Category / Postgraduate Research

Doctoral College Postgraduate Research Summer Social – Tomorrow


Tickets on sale! Sunshine forecast for tomorrow! 

We are pleased to host a summer social for the Postgraduate Research community at the delightful Branksome Dene Room, right on the beach near Branksome Chine. We’ve booked this unique location for the exclusive use of PGRs and Supervisors for the afternoon to unwind and catch up with your fellow researchers and academics.


Access to the Venue

Access and toilet facilities are suitable for wheelchair users. Please indicate any special access needs when you register.

Getting there

Walking: Bournemouth Pier to Branksome Dene Room, Pinewood Road is a pleasant 25 minute walk along the promenade (map)

Bus: Bournemouth to Sandbanks/Swanage No 50, bus stop at the top of Pinewood Road (bus route map)

Driving: There is limited public car parking on site, 8am to 10pm £2.50 per hour, £15 for 6 hours (car park information). Parking is also available at Branksome Chine, and free on road parking in the area – a 5 minute walk to Branksome Dene Room along the promenade.

Food and Drink

As a sustainable alternative, we are pleased to offer a delicious vegetarian and vegan lunch menu including a halloumi wrap, falafel flatbread, fries, teas, coffees and mocktails! You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments to enjoy.

Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements or related allergies when you register and we will do our best to cater for these.

Other

A Health and Safety Risk assessment will be undertaken by BU staff. The venue has a patio area, also used by members of the public, with access to the beach which we will use in anticipation of good weather.

Patio games will be available.

BOOK HERE – tickets sold via Eventbrite

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College 

Research Ethics Panel Meetings in August

A Reminder for Staff and Postgraduate Researchers

Research Ethics

There are no central Research Ethics Panel (REP) meetings held during August, so if you’re hoping to start data collection activities over the summer and are in the process of completing your research ethics checklist, please keep this in mind when planning your research activities and submit your checklist in time for the final REP meetings to be held in June and July.  Checklists received during August which need to be reviewed by a full Panel will be deferred until September (dates to be advised).

REPs review all staff projects and postgraduate research projects which have been identified as high risk through the online ethics checklist.  Details on what constitutes high risk can be found on the research governance, research ethics & integrity website.

There are two central REPs:

  • Science, Technology & Health
  • Social Sciences & Humanities

Staff and PGR ‘high risk’ projects are reviewed by one of the central REPs and Researchers (including PGR Supervisors) will normally be invited to Panel for discussions.

Staff Projects which are ‘low risk’

Reviews for low risk projects will continue as normal during August (via email), although turnaround may take longer than normal due to Reviewer availability during this month.

PGR Projects which are ‘low risk’

There are no changes to the review and approval process for low risk PGR projects and reviews will continues as normal throughout August, again subject to the availability of Supervisor and assigned Ethics Champions.

More details about the review process and REP meeting dates can be found on the governance, research ethics & integrity website.  Email enquiries should be sent to researchethics@bournemouth.ac.uk.

 

PGR Supervisory Lunchbites | Chairing Vivas: The role of the Chair

This session is focused on expanding individuals’ knowledge on the processes and responsibilities involved in chairing research degree viva voce examinations. This discussion will be led by Professor Carol Clark, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

Staff attending this session will:

  • have gained additional knowledge of the role of viva voce examiners
  • have gained additional knowledge of the role of the viva voce Chair
  • be aware of the relevant sections of the Code of Practice for Research Degrees Staff attending this session will be able to:

Date: Thursday 1 June 2023

Time: 12:00 – 13:00

To book a place on this session please complete the booking form.

Further details and future sessions can also be found on the Supervisory Development Lunchbite Sessions staff intranet page.

How would you rate your PGRs’ experience at BU? – 1 week to go


Deadline approaching to have your say

We have launched the Bournemouth University Postgraduate Research Experience Survey for Supervisors.


The Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) has just closed and 40% of our PGRs provided feedback on their experiences at Bournemouth University.

This year, we are running a parallel survey for supervisors which asks a similar range of questions to PRES to also give supervisors a voice, and to provide balance and/or support to the issues raised by the PGRs.

The survey covers topics including PGR supervision; resources/research culture; progress/assessment; responsibilities; support for PGRs; research skills/personal development; and opportunities/overall experience.

Your experiences will be combined with those of other PGR supervisors to help us to understand the overall picture more clearly from the supervisors’ perspective, and the combined views of PGR supervisors will be considered alongside the views of the PGRs being reported in the PRES. The responses will be analysed and reported as appropriate.

Participation is optional but we would very much appreciate your feedback to help us further review and improve the support available for our PGRs.

 

To complete the survey, which closes at 5pm on Wednesday 31 May 2023, please click on the following link: https://bournemouth.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/pres-sup-2023.

Your involvement will be to complete this short anonymous online. The online survey will take approximately 6 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, please contact Doctoral College.

 

With kind regards,

The Doctoral College

How would you rate your PGRs experience at BU?

The Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) has just closed and 40% of our PGRs provided feedback on their experiences at Bournemouth University.

This year, we are running a parallel survey for supervisors which asks a similar range of questions to PRES to also give supervisors a voice, and to provide balance and/or support to the issues raised by the PGRs.

The survey covers topics including PGR supervision; resources/research culture; progress/assessment; responsibilities; support for PGRs; research skills/personal development; and opportunities/overall experience.

Your experiences will be combined with those of other PGR supervisors to help us to understand the overall picture more clearly from the supervisors’ perspective, and the combined views of PGR supervisors will be considered alongside the views of the PGRs being reported in the PRES. The responses will be analysed and reported as appropriate.

Participation is optional but we would very much appreciate your feedback to help us further review and improve the support available for our PGRs.

 

To complete the survey, which closes at 5pm on Wednesday 31 May 2023, please click on the following link: https://bournemouth.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/pres-sup-2023.

Your involvement will be to complete this short anonymous online. The online survey will take approximately 6 minutes to complete.

If you have any questions, please contact Doctoral College.

Bournemouth University PRES for Supervisors 2023


Have your say

We are launching the Bournemouth University Postgraduate Research Experience Survey for Supervisors.


You will be aware of the Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) which has recently be open for our PGRs to provide feedback on their experiences at Bournemouth University.

This year, we are also launching the Bournemouth University Postgraduate Research Experience Survey for Supervisors. This asks you, in your role as a research degree supervisor, a similar range of questions to PRES to also give you a voice, and to provide balance and/or support to the issues raised by the PGRs.

The survey covers topics including PGR supervision; resources/research culture; progress/assessment; responsibilities; support for PGRs; research skills/personal development; and opportunities/overall experience.

Your experiences will be combined with those of other PGR supervisors to help us to understand the overall picture more clearly from the supervisors’ perspective, and the combined views of PGR supervisors will be considered alongside the views of the PGRs being reported in the PRES. The responses will be analysed and reported as appropriate.

Participation is optional but we would very much appreciate your feedback to help us further review and improve the support available for our PGRs.

To complete the survey, please click on the link emailed to you from the Doctoral College.

Your involvement will be to complete this short anonymous online. The online survey will take approximately 6 minutes to complete.

With kind regards,

The Doctoral College

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2023 – Closing today


Still time to have your say

Final call for PGRs to complete this year’s Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) which closes today!


Don’t miss the chance to tell us about your experience at Bournemouth University by taking part in the Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey which closes on Monday 15 May 2023. We are keen to make sure our PGRs have the best possible experience while studying at Bournemouth University. To do this, we need to know what you think works well and what as a University we could do better.

Upon completing the survey, PGRs will be entered into a free prize draw where you can win one of four prizes of a £50 Love2shop gift voucherTerms and conditions apply.

In addition and as a thank you for taking part, we will be making a £1 donation for every survey completed to the student mental health wellbeing charity, Student Minds.

How do I take part?

PGRs received an email from the University on Monday 17 April 2023 containing a unique link which allows you to access and complete the survey. If you can’t find this email, contact PRES@bournemouth.ac.uk and we’ll help you to get access.

What will I be asked?

The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete. Your response is confidential and any reporting will be entirely anonymous. The survey is your chance to tell us about your experience as a PGR at BU. It will ask you to share your views on supervision, resources, research culture, community, progress and assessment, responsibilities, support, research skills, profession development, opportunities, and overall experience.

Why should I take part?

Your feedback is important. The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is the only national survey of PGRs and so is the only way for us to compare how we are doing with other institutions and to make changes that will improve your experience in the future.

More information

If you would like to know more about the survey, please visit: PRES 2023

We hope you take the opportunity to get involved this year and help us make improvements to your experience.

 

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College

BU PhD student receives OpenBright grant

I am thrilled to announce that I have been awarded a grant from OpenBright to take part in a short summer course on “Data Science: Network Science” at Utrecht University, located in the Netherlands. OpenBright award grants to support women in computing to develop their research projects.
As a PhD student, I am currently working on a research project titled “Smart Transportation Networks for Smart Cities,” under the supervision of Dr. Wei Koong Chai. The research is match-funded by Bournemouth Christchurch Poole (BCP) Council.   Through the course, I am excited to further enhance my knowledge and skills in network science, which is crucial to my research work.
I am thankful for the support and recognition from OpenBright, which provides me with the opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned researchers and scholars in this field. This grant not only benefits me but also fosters the advancement of women in computing, promoting gender equity and diversity in science.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my supervisor Dr. Wei Koong Chai, for his invaluable guidance and support throughout my PhD journey.
Author: Assemgul Kozhabek, 3rd year PhD student, SciTech, Computing and Informatics department

Applying for a PhD – Online Webinar

Applying for a PhD – Online Webinar

Are you thinking of starting a PhD?

Wish to encourage some current BU students to continue their academic journey with us?

If so, why not come along to this online webinar!

Understand the benefits of doing a PhD at BU and the process of applying including our application deadlines. Current PhD students will also give their real life views.

Hear directly from Doctoral College colleagues including the Head of Doctoral College, Programme Manager and Admissions Team, and from CareersBU.

Date: Tuesday 23rd May
Time: 9:30 to 10:30am (Online)
Sign up on MyCareerHub to receive the link book.

 

May Update for (PGR) Researcher Development, Culture and Community

Desk set up with plant, light, note pad, mouse, keyboard and computer screen.

Check out the May e-newsletter.

All ‘monthly update for researcher development, culture and community’ e-newsletters are available in a dedicated content area on the Doctoral College Researcher Development Programme Brightspace unit.

If you have any questions about the e-newsletter or would like to feature content, please contact Natalie [Doctoral College Programme Manager].

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) 2023 – Deadline approaching


Have your say

Deadline approaching! This year’s Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) will close in *ten days*


Don’t miss the chance to tell us about your experience at Bournemouth University by taking part in the Advance HE Postgraduate Research Experience Survey which closes on Monday 15 May 2023. We are keen to make sure our PGRs have the best possible experience while studying at Bournemouth University. To do this, we need to know what you think works well and what as a University we could do better.

Upon completing the survey, PGRs will be entered into a free prize draw where you can win one of four prizes of a £50 Love2shop voucherTerms and conditions apply.

In addition and as a thank you for taking part, we will be making a £1 donation for every survey completed to the student mental health wellbeing charity, Student Minds.

How do I take part?

PGRs received an email from the University on Monday 17 April 2023 containing a unique link which allows you to access and complete the survey. If you can’t find this email, contact PRES@bournemouth.ac.uk and we’ll help you to get access.

What will I be asked?

The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete. Your response is confidential and any reporting will be entirely anonymous. The survey is your chance to tell us about your experience as a PGR at BU. It will ask you to share your views on supervision, resources, research culture, community, progress and assessment, responsibilities, support, research skills, profession development, opportunities, and overall experience.

Why should I take part?

Your feedback is important. The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey is the only national survey of PGRs and so is the only way for us to compare how we are doing with other institutions and to make changes that will improve your experience in the future.

More information

If you would like to know more about the survey, please visit: PRES 2023

We hope you take the opportunity to get involved this year and help us make improvements to your experience.

 

Best wishes,

The Doctoral College

Doctoral College | Supervisory Development Sessions Coming Up

Book your place early to attend these popular bespoke supervisory development sessions coming up in the next month, facilitated by the Doctoral College and key academic colleagues. Bookings are arranged by Organisational Development.

The sessions are aimed at all staff who are new to, or experienced at, research degree supervision and are interested in expanding their knowledge of a specific aspect or process. Staff will benefit from discussions aimed at sharing best practice from across BU.

Full details of each session below can be found on the Supervisory Development Opportunities intranet page. Please use the booking form link below.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Supervisory Session

Date Time Location
Supervisory Development Lunchbite | UKCGE Route to Recognition for Supervisory Practice Wednesday 10 May 12:00 – 13:00 Online
Supervisory Development Lunchbite | Benefits of a PhD by Publication Thursday 11 May 12:00 – 13:00 Online
Doctoral Supervision: New Supervisors Development Tuesday 16 May 10:00 – 14:30 Online

Supervisory Development Lunchbite | Chairing Vivas: The Role of the Chair

Thursday 1 June 12:00 – 13:00 Online

 

BU Midwives attend the International Labour and Birth Research Conference

Based in Cumbria, the International Labour and Birth Research Conference, previously known as the Normal Birth Conference, has been a highlight in the midwifery calendar for over two decades. Hosted by Research in Childbirth and Health (REACH) Group at the University of Central Lancashire, speakers and delegates travel from around the world to attend this prestigious event. The theme for this year’s interdisciplinary conference was ‘evidence knowledge and creativity; optimising safety and personalisation in maternity care’.

Several midwives from the Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health (CMMPH) at Bournemouth University presented their work. Dr Laura Iannuzzi presented under the title ‘Co-designing respectful maternity care in a slum area: methodological considerations from an international multidisciplinary research in Nairobi’.

Dr Juliet Wood & Dr Jane Fry shared their work, ‘Understanding concepts of normal/physiological labour and birth – evidence from a thematic analysis of the views of student midwives across the globe’. Prof Vanora Hundley and Anna Marsh, clinical academic midwife, hosted a workshop called ‘Dissemination and impact: policy makers and the media’. The team also participated as members of the International Early Labour Research Group in a workshop and symposium.

The conference is a great opportunity for emerging researchers. Two of CMMPH postgraduate researchers had the opportunity to share their work with midwives from across the globe. Anna Marsh presented her recently completed MRes work titled ‘How do midwives portray birth on Instagram? A content analysis of posts from the USA, UK, New Zealand and Australia’.

Vanessa Bartholomew, clinical academic doctoral midwife, presented ‘The RETHINK Study: A study to determine if pregnant women who pain catastrophise are more likely to attend hospital during the latent phase of labour’. We are very proud to say that Vanessa’s poster won the conference competition for ‘Best Scientific Poster’!

International Early Labour Research Group

This has been a busy few months for the International Early Labour Research Group (IELRG), which comprises members from across the globe. We had the opportunity to get together at the International Labour and Birth Research Conference in Grange over Sands this month, where early labour was a strong theme.

The IELRG held a workshop looking at how latent phase labour is defined. This was followed by a symposium on early labour with presentations from the USA and Europe.

The Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health at Bournemouth University was well represented. In addition to participating in the workshops, the team had a couple of posters.

Vanessa Bartholomew, clinical academic doctoral midwife, presented her doctoral work on pain catastrophisation. Congratulations to Vanessa for winning both the daily and overall prize for Best Scientific Poster!

Vanora Hundley, Professor of Midwifery, presented a study looking at how perceptions of pain established prior to pregnancy can influence decisions about labour and birth.

The International Early Labour Research Group with be launching a special issue of Women and Birth later this year.

Related BU papers:

Bartholomew V, Clark C, Hundley V, Parris B (2023) Changing the Way We Think About Pain. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 33(1): 30-38

Clark C, Bartholomew V, Mylod D, Hundley V  (2023) The importance of pain histories for latent phase labour. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 33(1): in press

BU PhD student publishes in The Conversation

Congratulations the Abier Hamidi, PhD student in the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences (FHSS) whose PhD work was published in The Conversation this week (24 April) under the title Social media now trumps traditional family networks in Libya – my Facebook survey reached 446,000 women.  Her piece in The Conversation on the recruitment of female participants for a PhD study in a rather patriarchal society brings together issues of anonymity, gender, and wider social culture.

This is Abier’s PhD research is supervised by Dr. Pramod Regmi, Senior Lecturer in International Health and the Global Engagement Lead in the Department of Nursing Sciences, and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen in the Centre for Midwifery, Maternal & Perinatal Health (CMMPH).

Congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

 

Free workshop – Data management basics: Ethical and legal issues in data sharing

Data management is essential to make sure that well-organised, well-documented, high quality and shareable research data can be produced from our research projects.

The free introductory workshops on data management basics are intended for researchers and anyone who wants to learn about research data management.

The first session, scheduled for 4th May 10am – 11.30am: Introduction to data management and sharing, provides an overview of how to manage, document and store research data. This second session focuses on the ethical and legal aspects of data management.

In this free 90-minute online workshop, participants will learn about the relevant legislation, such as data protection legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Participants will also learn about strategies that enable them to share research data. This includes carrying out an assessment of disclosure risk, obtaining informed consent, anonymising data and regulating access to enable data to be shared.

There will be time at the end for questions and discussion.

This event is part of our UK Data Service introductory training series: Spring 2023.

Register for this workshop here.

Recruiting : University Rep to co-lead Research Staff Association

Two vacancies have arisen for the posts of University Representative, the leaders of the Research Staff Association. This is not a faculty-specific post, any eligible person from any faculty can apply.

The BU Research Staff Association(RSA) is a forum to promote research culture at BU. Research staff from across BU are encouraged to attend to network with others researchers, disseminate their work, discuss career opportunities, hear updates on how BU is implementing the Research Concordat, and give feedback or raise concerns that will help to develop and support the research community at BU.

In addition to the two leaders, there are two reps from each faculty.

Eligible research staff are those on fixed-term or open-ended employment contracts (not PTHP/casual contracts) who have at least one year remaining on their contract at the time of recruitment.

If you are interested in this role, please supply a few words to demonstrate your suitability, interest, availability in relation to the position to Researchdev@bournemouth.ac.uk by the 02/05/2023.

Please contact your faculty RSA rep to chat about it if you have any queries.