Category / Postgraduate Research

Introducing the “Doctoral College Outstanding Contribution Awards”!

Doctoral College, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research

 

Recognising the contributions to postgraduate research by our PGR students, academics and professional staff

The Doctoral College are excited to announce the launch of our “Doctoral College Outstanding Contribution Awards”! 

These awards recognise the outstanding contributions to postgraduate research degrees at BU by any PGR, academic or professional staff member. They can be nominated throughout the year by any member of the postgraduate research degree community to anyone that they feel is exceptional, has exceeded expectations, and has had a positive impact on postgraduate research degrees at BU.

Eligibility

You can nominate anyone involved in postgraduate research at Bournemouth University to receive an award certificate. There is no award criteria, as long as the submission falls within the guidelines, whoever you’ve selected will receive a Doctoral College “Outstanding Contribution Award”!

How to nominate

We’ve made it really easy for you to nominate someone for a Doctoral College “Outstanding Contribution Award” – it’s just a short online nomination form!

BU Matched Funded Studentship Competition 2022 – Update

BU research, Doctoral College, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research

The funding call for the BU Matched Funded Studentship Competition 2022 will be announced shortly.

Currently, approximately one third of our postgraduate researchers are supported by BU studentships and BU is committed to continuing this support. This year’s competition will include opportunities for a limited number of matched funded PhD and MRes studentships.

While the details of the process are being finalised, it is time to:

  • consider potential research projects which align to the Strategic Investment Areas as identified in BU2025, or that have been identified as strategically important by Faculties
  • approach potential external match-funders to discuss financing and project interests
  • convene an interdisciplinary supervisory team which must include at least one MCR or ECR.

External match-funders would be expected to contribute approximately £26,000 – £27,000 for a three-year PhD towards the stipend and research & development costs, with BU providing 50% of the stipend and full fee waiver. The allocation of funding will be overseen by the Studentship Funding Panel.

Full details will be published on the staff intranet, with notification on the Research Blog and via email.

Celebrating national Research Administrators Day! How have research administrators made a difference to you?

BU research, Postgraduate Research

National Research Administrators DayLast Saturday (25th September) was national Research Administrators Day, so this week, RDS are celebrating the wonderful research administrators at BU that develop, support and enable research activity at BU. The breadth of activities that our colleagues play an important role in is extensive; from the development of funding applications (using the mind-boggling financial methodology and systems our funders require), the submission of complex returns such as the Research Excellence Framework  (apparently, it’s supposed to be less bureaucratic now?) through to the day-to-day management of grants (and if you’ve ever been involved in an EU audit, you’ll understand the complexities of this).nunziato caption contest

Allied throughout the research lifecycle are our specialists with expert knowledge in myriad of essential areas including technology transfer, research ethics, public engagement, clinical governance and the development of impact case studies. To name but a few!

Why do we need research administrators?

It wasn’t so very long ago that academics were expected to understand and execute all aspects of research and knowledge exchange. However, as the research ecosystem has matured and government investment has increased, professionalisation has accelerated. But why do we need specialist staff for this? Reasons include:

  • Our funders require it. Many (including UKRI, the British Academy etc) require applications to be submitted through a dedicated office having completed institutional checks (normally coupled with a complex set of systems to navigate). They also require many returns to be co-ordinated at an institutional level.
  • In a world where information is ever more prevalent, we have a key role to play in horizon scanning for policy developments and funding opportunities that will impact the University’s research trajectory.
  • We figure out how to make things happen (research projects, establishing new initiatives etc), co-ordinating across departments.
  • We engage nationally and internationally to embed good practice within BU.
  • We ensure our academic community can focus their precious time on making the magic of research happen; not reading the latest 4,691 page missive on the specificities of EU post-award processes* etcetera.

This is of course just a snapshot and if you want to read more, I’d suggest taking a look at this article published in Nature, which highlights that “With research administrators doing all that work, scientists can be left to do the good work they do in the world.”

How can I get involved in celebrating BU’s Research Administrators?

Research Administration is not a career for those seeking glory or riches, in-fact, it’s probably one of the worst career choices if either of those is your primary motivation.  So, what does motivate people to become research administrators? Over the years I’ve noticed that a lot of ‘Research Office’ staff (at BU and beyond) stay in the profession owing to a love of research and a desire to make a difference to society. My colleagues are also inherently helpful people who derive great professional satisfaction from solving tricky challenges to enable their colleagues and ensure the University progresses its research agenda. These unsung heros would never say it, but they so also appreciate to know that their efforts are noticed and valued by the community that they serve.

So, if you would like to celebrate our Research Administrators, please email me directly with your feedback on how important research administrators are to you, so I can share your comments (anonymously or not) with the wider team.

Personally, I would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful team within RDS who I couldn’t be prouder to count as my colleagues. It is a diverse team that brings a breadth of expertise to the University, often working under considerable pressure with few resources. Congratulations to you all on National Research Administrators Day (week).

 

*I jest, but only slightly!

PGR Member Required – University Research Ethics Committee

Doctoral College, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research, Research Ethics, Research Integritiy

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a new PGR member of the Research Ethics Committee (REC).

REC is responsible on behalf of Senate to promote best ethical practice in relation to research and research-related activities. Additionally, REC is responsible for the over-arching university-wide research ethics policies and procedures. REC considers ethical issues related to research and research-related activities brought to its attention by the Research Ethics Panels, researchers and the wider university community. REC is also responsible for constructing and maintaining the Research Ethics Code of Practice which informs local practices and procedures across the University, you can also view the REC Terms of Reference.

We are looking for someone to bring the student voice to this committee. The member must have a substantive understanding of research ethics, a keen interest and able to feed into the conversation of the committee. The committee meets 3 times per year of which it is expected that all members are present.

Next meeting dates: Wednesday 10 November, 2 March & 6 July; 2 pm – 3.30 pm and currently online.

If this is something you would like to be part of please email Natalie Stewart at pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk a short (~100 words) expression of interest (EoI) by Friday 15 October. If I receive more than 1 EoI we will go to a student vote where your EoI will be shared.

If you have any further questions about the committee please contact Sarah Bell or Suzy Wignall at researchethics@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Visiting Postgraduate Researchers – Academic Mentor Roles and Responsibilities

Doctoral College, PG research, Postgraduate Research

Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) visiting other Higher Education Institutions to undertake specific research as part of their research degree is a well-established practice across the sector. This is of benefit not only to the individual PGR, who is able to extend their research experience under the supervision of subject experts outside their own institution and undertake additional professional and personal development, but also helps to establish and enhance the academic links between Bournemouth University and other institutions which may lead to further collaborative research opportunities.

 

“Having a Visiting Postgraduate Researcher (VPGR) at Bournemouth University helped to further contribute to our Departments growing expertise base and cemented the Department and Faculty of Science and Technology as an internationally recognised and attractive place to study. The Visiting Postgraduate Researcher’s presence also enriched the Faculty’s current PGR community through the sharing of approaches and perspectives and helped to forge closer links between BU and colleagues from the VPGRs home institution”.

                                                              Academic, Faculty of Science and Technology

 

 All VPGRs will be allocated an individual mentor, within their specific subject discipline who will act as the key contact during their visit, encouraging the PGR to achieve their full potential, and to complete their research project within the allotted timescale. Following enrolment, the academic mentor should:

  • Play a key role in inducting the VPGR into the Faculty, including providing introductions to relevant staff and students in the department and informing the VPGRs of activities in which they might to wish to participate in (e.g. Departmental Seminar Series, Research Development Programme etc)
  • Have regular contact with the VPGR, at least on a monthly basis and record attendance on ResearchPAD. For VPGRs on a Student Route visa, academic mentors must ensure that engagement is recorded on ResearchPAD every 59 days to compile with Home Office regulations
  • Agree upon a clear set of aims and objectives for the VPGR for the period of their stay
  • Ensure that VPGRs are aware of BU regulations, specifically 8A Code of Practice for Research Degrees
  • Ensure VPGRs have completed all Bournemouth University Health and Safety Requirements.

Although the primary source of academic support will be the academic mentor, the Doctoral College and Faculty Postgraduate Research administrators are also there to support the VPGR throughout their time at BU. The Doctoral College is committed to inspiring and mentoring the postgraduate community at BU, including VPGRs, through its role in PGR Student Experience. In addition, the Doctoral College has the central role of overseeing the development, implementation and quality assurance of BU research degrees, including the provision for VPGRs. The Faculty Postgraduate Research Administrators are also an important source of administrative advice and support and will be a key contact throughout the VPGR period of study.

For further information on this scheme, please visit our page on the staff intranet. If you have a had an enquiry from a potential Visiting PGR, you can signpost them to the application page on our website.

If you have any further questions about the VPGR scheme please contact PGRadmissions@bournemouth.ac.uk for new applications or the relevant faculty postgraduate research administration team for current VPGRs:

BUBS PGR Admin: bubsresearch@bournemouth.ac.uk

FHSS PGR Admin: fhssresearch@bournemouth.ac.uk

SciTech PGR Admin: scitechresearch@bournemouth.ac.uk

FMC PGR Admin: FMCresearch@bournemouth.ac.uk

Postgraduate Research Department Reps

Doctoral College, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research

 

 

 

The application and election process for new PGR Department Reps for 2021-22 will start later this month. If you are a PGR and would like to find out more about being a PGR Rep why not speak to your current department rep.

Details on the application and election process will be circulated later this month, in the meantime you may wish to have a read through the information flyer.

Launched | Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme

Doctoral College, Events, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research, Research Supervision, Student Engagement, Training, Vitae


I am delighted to share with you all that sessions as part of the 2021-22 Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme for Postgraduate Researchers are now available to book.

PGRs can book onto sessions via the Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme on Brightspace. All sessions between October-December are delivered online.

If you are a PGR or PGR Supervisor and unable to access the Researcher Development Programme on Brightspace, please let us know and we will get you added.

Email Natalie and Debbie at: pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk.

 

National Postdoc Conference 2021

conferences, ECR Network, Postgraduate Research, pre-award, Research news

Networking opportunities open for bookings!

The University of Liverpool is hosting the National Postdoc Conference 2021 (NPDC21) this September.

The virtual NPDC21 conference is an opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to engage with industry stakeholders, funding agencies, policy influencers, researcher developers and career development professionals.

The conference has a great programme, including a keynote presentation from CEO of UKRI Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser.  The programme  is available here. Further parallel sessions are still to be announced.

Before the main conference, a series of informal networking sessions will take place in August and September and are available to book now on the NPDC21 web pages.

Bookings for the main conference day can be made from the 3rd August.

Photo credit: Phil Fiddyment

Postgraduate Researchers and Supervisors | Monthly Update for Researcher Development

BU research, Doctoral College, Events, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research, Research news, Research Training, student research, Training

Postgraduate researchers and supervisors, hopefully you have seen your monthly update for researcher development e-newsletter sent earlier this week. If you have missed it, please check your junk email or you can view it within the Researcher Development Programme on Brightspace.

The start of the month is a great time to reflect on your upcoming postgraduate researcher development needs and explore what is being delivered this month as part of the Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme and what is available via your Faculty or Department. Remember some sessions only run once per year, so don’t miss out.

Please also subscribe to your Brightspace announcement notifications for updates when they are posted.

If you have any questions about the Researcher Development Programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Natalie (Research Skills & Development Officer)
pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk 

New PhD Studentship: Cancer & Sexuality

Postgraduate Research, Research news

Professor Sam Porter, Dr Sally Lee, Dr Zoe Sheppard and Tracy Glen are the supervisory team supporting Suzanne Sheppard in a new project on cancer and sexuality.  This project is aiming to develop an intervention to support healthcare professionals along with patients and their partners discuss sexual concerns following cancer treatment.  This mixed methods study will take place at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The PhD is part funded by Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, Bournemouth University and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex.

Newsletter No. 1

Postgraduate Researchers and Supervisors | Monthly Update for Researcher Development

BU research, Doctoral College, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research, Research Training, Training

Postgraduate researchers and supervisors, hopefully you have seen your monthly update for researcher development e-newsletter sent last week. If you have missed it, please check your junk email or you can view it within the Researcher Development Programme on Brightspace.

The start of the month is a great time to reflect on your upcoming postgraduate researcher development needs and explore what is being delivered this month as part of the Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme and what is available via your Faculty or Department. Remember some sessions only run once per year, so don’t miss out.

Please also subscribe to your Brightspace announcement notifications for updates when they are posted.

If you have any questions about the Researcher Development Programme, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Natalie (Research Skills & Development Officer)
pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk 

Benefits of depositing your data

BU research, Doctoral College, Funding opportunities, open access, PG research, Postgraduate Research, Publishing

Depositing your data is a key activity when a research project is concluded. Key benefits to doing so are:

Long-term preservation

When archiving/ depositing your data, you are taking the first step in maintaining your data for the long-term. Data repositories will store and preserve your research data securely and that means you do not have to think about the prospect of losing your data in the foreseeable future. Repository staff are then responsible for the curation, discoverability, and accessibility of your data.

Get published, get cited

Depositing your data does not replace the process of publishing a research article. It enhances it. In fact, funders increasingly require data publication when they are providing a grant, and journals are aligning themselves with this process by asking the data to be published alongside with your article.

Citations are important to demonstrate impact and depositing your data can have a positive impact to your research profile through citations of your research data when re-used by other researchers. Sharing your data can also lead to further collaborations.

An image that describes 4 benefits of depositing research data. The benefits are, one) Improve your research profile two) better research impact three) tackling the reproduceability crisis and four) Meet funder and journal requirements

Image 1: Benefits of depositing research data

Enable further research

Datasets can complement other research efforts and generate new results when examined in new contexts. Moreover, when depositing your data, you are enabling the research community to benefit from your data, ensuring research efforts of your peers are directed into new areas. Finally, sharing your data transparently contributes to tackling the wider re-produceability crisis, whereby publishing your data you are allowing other researchers to test and verify the validity of your results.

 Where to deposit

Ideally, when your research project has been finalised, you will deposit your data to a repository that is related to your discipline.  You can identify suitable services using the Registry of Research Data Repositories (re3data). Note that there are charges associated with some repositories.

Alternatively, you can deposit your data with BU’s own data repository (BORDaR). There is no charge, and a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) will be generated which you can pass on to publishers to link any outputs to the original data.

It is helpful to consider where to deposit your data at the start of a research project, and to plan for any resources needed to prepare your data for publication. To this end, a Data Management Plan (DMP) should be completed at the start of every research project.

Further guidance can be found in the Library’s Research Data Management guide. If you have any specific questions, you can also email us at: bordar@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Congratulations to Sara Stride

nhs, NHS, Postgraduate Research, Publishing, Research news, student research, Training, Uncategorized, writing

Congratulations to Sara Stride and her PhD supervisors on the publication of ‘Identifying the factors that influence midwives’ perineal practice at the time of birth in the United Kingdom’ in the international journal Midwifery [1].  The Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI) Care Bundle is designed to reduce the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries. However, introducing behavioural change requires an understanding of current practice. This national study aims to establish midwives practice at the time of birth, and the factors that influence this.  The paper concludes that there has been a growth in the number of midwives using “hands on” at the time of birth but midwives feel that they require additional training in regards to identifying an OASI. The study should be repeated following the roll out of the OASI care bundle, to identify its impact on midwives’ perineal practice.  This nation-wide study identified the need for improvements in the recognition of OASI by midwives, and in future repeating the study would identify whether the OASI care bundle has influenced midwives’ practice.

Well done!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

CMMPH

 

Reference

  1. Stride, S.L., Hundley, V.A., Way, S., Sheppard, Z.A. (2021) Identifying the factors that influence midwives’ perineal practice at the time of birth in the United Kingdom, Midwifery, 103077

Congratulations to Debora Almeida in FHSS

BU research, Postgraduate Research, Publishing, Research news, Uncategorized, writing

Congratulations to Debbie Almeida (in the Department of Midwifery & Health Sciences) who had another article published last month.  This latest academic article “Dominant versus non-dominant hand during simulated infant CPR using the two-finger technique: a randomised study” appeared in Resuscitation Plus [1].  Debbie’s BU co-authors are Carol Clark, Ursula Rolfe and Jon Williams.

Reference:

  1. Gugelmin-Almeida, D., Clark, C., Rolfe, U., Jones, M., Williams, J, (2021) Dominant versus non-dominant hand during simulated infant CPR using the two-finger technique: a randomised study, Resuscitation Plus, 7:
    100141

Research staff ‘virtual writing workshop’ 29 June 13.30-16.30pm

BU research, BU2025, ECR Network, Events, PG research, Postgraduate Research, Publishing, research staff, Uncategorized, writing

This is a reminder about our ‘Virtual Writing Workshop’ on 29 June 13.30 – 16.30pm. We will have 2 blocks of writing (just over an hour each and then a break in the middle to get a coffee and chat to other researchers if you wish). If you can’t make 13.30 you can join a bit later – no worries.

This is for anyone (PhD student, academic, full time researcher) who wants to/needs to write and would like to do that in the company of colleagues from across the university.

Please come prepared with something you are working on. We recommend turning off email notifications and anything else that could distract to help us get the most out of the time – but your decision – it’s your time!

Please click this Zoom link to join us.

Kind regards, BU Research Staff Association

Doctoral College Newsletter | June 2021

Doctoral College, Featured, PG research, Postgraduate Research, Research Supervision, student research

The Doctoral College Newsletter provides termly information and updates to all those involved with postgraduate research at BU. The latest edition is now available to download here. Click on the web-links provided to learn more about the news, events and opportunities that may interest you.

If you would like to make a contribution to future newsletters, please contact the Doctoral College.