in an online article in Nepal. This article in Nepali in Swasthya Khabar Patrika features lessons learnt and evidence from our research project “The Impact of Federalisation on the Health System of Nepal.”

Our project ran from 2020 to 2024, and it was funded by the Health System Research Initiative, a UK collaboration between three funders: the MRC (Medical research Council), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Welcome Trust. This joint project was led by the University of Sheffield in collaboration with Bournemouth University, the University of Huddersfield, Canter Bury Christ Church University and two institutions in Nepal, namely Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences and PHASE Nepal. In 2023 further funding was awarded by the Medical Research Foundation to Prof. Julie Balen, from Canterbury Christ Church University, to disseminate the findings in Nepal. Furthermore, to date we have published eight papers from this interdisciplinary project [1-8].

This is one of several news articles from this project which have appeared in both English and Nepali in national media in Nepal. In early 2024 two daily English-language media outlets: The Annapurna Express and Gazzabkoo Magazine published articles covering our project. The latter used the title ‘Strengthening Health Systems for Better Health‘ and the former opted for the headline ‘Forum on health system strengthening’.

In the same month last year three UK professors: Julie Balen (Canterbury Christ Church University), Simon Rushton (the University of Sheffield) and Edwin van Teijlingen (Bournemouth University) were interviewed (see interview here) about the study.

Our interdisciplinary research project ‘The impact of federalisation on Nepal’s health system: a longitudinal analysis’ was also previously reported in several national media in Nepal in the spring of 2023.

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Centre of Midwifery & Women’s Health.

References:

Koirala, B., Rushton, S., Adhikary, P., Balen, J., et al. (2024) COVID-19 as a challenge to Nepal’s newly federalised health system: capacities, responsibilities, and mindsets, Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health (online first) https://doi.org/10.1177/1010539524125012.
Sapkota, S., Rushton, S., van Teijlingen, E., et al. (2024) Participatory policy analysis in health policy and systems research: reflections from a study in Nepal. Health Research & Policy Systems, 22 (No.7) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01092-5 .
Wasti, S.P., van Teijlingen, E., Simkhada, P., et al. (2023) Selection of Study Sites and Participants for Research into Nepal’s Federal Health System, WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health 12(2):116-119.
Sapkota, S., Dhakal, A., Rushton S., et al. (2023) The impact of decentralisation on health systems: a systematic review of reviews. BMJ Global Health 8:e013317. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013317.
Wasti, S.P., van Teijlingen, E., Rushton, S., et al. (2023) Overcoming the Challenges Facing Nepal’s Health System During Federalisation: An Analysis of Health System Building Blocks, Health Research Policy & Systems 21(117) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01033-2
Sapkota, S., Panday, S., Wasti, S.P., et al. (2022) Health System Strengthening: The Role of Public Health in Federal Nepal, Journal of the Nepal Public Health Association 7(1):36-42.
Adhikary, P., Balen, J., Gautam, S., et al. (2020) The COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: Emerging evidence on the effectiveness of action by, and cooperation between, different levels of government in a federal system, Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences 3 (3): 1-11.
Rushton, S., Pandey, S., van Teijlingen, E., et al. (2021) An Investigation into the Impact of Decentralization on the Health System of Nepal. Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences, 7(1): 3–14. https://doi.org/10.3126/jmmihs.v7i1.43146

7 January 2025

British Science Festival 2025 – Call for Event Proposals

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

The British Science Festival will take place across the city of Liverpool from the 10 – 14 September 2025, and will be hosted in partnership by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.

Anyone can propose an event. Artists, researchers, community activists, critical thinkers, industry partners, charities and beyond- from across disciplinary backgrounds are invited to submit proposals events, activities or installations.

The British Science Festival celebrates science in its broadest sense. The programme showcases cutting-edge science, technology and ideas that challenge, inspire and excite audiences. Each year, thousands of people come together to celebrate the latest developments in research and to engage in open discussion about issues affecting our culture and society.

While the primary focus is on events programming, the organisers are keen on programming public installations and welcome proposals that could be hosted throughout the festival in site-specific locations like shopping centres, public buildings and town squares.

The Festival is free and open to all, but content should be tailored to an adult (16+) audience.

The target audience for the programme is:

Non-specialist young adults (16-30 years old), particularly from groups underserved and underrepresented in science

Those with broad interest in science but don’t actively seek to engage with it

Those who might not self-identify as interested in science, but who are interested in cultural experiences (e.g., music, technology, films, fashion etc) or have a personal connection to a particular field of science (e.g., gardening, sports, mental health, accessibility technology, etc)

The organisers particularly welcome creative content that challenges perceptions of what science is and can be. They anticipate that the majority of events in the 2025 programme will use a range of participatory formats and take place outside traditional lecture-theatre settings. A limited number of talks and panel discussions will be programmed.

To submit a proposal for an event please complete the proposal form.

The deadline for open call applications is 23.59 on Monday 20 January 2025.

Before developing and submitting your proposal, you are encouraged to read the FAQs

If you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss your proposal, please email festival@britishscienceassociation.org.

Alternatively, should you wish to discuss your application with BU’s Public Engagement with Research team, please contact publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.

13 December 2024

Decoding Research Conferences: Unveiling the ROI

conferences, international, Knowledge Exchange Assemgul

Hello, fellow PhD researchers! 🌟

Picture this: You, a PhD student, presenting your research at your first academic conference. It’s an exhilarating experience! I just returned from the three-day Complex Networks 2024 conference in Istanbul, Turkey, where I had a chance to present poster on our published paper on spread of congestion on urban road networks. Here, I’d like to share why attending academic conferences is a valuable experience.

Building Connections

Conferences are vibrant hubs buzzing with experts in your field. They provide the perfect opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and establish relationships that could shape your career. I had the privilege of meeting researchers from leading institutes, departments, and labs focusing on Complex Networks, including the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), Vienna, and the Centre for Complexity and Complex Networks, City University of Hong Kong.

Exploring New Ideas

Attending conferences gives you access to the latest research trends and cutting-edge findings, sparking fresh ideas for your own work. I participated in fascinating sessions on road network dynamics and emerging trends in Urban Systems, Mobility & Networks, and Machine Learning & Networks. These sessions offered valuable insights and broadened my research perspective.

Meeting Academic Heroes

One of the most inspiring aspects of conferences is the chance to meet the scholars who have shaped your research journey. I was thrilled to meet my academic hero, Professor Piet Van Mieghem from Delft University of Technology. His work greatly inspired my supervisor and me to do our research on congestion spread in road networks. Meeting him in person and discussing his work was truly exciting and motivating.

Personal Growth

Conferences are about more than just academics—they’re also a chance to grow personally. Traveling to Istanbul allowed me to experience Turkish culture, delicious Turkish cuisine, and enjoy the renowned hospitality.

Pro Tip

Preparation is essential! Perfect your presentation, research the speakers, and connect with participants ahead of time to maximize your conference experience.

Acknowledgements

My journey to this conference was made possible by the Scholarship for Events on Complex Systems (SECS) from the Young Researchers of the Complex Systems Society. 🌐✨ Special thanks to my supervisor Dr Wei Koong Chai.

With respect,
Assemgul Kozhabek

26 November 2024

Celebrating the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2024 – a look back

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

The ESRC Festival of Social Science 2024 has come to an end, successfully bringing together diverse audiences to explore, learn, and engage with BU’s research.

The 2024 festival, which included 324 nationwide events, had ‘our digital lives’ as a central theme. Many of the events examined the relationship between humans and digital technology, exploring current threats and opportunities, as well as imagining what life might be like in the future.

For the 13th year, BU took part in the festival, drawing over 250 attendees to five engaging events, two of which were also featured in the University of Southampton’s Arts and Humanities Day on Saturday 9 November. In partnership with the University of Southampton for the second consecutive year, the festival showcased a programme of events, ranging from discussions on well-being and cybersecurity to an exhibition highlighting the voices of young LGBTQ+ individuals.

Avonwood Primary School

Our festival programme began with ‘Underwater Farms – The Magic of Seaweed’ an exciting opening event for 61 year 3 students at Avonwood Primary School.

Activities with pupils at Avonwood Primary School

BU researchers Anastasia Vayona and Kirthana Pillay visited two classes, where they introduced children between the ages of 7-8 to the wonders of seaweed as a food source and highlighted how underwater farming could play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable future for agriculture. The children were particularly keen to try the seaweed scones!

“…a really informative and fun event that was perfectly pitched for the age of participants…it gave them a chance to explore food and nutrition in a fun, interactive context” feedback from a teacher at Avonwood Primary School

The next event in our programme, ‘Take a Meno(pause)’ exploring well-being through yoga for mid-life -was an interactive session at Pavilion Dance, focusing on the benefits of yoga during the menopause years.

Yoga practice led by Dr Hecquet

Dr Juliette Hecquet’s research looks at yoga’s effectiveness in managing the physical and emotional symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. By integrating body and mind, yoga promotes health, strength, and overall well-being during this life stage.

Yoga breathing exercises

Participants learned how yoga can enhance physical and mental health and how mindfulness can support the transition through mid-life. The session also included a guided yoga practice led by Dr Hecquet, with poses and breathing exercises designed to deepen relaxation and improve well-being throughout the menopause journey.

“…very professional and I thoroughly enjoyed it.” feedback from an attendee

Board game activities at Cybersecurity Family Fun day in Poole Dolphin Centre

BU’s CyGamBIT Team hosted a ‘Cybersecurity Family Fun Day’ at Gather, the hub for community events at the Dolphin Centre in Poole. During half term, this interactive cybersecurity day gave participants of all ages the opportunity to discover practical tools to enhance digital safety, with hands-on activities that made learning about cybersecurity both fun and accessible

Guided by BU computer science researcher Dr Jane Henriksen-Bulmer and CyGamBIT co-founder and BU PhD student Emily Rosenorn-Lanng, families left with practical takeaways to help keep their information secure and a better understanding of how digital safety affects everyone.

“…granddaughter loved how it taught her about safety online” feedback from an attendee

The ‘Communities of wellbeing: the digital lives of LGBTQ+ young people’ exhibition was displayed at the Lighthouse in Poole from 26 October – 16 November. The artwork highlighted the powerful stories of young LGBTQ+ individuals, who shared their experiences of creating inclusive online spaces where they feel safe, joyful, and have a sense of belonging.

Exhibition displayed at the Lighthouse in Poole

Dr Jayne Caudwell and Dr Francesca Gaunt hosted a series of workshops with LGBTQ+ youth. Through these group discussions, six key themes emerged, including topics like the experience of coming out as LGBTQ+ in online spaces. These conversations inspired the creation of artwork reflecting the themes explored.

The exhibition images and content from the workshops will also be used to create a digital version of the exhibition, coming soon!

“…inspiring – we all have far more in common than our differences – we all need respect and acceptance” feedback from an attendee

Our online workshop, ‘Teaching for Wellbeing: Connecting Practice with Socio-Emotional Support’, led by Dr Esther Anwuzia, covered effective teaching practices to support students’ well-being in today’s challenging environment.

Former teachers Elaine Baker-Smith and Jerry Whitton with a combined 55 years of experience also participated in the session, offering their perspectives on effective teaching practices, and promoting student well-being.

Dr Anwuzia’s research explores how heavy workloads restrict teachers’ ability to reflect beyond teaching and grading. Since the pandemic, an increasing number of students with social and emotional difficulties are absent from school. Focused teaching can help build students’ confidence and support responsible decision-making.

Teacher Zoom Event

The workshop provided an opportunity for teachers to connect, exchange insights, reflect on their experiences, and explore strategies for making a positive impact on students’ lives.

“… I remember having a teacher who explained information in lots of different ways to help with our understanding”

“…really brilliant presentation!” feedback from attendees

Watch this event

A Special Feature – Southampton Arts and Humanities Day

For the first time, BU researchers were invited to participate in the University of Southampton’s Arts and Humanities Day, which took place on Saturday 9 November in the city’s Cultural Quarter. The day offered a range of free interactive activities, workshops, talks, performances, and exhibits.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the Young LGBTQ+ stories exhibition, which attracted more than 90 viewers, while Dr Esther Anwuzia hosted a drop-in session on Connecting teaching with student wellbeing, making her own connections with more than 30 educators and members of the public.

Southampton Arts and Humanities Day

Thank you

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this year’s ESRC Festival of Social Science. Your involvement helped make our events a meaningful celebration of the positive impact social science has on our communities.

Applying for the ESRC Festival – what you need to know

Event leads were chosen through a competitive internal application process, with selections determined by a panel of researchers and professional services staff. BU’s Public Engagement Team provided support to help bring their creative and engaging event ideas to life.

If you’re considering participating in a future ESRC Festival of Social Science, now is an ideal time to start preparing your proposal. Begin by exploring the 2024 festival open call to gain insight into what we look for in applications for 2025.

Find out more here

If you would like to start discussing your ideas, please get in touch with the public engagement with research team at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.

20 November 2024

Academic Conferences Engagement: ISBE 2024

BRIAN, Business Engagement, conferences, Industry collaboration, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Transfer, staff profile pages, Women's Academic Network Sukanya Ayatakshi

This November, supported by a BU Women’s Academic Network Small Research Grant and a BUBS QR grant, I presented my paper on Refugee Women, Entrepreneurship and Acceptance and Legitimacy at the Institute of Small Business Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference 2024 at Sheffield, UK.

The conference, titled ISBE 2024- Research, Policy and Practice for a More Equitable World, is one of the most significant occasions annually for academics in the UK and beyond whose contributions to the domain of small business entrepreneurship is not only limited to the academic journals but are strongly influential in policy design. The ‘More Equitable World’ in the conference title alludes to the changing nature of the world we inhabit- one where we are recognising more and more every passing day, that the existing economic models are not relevant anymore. Most of the discussions at the conference were connected to the wider global challenges underpinned by UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In the subject domain of entrepreneurship, we talk of the entrepreneurial process- one marked by dealing with uncertainty (Knight, 1921), uncertainty of the perfect kind- one that is not just unknown but unknowable. One might argue- but all uncertainty is like that isn’t it? Not if you look at our own human propensity to ambiguity aversion and risk taking- we are much more likely to contend with known risks then unknown risks. We engage in behaviour most of the time to lower our risks; we like clarity, we like to reduce ambiguity ( Ellsberg, 1961). But expert entrepreneurs, as Saras Sarasvathy suggests, are those who accept the perfectly unknowable nature of the future and yet they are comfortable with the uncertainty that comes with it because they remain open to opportunities, remain flexible, adaptable and open to change.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought with it an acceptance that we cannot, for the best of all the risk assessments undertaken, foresee the future. The smallest of mircoorganisms became the biggest disruptor in the marketplace and for humankind. Overnight, digital transformation was the demand of the marketplace. The acceleration of digitisation expected and demanded of smaller enterprises meant business survival was nigh impossible. But the human spirit, seen through the lenses of entrepreneurial spirit, prevailed. The world witnessed a (re)emergence of entrepreneurial leadership through creation of startups globally, focused on the taking small incremental steps to solving the grand challenges facing the planet and humanity. This had happened before when the 2008-2010 financial crisis occurred– as traditional for-profit businesses took a major hit, we saw in their wake, a growth in startups channelling their energies into creating economically sound business models which support communities and causes.

I reflect on this continually through my taught units in Entrepreneurship at BU and through my research. And I see this reflection in the world of academia and business around me. At ISBE 2024 this year, I had the privilege of engaging with individuals who are making profound impact on policy and society (economy after all must serve the needs of the society- it is not decoupled). Some of the discussions were on Inclusivity in entrepreneurship with focus on neurodivergence and the path of entrepreneurship; gender gap in entrepreneurship; focus on how to make finance equitable for all in the context of business startups; focus on newer economic models relevant to our current times.

My research focus is on marginalisation and entrepreneurship- gender bias in entrepreneurial finance; gendered roles and entrepreneurial experience; refugee crisis and integration into society through entrepreneurship. It was a breath of fresh air to witness how openly policy makers and highly influential academics are talking about how it is high time to stop talking about the problem e.g. Gender Bias and work to a solution that is real. There is no dearth of evidence on the problem of the gender gap in entrepreneurship. The last I checked it was a 3-6% loss to global GDP to the region of nearly USD 5 trillion. Inclusivity, just in the context of the binary gender gap here, is not just an argument of social justice and fairness (which would be a very strong argument) but an economic one.

My participation at the conference was facilitated by funding from the Women’s Academic Network at Bournemouth University (BU) and BU Business School QR funds. The value of the grants was not just limited to the paper presentation at the conference but is poised to lead to bigger outcomes in the form of collaborative research, joint external bid applications and public engagement.

Although I have had papers accepted at conferences in the last few years but this was the first conference I had physically attended (barring an online one in 2023) after a hiatus of nearly 4 years. Those 4 years began with the pandemic lockdown year of course and then life took over. The context of gender issues in entrepreneurship is not dissimilar to that of women or mother academics* or women in other industry sectors. Recently, I came across an interview with Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, who said that the work-life ‘balance’ is problematic; we ought to strive for work-life juggle. Not sure what you make of it, but I hear it from the perspective of a woman academic who wishes to make a positive impact through her work and also create a positive family experience. And in that process, relying on support network(s) and grants such as the ones I had are critically important. As I found through one of my recent research studies, social relationships (within family or externally) provide the much needed ‘propping up’ allowing women ( entrepreneurs) to work towards their (business) aspirations.

Participation at conferences is not just limited to academic feedback on papers; it is way beyond that- it becomes a supportive network; it is inspiration; intellectual stimulation; professional networking; creating a collaborative space for future projects; creating opportunities of PhD candidates; connecting with policy makers and ultimately, human connectedness that we all crave. For women academics like me, I feel it is a priceless experience. One that I would be looking forward to repeating more often.

The blogpost refers to gender in the binary only.

15 November 2024

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

Business Engagement, innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Transfer, Training vroper

KTP Development Session with KTA, Stephen Woodhouse

Wednesday 20^th 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

12 November 2024

Get in touch with the public engagement team for support in promoting your event

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Are you organising a public engagement activity or event that you would like help to promote?

Whether it’s a community event, public lecture, workshop, or any other public engagement activity, the Public Engagement with Research team can assist in promoting your event. Our monthly newsletters and social media channels offer a range of promotional opportunities to help you reach a wider audience and ensure your event is a success.

To be considered for inclusion, your event or activity must be;

Intended for and open to non-academic audiences
Focused on BU research, either solely or as part of a wider programme. Events or activities that do not involve BU research, such as marketing or recruitment events, will not be accepted.
Submitted, at the latest, in the first two weeks of the month preceding the event. For example, an event taking place in June should be submitted via the form any time before 14 May.

Event descriptions may be edited for consistency in style with other content.

Share your upcoming public event or activity

If you have any questions, please contact the team publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

6 November 2024

HE-BCI Data Collection Update: Deadline Passed – Thank You for Your Contributions

HEIF, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

We are pleased to confirm that the deadline for submitting data for the 2023-24 HE-BCI submission has now passed.

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who provided information on their social, community and cultural events.

This year, thanks to your valuable contributions, we appear to have successfully captured an increased number of events in comparison to previous years.

Thank you once again for your support. We look forward to sharing further insights with you soon.

If you have any questions about the HE-BCI return, please contact publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

4 November 2024

BU PhD Candidate Shares Transportation Expertise at Dorset COP 24

conferences, Knowledge Exchange Assemgul

🌍🚗 Thrilled to Have Participated in Dorset COP 24! 🚗🌍

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the “Future Transport System in Dorset” workshop at Dorset COP 24. As an expert speaker, I joined Dorset and BCP Council representatives, local Transport Action Groups, the General Manager of More Bus, the Lead Director of Great British Railways and engaged community members to reimagine what Dorset’s transport landscape could look like over the next decade—and how we can achieve these changes sustainably.

During the session, I presented my research on complex urban road networks and traffic congestion spread, sparking insightful conversations on innovative, eco-friendly strategies that could reshape our local transport systems. After a dynamic Q&A with experts, I was invited to share my findings with the BCP Council’s Transportation Team and the Dorchester Transport Action Group in their upcoming meetings—a fantastic opportunity to see these ideas reach even wider audiences!

I’m feeling inspired and energized by the collaboration, insights, and shared commitment to a greener future for Dorset. Thank you, Lois Betts (BU Sustainability Manager), Joseph McMullen (BU Lecturer) for the invitation and support. Let’s keep pushing for sustainable progress! 🌱

Assemgul, PhD candidate, SciTech, Computing Department. Research title: “Complex Urban Road Networks: Static Structures and Dynamic Processes.”

29 October 2024

Please help us include BU’s social, community, & cultural events for the 2023-24 HE-BCI submission. Deadline: Monday 4 November

HEIF, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their social, community and cultural events for 2023-24. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there is still time.

Deadline: Monday 4 November

Last year, we documented over 200 events and reached a total of 18.5 million attendees (including media appearances) for the 2022-23 return. We aim to match or even exceed that success this year!

ESRC Festival of Social Science 2023 – Two Tone Towns: A Social History of Ska in Dorset

What is HE-BCI?

The HE-BCI survey is a mandatory annual return that BU makes to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). An important part of this is to capture activity in terms of social, community and cultural events intended for the external community. This data is part of the information used to determine the allocation of Higher Education and Innovation Funding (HEIF) for BU.

What activities can be included?

Please include details of any relevant events that you have been involved in which took place/will take place between 1 August 2023 – 31 July 2024

Events must have been open to the public or intended for an external (non-academic) group and have included an exchange of knowledge. Events may take place in the UK or overseas

Eligible events include:

Public lectures or talks
Performance arts
Exhibitions
Museum education
Festival activity
Events for school/youth group
Events for other external (non-academic) groups
Media engagement

Please head to this SharePoint site to add your events.

The SharePoint site provides details about what data is collected, including calculating attendee numbers, staff time, reporting online activities and multiple related events

If you have any questions about the HE-BCI return, please contact publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

25 October 2024

BU Innovation Funding (HEIF) 2024-25 Open Call for Applications

Business Engagement, Funding opportunities, Fusion, HEIF, innovation, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement, REF Subjects wmorrison

The Innovation Funding Panel is pleased to announce the 2024-2025 Open Call for Applications.

Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) is now available for innovation knowledge exchange projects, please find details below of the call, eligibility and how to make an application.

Research England provide universities with HEIF funding. This is for knowledge exchange to enable them to develop a broad range of knowledge-based interactions: working with business, public and third sector organisations, community bodies and/or the wider public, to exchange knowledge and increase the economic and societal benefit/impact from their research. The Panel invites applications from:

significant projects that are underway and require a further funding to expand on current work to increase current impact;

existing knowledge exchange projects that are completed but can develop in a way which was not part of their initial project outcomes/impact with follow-on funding to develop to the next level or to explore areas/opportunities which arose from the original project outcomes;

projects with ambition that require seed funding, capacity building, proof-of-concept or launchpad

Further Information and Guidance

Please make sure that you read and follow the information and guidance in the document (link below)

Information and Guidance for Innovation Fund (HEIF) 2024-25.docx

Application Form

To apply, please read the guidance and complete the application form. The completed form must be submitted through the online application form below by 5pm on Friday 22nd November 2024. Please note, late applications will not be accepted and the online form portal will close at 5.00 pm GMT.

Bournemouth University Innovation Fund 2024-2025 Open Call Application Form

A copy of questions in pdf format for reference only can be found here: BU Innovation Fund 2024-2025 Open Call Application Form.pdf)

22 October 2024

We need your help to include all of BU’s social, community, & cultural events for the 2023-24 HE-BCI return

HEIF, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Thank you to everyone who has already submitted their social, community and cultural events for 2023-24. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there is still time.

Deadline: Monday 4 November

Last year, we documented over 200 events and reached a total of 18.5 million attendees (including media appearances) for the 2022-23 return. We aim to match or even exceed that success this year!

ESRC Festival of Social Science Event 2023 at RNLI

What is HE-BCI?

The HE-BCI survey is a mandatory annual return that BU makes to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). An important part of this is to capture activity in terms of social, community and cultural events intended for the external community. This data is part of the information used to determine the allocation of Higher Education and Innovation Funding (HEIF) for BU.

What activities can be included?

Please include details of any relevant events that you have been involved in which took place/will take place between 1 August 2023 – 31 July 2024

Events must have been open to the public or intended for an external (non-academic) group and have included an exchange of knowledge. Events may take place in the UK or overseas

Eligible events include:

Public lectures or talks
Performance arts
Exhibitions
Museum education
Festival activity
Events for school/youth group
Events for other external (non-academic) groups
Media engagement

Please head to this SharePoint site to add your events.

The SharePoint site provides details about what data is collected, including calculating attendee numbers, staff time, reporting online activities and multiple related events

If you have any questions about the HE-BCI return, please contact publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

18 October 2024

KTP Development Sessions with KTA, Stephen Woodhouse

Business Engagement, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Transfer, Training vroper

A 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@bournemouht.ac.uk

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

Wednesday 23^rd October, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, PG22 (Ground Floor Poole House)

Industrial Engagement – Finding partner businesses and growing your portfolio

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-session-tickets-1040485047787

Wednesday 20^th 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

Wednesday 18^th December, 1.00 to 2.00pm, FG04 (Fusion)

Strategic planning: Aligning & communicating ambition – tools to ensure systematic design capture, encourage engagement and promote co-formulation of the project

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-session-tickets-1040545909827

Wednesday 22^nd January, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, F305 (Fusion)

Developing an evidence-led business case: Co-formulation of financial forecasts, risk analysis of differentiated growth, and identification of impact – persuading assessors

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-session-tickets-1040559751227

Wednesday 19^th February, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, BG315 (Bournemouth Gateway Building)

Public sector KTPs: Developing the ‘business case’ – Providing persuasive evidence of impact

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-session-tickets-1041847191997

Wednesday 19^th March, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, F105 (Fusion)

Fiduciary responsibility – Evaluation of company accounts, demonstration of financial strength, suitability of company finances & eligibility for KTP scheme

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-session-tickets-1041848094697

Wednesday 23^rd April, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, BG315 (Bournemouth Gateway Building)

Developing successful applications: Driving-up your success rate – Why some applications fail – examination of Competition assessments and feedback, Moderation Panels and results

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-sessions-tickets-1041865918007

Wednesday 21^st May, 10.00am to 11.00am, BG306 (Bournemouth Gateway Building)

The SHAPE of KTPs: Social sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-session-tickets-1043931606537

Wednesday 21^st May, 1.00pm to 2.00pm, FG04 (Fusion)

The SHAPE of KTPs: Social sciences, Humanities and Arts for People and the Economy

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ktp-development-session-tickets-1041863651227

8 October 2024

The Innovation Common Room returns to FG04 on Wednesday 9 October 1-3:30pm

Knowledge Exchange, Training ballen

The Innovation Common Room offers researchers the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and provide mentorship in a casual environment over coffee.

Academics are welcome to invite their Post-Graduate Students

Please contact Wendelin Morrison, BU Knowledge Exchange Manager, if you would like more information: wmorrison@bournemouth.ac.uk

Category / Knowledge Exchange

Being Human Festival 2025: call for applications now open

Share your research with a public audience at BU’s new Research Café

Get in touch with the public engagement team for support in promoting your event

Opportunity to get involved with the British Science Festival 2025

British Science Festival 2025 – Call for Event Proposals

Decoding Research Conferences: Unveiling the ROI

Building Connections

Exploring New Ideas

Meeting Academic Heroes

Personal Growth

Pro Tip

Academic Conferences Engagement: ISBE 2024

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

Get in touch with the public engagement team for support in promoting your event

HE-BCI Data Collection Update: Deadline Passed – Thank You for Your Contributions

BU PhD Candidate Shares Transportation Expertise at Dorset COP 24

BU Innovation Funding (HEIF) 2024-25 Open Call for Applications

We need your help to include all of BU’s social, community, & cultural events for the 2023-24 HE-BCI return

KTP Development Sessions with KTA, Stephen Woodhouse

The Innovation Common Room returns to FG04 on Wednesday 9 October 1-3:30pm

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