Category / PG research

This part of the blog features news and information for postgraduate research students and supervisors

New HIV paper by BU PhD student

international, PG research, Publishing, student research, writing

The editor of HIV Research & Clinical Practice informed us that the paper ‘Stigma in UK health care: A key barrier to reaching zero HIV transmission by 2030’ has been accepted for publication [1].   This paper is based on the PhD research currently conducted by Mr. Tom Weeks in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences (HEMS).  Tom’s thesis focuses on the perceptions of stigmatisation of People Living with HIV in care settings in the UK and the kind of education health care staff (clinical and non-clinical) receive in relation to HIV.  His long-term aim in the PhD is to help improve education to reduce such stigma.  Tom is being supervised by Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen. 

Both supervisors have a long experience in studying social and health promotion aspects of HIV and AIDS.  Thirty years ago Prof. van Teijlingen worked in the NHS as a researcher in the Centre for HIV/AIDS and Drugs Studies based in Edinburgh.  Whilst Dr. Regmi conducted his PhD research on sexual health and health promotion in young people in Nepal.  Both supervisors themselves have published widely on the topic of HIV and AIDS [2-23].  The first of these many publication was a letter on community care for people living with HIV in the community which was published in the Lancet in 1993 [2]. 

 

 

References

  1. Weeks, T., Regmi, P., van Teijlingen, E. (2026) Stigma in UK health care: A key barrier to reaching zero HIV transmission by 2030, HIV Research & Clinical Practice (accepted).
  2. Huby, G, van Teijlingen E, Porter M., Bury, J (1993) Care for HIV in community (letter) Lancet 342: 1297-1298.
  3. Huby, G, van Teijlingen, E, Robertson J, Porter, AM (1993) Community care & support for women, In: Johnson F & Johnstone M. (Eds.) HIV Infection in Women, Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 123-32.
  4. Bury, J.K., Ross, A., van Teijlingen, E., Porter, AMD, Bath, G. (1996) Lothian GPs, HIV infection & Drug Misuse: Epidemiology, Experience & Confidence 1988-93 Health Bulletin, 54: 258-269.
  5. Huby, GO, van Teijlingen E, Porter, AMD, Bury, J. (1997) Co-ordination of care on discharge from hospital into the community for patients with HIV/AIDS in Lothian, Health Bulletin, 55:338-50.
  6. van Teijlingen, E, Huby, G. (1998) Evaluation within a policy-making and contracting culture: reflections of practice, In: Barbour R.S., Huby G. (Eds.), Meddling with mythology: AIDS & the social construction of knowledge, London: Routledge, 218-33.
  7. Lowis, G, van Teijlingen, E, Sheremata, W. (2000) AIDS in developing countries: A comparative epidemiological analysis, In: Rose, J. (Ed.), Population Problems, Reading: Gordon & Breach Science Publishers: 133-61
  8. Scotland, G., van Teijlingen E., van der Pol, M, Smith, WCS. (2003) A review of studies assessing costs & consequences of interventions to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, Aids, 17: 1045-52.
  9. Nicholson, D., van Teijlingen E. (2006) Comparing level of expenditure on HIV health promotion & incidence of HIV in Greater Glasgow & Lothian Health Boards (1988-98), Salusvita, 25(1): 13-22 usc.br/Edusc/colecoes/revistas/salusvita_pdf/salusvita_v25_n.1_2006.pdf
  10. Regmi, P., Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen E. (2008) Sexual & reproductive health status among young people in Nepal: opportunities & barriers for sexual health education & service utilisation, Kathmandu University Medical Journal 6(2): 248-256.
  11. Wasti, S.P., Simkhada, P.P, Randall, J., van Teijlingen E. (2009) Issues & Challenges of HIV/AIDS Prevention & Treatment Programme in Nepal, Global Journal of Health Science 1(2): 62-72. http://ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/gjhs/article/viewFile/2460/3474
  12. Regmi P, Simkhada PP, van Teijlingen E (2010) “Boys Remain Prestigious, Girls become Prostitutes”: Socio-Cultural Context of Relationships & Sex among Young People in Nepal, Global Journal of Health Science 2(1): 60-72.
  13. Regmi P., Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen E. (2010) “There are too many naked pictures found in papers and on the net”: Factors encouraging pre-marital sex among young people of Nepal. Health Science Journal 4(3): 162-174. hsj.gr/volume4/issue3/437.pdf
  14. Regmi, P., Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen E. (2010) Dating and Sex among Emerging Adults in Nepal. Journal of Adolescence Research 26 (6): 675-700.
  15. Regmi, P., van Teijlingen, E, Simkhada, P., Acharya, D. (2010) Barriers to sexual health services for young people in Nepal. Journal of Health Population & Nutrition 28: 619-27.
  16. Wasti, SP, Simkhada, PP, van Teijlingen E (Eds.) (2015) Socio-Cultural Aspects of HIV/ AIDS. The Dynamics of Health in Nepal, Kathmandu: Soc Sci Baha/Himal Books: 47-62.
  17. Aryal, N., Regmi, P.R., van Teijlingen, E., Dhungel, D., Ghale, G., Bhatta, G.K. (2016) Knowing is not enough: Migrant workers’ spouses vulnerability to HIV, SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS 8(1):9-15.
  18. Ochillo, M., van Teijlingen, E., Hind, M. (2017) Influence of faith-based organisations on HIV prevention strategies in Africa: systematic review. African Health Sciences 17(3): 753-61.
  19. Sathian, B., Sreedharan, J., Asim, M., Menezes, R.G., van Teijlingen, E., Unnikrishnan, B. (2018) Estimation of burden of people living with HIV/AIDS in Kerala state, India. Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 8(3): 738-44.
  20. Hamidi, A., Regmi, P., van Teijlingen, E. (2021) HIV epidemic in Libya: Identifying gaps, Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 20 :1-5 https://doi.org/10.1177/23259582211053964 .
  21. Regmi, P.R., van Teijlingen, E.R., Silwal, R.C., Dhital, R. (2022) Role of social media for sexual communication and sexual behaviors: A focus group study among young people in Nepal. Journal of Health Promotion, 10(1):153–166. https://doi.org/10.3126/jhp.v10i1.50995
  22. Hamidi, A., Regmi, P., van Teijlingen, E. (2023) Facilitators and barriers to condom use in Middle East and North Africa: a systematic review, Journal of Public Health, 32: 1651-81 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-023-01923-3
  23. Hamidi, A., Regmi, P, van Teijlingen, E. (2024) Islamic perspectives on HIV: a scoping review, Discover Social Science & Health 4:6 https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44155-024-00063-7.pdf

Vitae Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition: Applications Now Open

PG research

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition is back. Originally established by the University of Queensland, this globally recognised challenge invites doctoral researchers to condense their entire thesis into a high-impact, three-minute presentation designed for a general audience

The first BU round of the competition will take place via pre-recorded presentations.

To participate, you must:

Deadline: Both your online application form and video presentation must be submitted by 9am on Monday 20 April.

Please note: Applications submitted without a presentation will not be considered for Faculty selection.

A Faculty Panel will select a winner for each school. Finalists will be invited to the in-person BU Final on campus on Wednesday 17 June.

Prepare Your Submission

To ensure your presentation meets the official criteria and recording standards, please consult these resources

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if:

  • You are an active PhD or Professional Doctorate candidate
  • You have successfully passed your Probationary Review

Exclusions: MRes/MPhil students, graduates, and students currently on interruption are not eligible.

Remote & Part-Time Researchers: If you cannot attend the campus final due to your status, a pre-recorded video submission is permitted in accordance with official rules.

Why Join the Challenge?

  • Refine Public Speaking: Master the “elevator pitch” for complex data
  • Boost Your Profile: Gain visibility within the university and the wider research community
  • National Recognition: The winner will represent BU at the National Vitae 3MT competition
  • Earn Prizes: All finalists receive a Doctoral College backpack, plus a chance to win:
    • 1st Prize: £150 voucher
    • 2nd Prize: £100 voucher
    • 3rd Prize: £50 voucher
    • People’s Choice: £50 voucher

Learn More

For more on the history and global impact, visit the official Vitae and 3MT® websites.

Further information is available on Brightspace

Watch the 2025 BU winners here

Registration to attend the final will open in May.

If you have any questions, please contact the team at: pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

Applications are now open for 2026 ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships

PG research, Training

The ESRC invites applications for 9-month postdoctoral fellowships (PDF) to be based at the SWDTP institutions of University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, Plymouth University, University of West of England, Bath Spa University, Bournemouth University and Plymouth Marjon University.

Fellowships are aimed at providing a development opportunity for social science researchers in the immediate postdoctoral stage of their career, to consolidate their PhD through developing publications, their networks, and their professional skills.

At Bournemouth University, we run a dual stage application process. Candidates must be aligned to one of the SWDTP pathways to which BU belong. For BU, this means that we would be able to support applicants in one of three pathways:

We ask potential candidates to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. The deadline for submitting the EOI form is Friday 24 April, 2026. The form is available from the pathway leads.

Prior to submission of your EOI it is a good idea to have identified a mentor who will support you to develop your application. If you are uncertain on how to identify a mentor, then please contact one of the pathway leads listed above.

Following a review of all EOI received, we will nominate successful applicants (capped at 2) and support the development of a full application to the ESRC (via the SWDTP). The full application is due on Monday 1 June 2026. Only nominated applicants are able to complete this second stage.

For further information, please refer to the SWDTP web pages dedicated to the postdoctoral fellowships award.

Please also note that you can register for an online information event hosted by the SWDTP. This takes place at 1pm on Monday 30 March 2026. (A recording, slides and full eligibility criteria will be available on the SWDTP website).

Please submit EOI by Friday 24 April 2026 to: SWDTP@bournemouth.ac.uk and cc: msilk@bournemouth.ac.uk

Four BU students at national midwifery conference

conferences, PG research, Women's Academic Network

This week four postgraduate midwifery students from Bournemouth University attended the Royal College of Midwives annual Education & Research conference in London.  Their contributions included studies on: (1) ‘A Unique Approach to Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy’ by Ph.D. student Louise Barton; (2) Investigating how women make decisions about prescribed psychiatric medication use during pregnancy by M.Res. student Jessica Correia; (3) Harnessing midwives’ research delivery expertise to encourage medics’ participation in research’ by M.Res. student Susara Blunden; and (4) ‘Personalised care for women of advanced maternal age, from conception to postnatal care: A mixed-methods study’ by Ph.D. student Joanne Rack. Joanne was also at this conference in her capacity of the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of The Practising Midwife. 

Congratulations to these postgraduate students and their supervisors.

Profs. Vanora Hundley & Edwin van Teijlingen

 

BU academics in the news in Nepal

international, PG research, Publishing, writing

Yesterday (5th March) Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen published a topical piece in an online newspaper in Nepal called ‘NepaliLink.  This newspaper article coincided with the national elections taking place in the country.  This is the first general election since Gen Z protests overturned the Government of Nepal in the autumn of 2025.  Migrant labour is key to Nepal’s economy as no country in the world relies so much on workers going abroad to work and sending money home.  The latter is called remittance and the total amount sent home comprises more than a quarter of the national income.

Dr. Regmi and Prof. van Teijlingen have conducted a great number of studies on the health and well-being of migrant workers from Nepal. This includes a paper ‘A comparison of chronic kidney risk among returnee Nepalese migrant workers in the countries of Gulf and Malaysia and non-migrants in Nepal: a population-based cross-sectional study’ whixh was recently accepted for publication in BMC Nephrology. With a grant from the COLT Foundation, our BU team led the first large-scale population-based interdisciplinary study examining kidney health among Nepalese migrants. Conducted in mid-2023 in one of Nepal’s highest out-migration districts, the forthcoming study compared risks between migrants and non-migrants from the same community [1].  Our study identified significantly higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among male migrant workers compared to non-migrants. Interestingly, smoking and alcohol consumption were more common among non-migrant men. However, one in seven male migrants reported consuming potentially hazardous counterfeit or home-brewed alcohol while abroad. The findings suggest that both adverse working environments and lifestyle factors may contribute to increased heart disease among migrant workers.

Both Dr. Regmi and Prof. van Teijlingen are based in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences (HEMS) and in the last five years alone they have published over twenty publications about the health and well-being of migrant workers [2-21].

 

References

  1. Aryal, N., Regmi, P., Sedhain, A., Bhattarai, S., KC, R.K., Mishra, S.K., Caplin, B., Perce, N., van Teijlingen E. (2026) A comparison of chronic kidney risk among returnee Nepalese migrant workers in the countries of Gulf and Malaysia and non-migrants in Nepal: a population-based cross-sectional study, BMC Nephrology 1186/s12882-026-04872-7 (forthcoming)
  3. Paudyal, P., Wasti, S.P., Neupane, P., Sapkota, J.L., Watts, C., Kulasabanathan, K., Silwal, R., Memon, A., Shukla, P, Pathak, R.S., Michelson, D., Beery, C., Moult, A., Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen, E., Cassell, J. 10, (2025) Coproducing a culturally sensitive storytelling video intervention to improve psychosocial well-being: a multimethods participatory study with Nepalese migrant workers, BMJ Open 15:e086280.
  4. Regmi, P., Aryal, N., Bhattarai, S., Sedhain, A., KC, R.K., van Teijlingen, E. (2024) Exploring lifestyles, work environment and health care experience of Nepalese returnee labour migrants diagnosed with kidney-related problems. PLoS ONE 19(8): e0309203.
  5. Paudyal, A.R., Harvey, O., Teijlingen, E. van, Regmi, P. R., Sharma, C. (2024). Returning Home to Nepal after Modern Slavery: Opportunities for Health Promotion. Journal of Health Promotion, 12(1), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.3126/jhp.v12i1.72713
  6. Regmi, P., Aryal, N., van Teijlingen, E., KC, R.K., Gautam, M. and Maharjan, S. (2024). A Qualitative Insight into Pre-Departure Orientation Training for Aspiring Nepalese Migrant Workers. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 9 (7).
  7. Aryal, N., Regmi, P., Adhikari Dhakal, S., Sharma, S. and van Teijlingen, E. (2024). Moral panic, fear, stigma, and discrimination against returnee migrants and Muslim populations in Nepal: analyses of COVID-19 media content. Journal of Media Studies, 38 (2), 71-98.
  8. Simkhada, P.P., van Teijlingen, E., Gurung, M., Bhujel, S., Wasti, S.P. (2024) Workplace harassment faced by female Nepalese migrants working aboard, Global Health Journal 8(3): 128-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.glohj.2024.08.001
  9. Mahato, P., Bhusal, S., Regmi, P.,  van Teijlingen, E. (2024). Health and Wellbeing Among Nepali Migrants: A Scoping Review. Journal of Health Promotion, 12(1): 79–90. https://doi.org/10.3126/jhp.v12i1.72699
  10. Regmi, P., Aryal, N., Bhattarai, S., Sedhain, A., KC, R.K. and van Teijlingen, E. (2024) Exploring lifestyles, work environment and health care experience of Nepalese returnee labour migrants diagnosed with kidney-related problems, PLoS One 19(8): e0309203. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309203
  11. Khanal, S.P., van Teijlingen, E., Sharma, M., Acharya, J., Sharma, C., Kharel, S., Gaulee, U., Bhattarai, K., Pasa, R.B., Bohora, P. (2024) Risk Perception and Protective Health Measure Regarding COVID-19 among Nepali Labour Migrants’ Returnee from India. KMC Journal, 6(1): 313–330
  12. Chaudhary, M.N., Lim, V.C., Faller, E.M., Regmi, P., Aryal, N., Zain, S.N.M., Azman, A.S. and Sahimin, N. (2024). Assessing the basic knowledge and awareness of dengue fever prevention among migrant workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. PLoS ONE, 19 (2).
  13. Chaudhary, M.N., Lim, V.C., Sahimin, N., Faller, E.M., Regmi, P., Aryal, N. and Azman, A.S. (2023). Assessing the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices in, food safety among migrant workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 54.
  14. Gyawali, K., Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen, E.R., Manandhar, S., Silwal, R.C. (2023). Sexual Harassment Among Nepali Non-Migrating Female Partners of International Labor Migrant Men. Journal of Health Promotion, 11(1): 22–31
  15. Adhikari, Y., Regmi, P., Devkota, B. and van Teijlingen, E. (2023). Forgotten health and social care needs of left-behind families of Nepali migrant workers. Journal of Health Promotion, 10, 1-4.
  16. Regmi, P., Dhakal Adhikari, S., Aryal, N., Wasti, S.P., van Teijlingen, E. (2022) Fear, Stigma and Othering: The Impact of COVID-19 Rumours on Returnee Migrants and Muslim Populations of Nepal, International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health 19(15), 8986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158986
  17. Regmi, P., Simkhada, P., Aryal, N., van Teijlingen, E. (2022) Excessive mortalities among migrant workers: the case of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Europasian Journal of Medical Sciences, 4:31-32. https://doi.org/10.46405/ejms.v4i0.455
  18. Simkhada, P., van Teijlingen, E. and Regmi, P. (2022). Migrant Workers in Qatar: Not just an important topic during the FIFA World Cup 2022. Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health, 21 (3), 1-2.
  19. Aryal, N., Sedhain, A., Regmi, P.R., KC, R. K., van Teijlingen, E. (2021). Risk of kidney health among returnee Nepali migrant workers: A survey of nephrologists. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 12(12), 126–132. https://doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v12i12.39027
  20. Aryal, N., Regmi, P.R., Sedhain, A., KC, R.K., Martinez Faller, E., Rijal, A., van Teijlingen, E. (2021) Kidney health risk of migrant workers: An issue we can no longer overlook. Health Prospect 20(1):15-7
  21. Simkhada, B., Sah, R.K., Mercel-Sanca, A., van Teijlingen, E., Bhurtyal, Y.M. and Regmi, P. (2021). Perceptions and Experiences of Health and Social Care Utilisation of the UK-Nepali Population. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 23 (2), 298-307.

BU recruiting for M.Res. INSIGHT Programme

Awarded & submitted bids, PG research, Training

We are currently recruiting to the INSIGHT MRes Programme for September 2026.  These fully funded M.Res. studentships are available to nurses, midwives and allied health rpofessionals as well as final year nursing, midwifery and allied health students working towards professional registration in the UK.  More information can be found here!
If they would like to speak to someone, they can email: Dr. Leslie Gelling (lgelling@bournemouth.ac.uk) or Prof. Carol Clark (cclark@bournemouth.ac.uk).
The submission deadline is 17:00 on 15th March 2026.

SPROUT: From Sustainable Research to Sustainable Research Lives

PG research

A different way of external examining

international, PG research, writing

Last month I had the honour of chairing a committee to review the first three years of the MSc in Midwifery in the Netherlands.  Since all Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the Netherlands offer this joint degree there is only one in the country.  This national collaboration meant there were very few academics working in the field of midwifery who can claim to be independent.  All midwifery educators/academic midwives are employed by one of the HEIs participating in the joint Master’s degree. Hence, two of the four committee members, including myself came from abroad.

Today’s blog highlights that there is a different way to the UK version of external examining as a form of quality control in Higher Education.  In the UK each undergraduate programme, or year in a programme, or module has its own external examiner, who is appointed typically for three years to act as independent assessor.  External examiners typically reviews all education aspects of the programme/module and discuss their assessment examiners’ meetings held at the host university.  For more details on external examining in the UK, see also:”Acting as External Examiners in the UK: Going Beyond Quality Assurance” [1].

The Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium has a single cross-national organisation which is responsible for assessing the quality of higher education degrees.  This organisation, the NVAO [Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders], has an accreditation system that covers Associate Degree, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programmes in the Netherlands.   First, there is the need for initial accreditation of a new programme, valid for a period of six years.  Secondly, the accreditation of an existing programme, which, following a positive assessment, is valid indefinitely, as long as the programmes passes the six-yearly assessment by a panel of independent experts (peers engaged by the NVAO).  Between these periodic assessments there is no equivalent of the UK’s annual external examiners’ meeting.

Reference:

  1. Poobalan, A., Simkhada, P. & van Teijlingen, E. (2021), “Acting as External Examiners in the UK: Going Beyond Quality Assurance“, In: Sengupta, E., Blessinger, P., Ssemwanga, A. & Cozza, B. (Ed.) The Role of External Examining in Higher Education: Challenges and Best Practices (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 38), Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 13-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120210000038002

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Exploring Embodied Research: Body Map Storytelling Workshop & Research Seminar

PG research

Supported by the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant, Zahra Eskandari (PhD Candidate, Faculty of Business & Law) recently hosted a two-day workshop introducing Body Map Storytelling to the BU research community. This innovative, arts-based method focuses on using creative expression to explore lived experiences, empowering participants to bridge their personal journeys with broader academic practices.

A Space for Reflection and Connection

The interactive session took place at Poole House on Thursday 22 January. Designed specifically for international women PGRs and ECRs, the workshop provided a supportive environment to explore themes of physical activity, wellbeing and belonging. Participants engaged in a hands-on creative process, developing unique body maps that combined visual expression with storytelling.

One participant noted:

“Through this workshop, I realised more about my choices and my engagement.”

Examples of body maps created during the workshop, where participants used colour and symbols to represent their lived experiences and emotional wellbeing.

Examples of body maps created during the workshop, where participants used colour and symbols to represent their lived experiences and emotional wellbeing.

Interdisciplinary Learning

The following day, the focus shifted to the Fusion Building for a research seminar led by Dr Anna Smirnova (Creative Health Associate, Edge Hill University). Dr Smirnova shared insights from her PhD research using this method with young people in Kyrgyzstan, providing a deep dive into the ethical and analytical foundations of the approach.

The seminar attracted a diverse group, including five postgraduate researchers and nine lecturers, creating an engaging cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas.

A participating lecturer described it as:

“One of the few events where you could learn something new and hear about the incredible research being carried out elsewhere.”

The PGR community in action: participants at the Body Map Storytelling workshop exploring embodied research methods

Impact

For the organiser, Zahra Eskandari, managing this project was “Empowering, Transformative, and Challenging”. While building Zahra’s project management and budget skills, the project also gave BU researchers new, creative tools for inclusive research. The positive engagement from both the workshop and seminar showed a clear demand for more arts-based sessions at BU in the future.

Apply for the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant

Do you have an idea for an event or initiative that could strengthen the research culture at BU? We invite you to follow in Zahra’s footsteps and apply for funding to bring your project to life.

Find out more and submit your application here: Research Culture and Community Grant PGR Application

Closing date 4pm, Monday 9 March 2026

If you would like to discuss your ideas before submitting your application, please contact Enrica Conrotto, Researcher Development Manager, at pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Fourth INRC Symposium: From Clinical Applications to Neuro-Inspired Computation

PG research, REF Subjects, Research themes

We cordially invite you to the 4th Symposium of the BU Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Research Centre: From Clinical Applications to Neuro-Inspired Computation on Friday, the 16th of January 2026, 9:30-15:00 at the Lees Lecture Theatre (Talbot Campus, Poole House -outside).

This symposium encompasses a journey from clinical case studies to new, emerging experimental and computational methodologies that underpin future translational applications. It is an opportunity for informal discussions on grant proposals and to explore shared interests with our external guests from the NHS and collaborating EU universities.

The schedule is as follows:

9:30 Coffee

9:50 Opening and Welcome Address

10:00-10.50 Dr Michalis Doumas (Queen’s University Belfast): Sensory integration for postural control in healthy ageing and in people living with Parkinson’s.

10:50 Coffee break

11:00-11:50 Session I. Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Dr Ioanna Markostamou: Naming spatial relations in typical and atypical ageing: At the crossroads of language and perception.

Dr Catherine Talbot: Dementia in the digital age: exploring the promise and pitfalls of social technologies.

11:50-12.50 Lunch break (no lunch provided, but Talbot Campus facilities available)

12.50-13.40 Dr Andre Rupp (Online Talk): Auditory pitch perception and clinical applications.

13:40 Coffee break

14:00-14.50 Session II: Neuro-inspired computation

Dr Anna Metzger: Understanding haptic perception of objects’ shape and material via DNN modelling.

Dr Hongchuan Yu: Waa3D: an open-source platform to benchmark performance of algorithms for automated neuro tracing in light microscopy datasets.

Concluding Remarks + Invitation to everybody to become a member of the INRC network

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Ellen Seiss, eseiss@bournemouth.ac.uk or Emili Balaguer-Ballester, eb-ballester@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Thank you very much; we are looking forward to seeing you there.

Kind regards,

Ellen and Emili, on behalf of all of us.

On Christmas Day in the Morning…

open access, PG research, Publishing, Women's Academic Network, writing

On Christmas Day (25 December 2025) the Journal of Mixed Methods Studies published Dr. Orlanda Harvey’s latest paper ‘Using A Range Of Recruitment Strategies To Recruit Those Who Use Anabolic Androgenic Steroids‘ [1]. The Journal of Mixed Methods Studies is an Open Access journal, hence this paper is freely available to anybody with internet access.

Dr. Harvey is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences. This is the latest in a series of publications based on Orlanda’s Ph.D. work at Bournemouth University.  She has published a steady stream of papers over the past six years [2-7].

Congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

References:

  1. Harvey, O., van Teijlingen, E., Parrish, M. (2025). Using A Range Of Recruitment Strategies To Recruit Those Who Use Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. Journal of Mixed Methods Studies, 11: 43–60. https://doi.org/10.59455/jomes.42
  2. Harvey, O., van Teijlingen, E., Parrish, M. (2024) Using a range of communication tools to interview a hard-to-reach population, Sociological Research Online 29(1): 221–232 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/13607804221142212
  3. Harvey, O., Keen, S., Parrish, M., van Teijlingen, E. (2019) Support for people who use Anabolic Androgenic Steroids: A Systematic Literature Review into what they want and what they access. BMC Public Health 19: 1024
  4. Harvey, O., Parrish, M., van Teijlingen, E., Trenoweth, S. (2020) Support for non-prescribed Anabolic Androgenic Steroids users: A qualitative exploration of their needs Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy 27:5, 377-386. doi 10.1080/09687637.2019.1705763
  5.  Harvey, O., Parrish, M., van Teijlingen, E, Trenoweth, S. (2022) Libido as a reason to use non-prescribed Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, Drugs: Education, Prevention & Policy 29(3):276-288.
  6. Harvey, O., van Teijlingen, E., Parrish, M. (2022) Mixed-methods research on androgen abuse – a review, Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes 29(6):586-593.
  7. Harvey, O., van Teijlingen, E. (2022) The case for ‘anabolics’ coaches: selflessness versus self-interest? Performance Enhancement & Health 10(3) August, 100230

Bournemouth University Cyber Security Researcher Wins Best Poster Award at HISC 2025

PG research

Bournemouth University (BU) is proud to announce that PhD Cyber Security researcher Serdar Akar, has been awarded Best Poster Winner at this year’s High Integrity Software Conference (HISC) 2025, held in Newport, Wales.

HISC is a leading international forum that brings together software engineers and industry practitioners to exchange knowledge, address critical challenges, and strengthen the foundations of a trustworthy software ecosystem.

Serdar’s winning poster, titled “Towards Productive Cyber Resilience and Safety Analysis in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)”, was showcased in the conference’s Future Zone, which highlights innovative research shaping the future of high-integrity software.

Serdar was also recently named the Winner of our BU’s ‘Business Idea Challenge’, organised by the Students’ Union (SUBU). This award recognises a student-led venture that is not only highly feasible but also carries a strong social impact, aligns with the university’s sustainability priorities, and demonstrates impressive potential for future growth.

Serdar said, “To have my work recognised in both academic and entrepreneurial spheres in such a short time is immensely encouraging. It is a great privilege to be able to contribute to the research and innovation environment here at Bournemouth University.”

Dr Duncan Ki-Aries at Bournemouth University, commented, “These awards reflect the high calibre of research being undertaken at BU. Serdar’s work contributes to advancing cyber resilience and safety in complex systems, and we are delighted to see it recognised on an international stage.”

Prof Huseyin Dogan mentioned, “There are challenges centred on Model Based Systems Engineering in industry, and we are bridging theoretical benefits with practical applications. Serdar’s PhD will contribute to this domain by integrating cyber resilience and safety analysis through software tool support.”

The recognition underscores Bournemouth University’s commitment to pioneering research towards safer, secure, and more resilient digital infrastructures.

If you’re interested in learning more about these impactful projects, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Prof. Huseyin Dogan and Dr. Duncan Ki-Aries, and others.

Up2U: New BU academic publication

open access, PG research, Publishing, Women's Academic Network, writing

Congratulations to the interdisciplinary BU team on the publication of the paper ‘Up2U: designing and validating a new evidence-based programme for perpetrators of domestic abuse who want to change’ in Frontiers in Psychology [1].   The new paper is part of the series ‘The Dynamics of Emotion Regulation and Aggressiveness in Gender-Based Violence Contexts’, and it appeared in an Open Access journal and is therefore easily accessible.

Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue rooted in patterns of power and control, contributing to a significant number of high-harm offenses both in the UK and internationally. While programmes have been aiming to disrupt abusive cycles through the understanding and recognition of harm, there is widespread disagreement on what effective interventions should look like. This paper addresses this gap.

The authors of this paper include both psychologists and social workers, as well as a student co-author.  The lead author, Terri Cole, is a Principal Academic in Forensic Psychology.

 

Congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

 

Reference:

  1. Cole, T., Oliver, L., Harvey, O., Healy, J., Sperryn, A., Barbin, A. (2025) Up2U: designing and validating a new evidence-based programme for perpetrators of domestic abuse who want to change, Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 16 – 28 Nov.2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1676490

New BU midwifery paper

PG research, Publishing, student research, writing

Congratulations to HEMS colleagues on their recently published paper in MIDIRS Midwifery Digest. This new qualitative publication focuses on the ‘Barriers to the uptake of healthy eating messages by Black African immigrant pregnant women living in the UK: midwives’ perspectives’ [1].  The paper grew out of Aniebiet Ekong’s PhD research on this topic which was supervised by Drs. Pramod Regmi, Juliet Wood, and Jaqui Hewitt-Taylor.

 

Reference:

  1. Ekong A, Regmi P, Wood J, Hewitt-Taylor J. Barriers to the uptake of healthy eating messages by Black African immigrant
    pregnant women living in the UK: midwives’ perspectives M    IDIRS Midwifery Digest, 35(4):  372–383.

SPROUT: Embedding Sustainability in Doctoral Research Practice

PG research

Join us for the first SPROUT network event of 2025/26 – a collaborative session between Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Durham Universities exploring how sustainability and impact can be embedded in doctoral research practice.

We’re delighted to invite postgraduate researchers and early career researcher to the first SPROUT event of the 2025/26 academic year.

SPROUT the Sustainability and Postgraduate Research Network is a collaboration between Bournemouth University, Cardiff University, and Durham University. The network aims to explore how sustainability and impact can be embedded within our research practices, collaborations, and everyday academic lives.

Event Overview

Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Time: 1-2pm
Format: Online (via Microsoft Teams) and in person at INSPIRE, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole BH12 5BB
Host University: Bournemouth University
Organisers: BU academic and PGR leads, in collaboration with Cardiff & Durham Universities
Theme: Personal and Institutional Sustainability: Embedding Sustainable Practice in Doctoral Research
Open to: Doctoral and early career researchers across all disciplines

About the Event

Join the SPROUT hybrid event, a new network uniting BU, Durham, and Cardiff Universities to embed sustainability and impact in research collaboration.

This interactive one-hour session explores how sustainability can shape both our research and our daily practices as postgraduate and early career researchers. Together, we’ll consider:

  • What does sustainability mean personally, institutionally, and academically?
  • How can we make our research processes more sustainable and ethical?
  • What practical steps can we take as a community?

Meeting Objectives

  • Reintroduce the SPROUT network for the 2025/26 academic year
  • Explore how sustainability can be understood and practised at personal, institutional, and research levels
  • Create space for doctoral and early career researchers to share experiences and connect
  • Promote opportunities for participation and leadership in future SPROUT events

Why Attend?

If you’re a doctoral or early career researcher interested in embedding sustainability and ethical practice into your research, this session offers:

  • A chance to connect with peers across three UK universities
  • Inspiration on integrating sustainability into your research and everyday academic activities
  • A collaborative space to share experiences, challenges, and ambitions for more sustainable research cultures

How to Join

Participation is free, but registration is required – please sign up via [SPROUT: Embedding Sustainability in Doctoral Research Practice Tickets, Wed 19 Nov 2025 at 13:00 | Eventbrite].
After registering, online attendees will receive a Teams link by email.

For further information, please contact Dr Tahani Mohamed at tmohamed@bournemouth.ac.uk.

We look forward to seeing you at the first SPROUT event of the new academic year and to working together to embed sustainability in doctoral research practice.