A team of researchers from Bournemouth University (Dr Terri Cole, Dr Louise Oliver, Dr Orlanda Harvey, Anisha Sperrin and Dr Jane Healy) are working with BCP Council on a Perpetrator Programme Review Project- This project aims to review local, national and international programmes for perpetrators of domestic abuse and literary review, alongside stakeholder engagement to make recommendations of a best practice model for a perpetrator programme.
The project is mentioned in one of three draft strategy documents that are out for public consultation.
“The three proposed strategies are as follows:
The draft Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2030 is the overarching strategy to our response to domestic abuse across the BCP area, detailing our proposed priorities and how we aim to take our plans forward with partnership agencies.
The draft Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy 2025-2030 is focused on the provision of safe accommodation in the BCP area for survivors of domestic abuse who need support around their housing needs.
The draft Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Strategy 2025-2030 is focused on how we respond to perpetrators of domestic abuse across the BCP area. The strategy aims to prevent people from perpetrating domestic abuse, thereby preventing the harm caused to individuals, children and society.”
Here is the link to the consultation webpages, there is the option to consult on all or some of the three strategies.
https://haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-strategies
Category / Public engagement
Update: ESRC Festival Info Session Rescheduled to Wednesday 23 April 11am-12pm
ESRC Festival Info Session Rescheduled to Wednesday 23 April 11am-12pm
Online information session
Join our online information session to enhance your chances of a successful application and learn how to make the most of this exciting opportunity.
BU’s Public Engagement Team will co-host this session with the University of Southampton Impact Funding Team. During the session, you will hear about past festival events at both universities, learn first-hand experiences from previous participants, and gain an understanding of the application process. You will also receive guidance on how to get involved in this year’s festival.
Wednesday 23 April 2025
11am – 12pm
Online (via Teams)
To attend, please register and we will be in touch with further information
Find out more about how you can take part in the 23rd Annual ESRC Festival of Social Science
If you have any questions, please get in touch publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk
Prof. Jonathan Parker on social welfare
Congratulations to Bournemouth University Professor Emeritus Jonathan Parker who published a TransformingSociety blog yesterday (31 March 2025). His blog ‘Sacrificing the poor for the rich: ‘Piacular’ austerity and the need for welfare reform‘ was partly a promotion for his new book Analysing the History of British Social Welfare, which was published by Policy Press in 2024.
Prof. Parker has also been invited to speak at the Bournemouth William Temple Association at their meeting at the Marsham Court Hotel on Monday 7th April. His speech, titled “Sacrificing the Poor on Behalf of the Rich? An Examination of the Rites of Social Welfare,” will explore the relationship between the “haves” and the “have-nots” and it was advertised in the Bournemouth Echo recently.
Well done!
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
BU academic Anastasia Veneti invited to participate at the prestigious Delphi Economic Forum, 9-12 April 2025 discussing on Radicalism and Challenges on Democracy
BU academic Anastasia Veneti has been invited to participate at the prestigious Delphi Economic Forum X that takes place 9-12 April 2025 at the historic town of Delphi, now a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Delphi Economic Forum Is a nonprofit, non-partisan organisation working in close cooperation with civil society, public organisations, business and individuals. It engages business, political, academic, and other top experts to address emerging challenges, influence the national and regional agendas and promote sustainable and socially responsible growth policies for Greece, the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Europe.
Delphi Economic Forum’s annual conference is the organization’s flagship event. Every year in the ancient city of Delphi, it gathers top leaders from across sectors to spark dialogue, inspire change, and transform conversation into action.
The Forum attracts distinguished speakers from across the world. This year’s conference includes more than 800 delegates among which the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General OECD, Rumen Radev, President of Bulgaria, Željka Cvijanović, Chairwoman of Presidency of Bosnia- Herzegovina, Abdullah Al Saud, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saudi Arabia, Ana Abrudhosa, Minister of Territorial Cohesion of Portugal.
Previous speakers include former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Jose M. Barosso, former President of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Portugal, Jean-Claude Junker, former President of the European Commission, Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Instabul, Timothy Garton Ash, Oxford University, Richard N. Haass, former President of Foreign Relations, USA and many more.
Dr Veneti will be participating in the panel of ENA Institute for Alternative Policies, discussing on the topic of Varieties of Radicalism: Challenges and Opportunities for Democracy. This panel examines the evolving landscape of radicalism in the 21st century, focusing on the dual dynamics of far-right extremism and the imperative for progressive radicalism. Amid a surge in authoritarian populism and anti-democratic practices, far-right radicalism poses an urgent threat to democratic institutions and values. In response, the panel explores the potential of progressive radicalism to counteract these forces, advocating for transformative policies and inclusive civic engagement to reinvigorate democracy. Panellists will discuss the ideological, cultural, and digital factors driving these radicalisms, from grassroots to digital activism and movements, emphasizing the need for strategies that challenge far-right extremism while fostering a bold, progressive vision for democratic renewal.
Join our online info session to find out how you can apply for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025
The ESRC Festival of Social Science (FoSS) is back, running from 18 October to 8 November 2025.
Partnership with the University of Southampton
For the third consecutive year, Bournemouth University is partnering with the University of Southampton (UoS) to deliver a programme of social science events across Dorset and Hampshire. This collaboration enables BU researchers to organise joint events with UoS colleagues and share impactful research with a broader community.
Funding available for your social science event
Apply for up to £1,000 and join the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2025 to showcase your research.
Online information session
Join our online information session to enhance your chances of a successful application and learn how to make the most of this exciting opportunity.
BU’s Public Engagement Team will co-host this session with the UoS Impact Funding Team. During the session, you will hear about past festival events at both universities, learn first-hand experiences from previous participants, and gain an understanding of the application process. You will also receive guidance on how to get involved in this year’s festival.
Wednesday 2 April 2025
11am – 12pm
Online (via Teams)
To attend, please register and we will be in touch with further information
Get inspired about planning your event
The 2025 open call will launch soon. In the meantime, explore these resources from last year to gather ideas and see which events resonated with public audiences while aligning with the festival’s goals:
To help with planning and audience engagement, check out these useful guides from last year’s open call:
If you would like to start discussing your ideas, please get in touch publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk
Dorset Women’s Health Programme – Invitation to attend celebration stakeholder event 24th April
Since the launch of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Women’s Health Strategy for England in 2022, partners in Dorset have been working together on the Dorset Women’s Health Programme.
On Thursday 24th April 2025 we are holding a celebration event, not only to showcase the amazing work that has been achieved, but also to give you the opportunity to have your say about what happens next.
This event will: –
· Showcase the collaborative partnership between Dorset Women CIC, NHS Dorset, Bournemouth University and our other partners.
· Unveil our new Women’s Health Website: a local evidence-based online resource which aims to signpost and support women throughout their healthcare journey in Dorset.
· Include presentations by guest speakers and informative panel discussions on high-priority subject areas in women’s health.
· Provide insights from some of the women who participated in the projects during the programme.
· Host discussions on lessons learned and on formulating strategies for ensuring the sustainability of the positive changes that have been made.
Booking your place: –
Location: The Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RR: https://dorchesterbc.org.uk/location
Timing: 9.30am (for a 10am start) to 3.30m
Booking: Please book a free place via Eventbrite: Celebrating Women’s Health – Dorset Stakeholder Event Tickets, Thu 24 Apr 2025 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
We want to hear from you – Tell us about your involvement in Social, Cultural, and Community events
Your involvement matters – Please share details of BU’s social, community, and cultural events for the annual Higher Education Business & Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey
Bournemouth University reports on a range of knowledge exchange activities for the HE-BCI survey, collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
Providing a comprehensive view of these activities is crucial, as Research England uses HE-BCI data to allocate the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) annually. For 2024-25, BU received £549,064.
Data collection period
The SharePoint site collects information on all social, community, and cultural engagement events delivered by BU between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
Please ensure all event details are uploaded by Friday 17 October 2025.
Find your faculty table
Complete all the columns in your faculty’s table, paying particular attention to the Number of attendees and Academic staff time for delivery.
Please note that this year, we cannot include data solely uploaded to the public engagement records on BRIAN, as they do not capture all the information required by HESA. If you have already added data to BRIAN, you must also upload full details to the SharePoint site to ensure your event is included in the survey.
Further support
For detailed guidance on what to include, please refer to the FAQ’s
Please contact the Public Engagement Team should you have any additional questions publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk
March’s Research Café – How can we help protect our towns and cities from cyberattacks?
BU’s Research Café kicks off exploring cybersecurity in smart cities
Our new Research Café series launched last week at the BGB Café with a thought-provoking discussion on smart cities and cybersecurity. The event brought together members of the public, researchers, and local businesses to exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect with BU’s research community.
Professor Vasilis Katos speaking at Research Café
Leading the conversation was BU’s Professor Vasilis Katos, who explored how residents, businesses, and policymakers can work together to protect smart city infrastructure from growing cyber threats. Professor Katos highlighted the increasing reliance on digital systems in urban environments and the need for proactive security measures to prevent attacks that could disrupt essential services.
Joining the conversation was Emily Rosenorn-Lanng, PhD student and CEO of BU pre-spin-out Cyber Innovations Ltd, who shed light on the often-overlooked psychological impact of cyberattacks. Emily emphasised how cyber incidents can leave individuals and small businesses feeling vulnerable, highlighting the need for greater awareness, resilience, and support systems.
Professor Vasilis Katos & Emily Rosenorn-Lanng with Research Café attendees
The session sparked a lively discussion, with audience members—including local business owners—sharing their concerns and experiences. Attendees described the event as “exceptionally engaging,” “eye-opening,” and “a fantastic opportunity to learn from experts.”
Emily Rosenorn-Lanng reflected on the event “Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. When attacks happen, they don’t just affect data; they impact lives, trust, and livelihoods. Protecting our digital world means understanding the human side of cybersecurity too.”
Next up in our Research Café series
Showcasing Tomorrow’s Researchers – Tuesday 6 May, 6:30-8pm at BGB Café
We are excited to announce the next event in our Research Café series will feature postgraduate researchers from Bournemouth University, who will share insights into their innovative research.
Come along to hear about their work, ask questions, and gain a glimpse into the future of research.
More details coming soon
Contact
If you have any questions about this event or the Research Café series, please contact the Public Engagement with Research Team at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk
Take part in the 23rd Annual ESRC Festival of Social Science
The ESRC Festival of Social Science (FoSS) returns from 18 October to 8 November 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for researchers to showcase their work in the UK’s largest celebration of social science research.
Partnership with the University of Southampton
For the third consecutive year, Bournemouth University is partnering with the University of Southampton (UoS) to deliver a programme of social science events across Dorset and Hampshire. This collaboration enables BU researchers to organise joint events with UoS colleagues and share impactful research with a broader community.
Why get involved?
- Engage with non-academic audiences and make a meaningful impact in the community
- Showcase your research beyond the university to reach wider audiences
- Gain valuable public engagement experience while enhancing your communication skills
- Expand your professional network through collaborations with fellow researchers
Online information session
BU’s Public Engagement Team will co-host an online information session with the Impact Funding Team (Research and Innovation Services, UoS). During the session, you will learn about past FoSS events at both universities and hear first-hand experiences from previous participants. The session will also explain the application process and guide you on how to get involved in this year’s festival.
Wednesday 2 April 2025
11am – 12pm
Online (via Teams)
To attend, please register and we will be in touch with further information.
Thinking about applying?
The call for applications will open soon. In the meantime, if you are considering applying, we recommend reviewing the 2024 festival open call to gain a clear understanding of the expectations and festival criteria. Understanding the ESRC’s guidelines and expectations is key to submitting a strong application.
If you have colleagues at the University of Southampton who might be interested in running a joint event, consider reaching out to explore collaboration opportunities. Joint events can strengthen your application and broaden your impact, so they are strongly encouraged.
Get inspired by past festival events. For ideas and inspiration, take a look at:
These resources can help you better understand the types of events that resonate with public audiences and align with the festival’s goals.
Helpful guides
These guides from last year’s open call are valuable resources to help you understand and support event planning and audience engagement.
Funding and Support
Funding of up to £1,000 per event is available to support your event. BU’s Public Engagement team will offer ongoing advice and guidance at every stage—from application and event development to planning, delivery, and evaluation.
New drop-in surgery for application support
In addition to the information session, the Public Engagement Team will be hosting a drop-in surgery on campus, providing you with the opportunity to meet the team and receive additional support for your application.
This will:
- Offer guidance on festival requirements and application criteria
- Assist researchers in refining event ideas to ensure alignment with ESRC guidelines
- Provide one-to-one support to strengthen applications and improve the chances of success
- Share insights on best practices for engaging diverse audiences
- Help refine event formats and maximise impact
Take advantage of this support to enhance your proposal and perfect your event plans.
If you would like to start discussing your ideas, please get in touch with the team at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk
We can help you engage more people in your public engagement event
At Bournemouth University, we are committed to making our research accessible beyond the university.
If you are organising an event that connects members of the public with BU’s research, we can help promote it to relevant audiences through our monthly newsletters and social media channels.
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
Calling all PGRs! Apply for the May Research Café by 14 March
Develop your public engagement skills in a friendly environment!
Our new Research Café series is underway, and we are looking for 3-4 postgraduate researchers to take part in the first PGR showcase of the series in May. These events are designed to showcase research from across BU—including arts, humanities, science, health, technology, business, and more.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, 6 May
🕡 Time: 6:30–8:00 pm
📍 Venue: Bournemouth University Gateway Building (BGB) Café
Why Participate?
- Enhance Communication Skills: Develop your ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner.
- Engage with the Public: Share your research with a diverse audience and gain fresh perspectives.
- Receive Professional Support: Benefit from training and guidance provided by our experienced Public Engagement Team.
- Boost Confidence: Build confidence in public speaking and research dissemination.
What to Expect:
Shifting away from traditional slide-based presentations, this event encourages engagement and interaction. You’ll deliver a short talk about your research, followed by an interactive discussion where you can engage with the audience and answer their questions.
How to Get Involved
- Complete a short form to express your interest and tell us a bit about your research.
- If selected, you will receive guidance on developing an engaging talk for a public audience.
- The Public Engagement Team will organise and promote the event to local public audiences. We will support you every step of the way—from refining your talk to helping with logistics on the day.
Apply Now
If you’re interested in taking part, please complete this form.
🕔 Application deadline: Friday, 14 March, 5:00 pm.
Please note: Completing this form does not guarantee a place in the event. We will be in touch to discuss your interest further.
For any questions, please contact the Public Engagement with Research Team at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.
What Previous Participants Had to Say
PGRs who took part in last year’s Café Scientifique event found the experience immensely rewarding:
“It was so helpful and improved my presentation. The feedback helped to make it better.”
“I realised that not only scientists, but the public also are extremely interested in the research we are doing. It is a major motivation I have taken from doing this event.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed presenting my research during the Café Scientifique. To be honest, I was nervous before and didn’t expect the community here to be so welcoming and passionate about research.”
Contact Us
For any questions, please reach out to the Public Engagement with Research Team at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.
We look forward to your participation in making our First Research Café PGR Session a memorable and successful event!
Being Human Festival 2025: call for applications now open
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.
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
BU-Lush Cosmetics Ltd collaboration to Develop Renewable Zero Carbon Emissions Energy Technology
This is a landmark collaborative initiative between BU’s NanoCorr, Energy and Modelling (NCEM) Research Group led by Professor Zulfiqar Khan and team members including Dr Adil Saeed, Dr Mayank Anand and Aerk Dimri and Lush Cosmetics Ltd a major stakeholder in the conurbation. “Born in Poole, Lush offers a range of quirky and unique handmade bathing and cosmetic products with signature ‘Lush’ scents. The brand boasts an extremely ethical promise to consumers with all products being cruelty free, vegetarian and ethically sourced.” [Source]. “Lush Limited is a British cosmetics retailer which is headquartered in Poole, England. It was founded in 1995 by trichologist Mark Constantine, his wife Mo Constantine and five other founders.” [Source].
“We laid the foundation for capitalising on tidal energy sources and providing clean energy solutions for local and regional domestic and commercial applications through Community Interest Company (CIC) / Standard Industrial Classification (SIC), Poole Tidal Energy Partnership (PTEP), more than a decade ago, said Professor Zulfiqar Khan, one of the founding directors of PTEP.
This work led to UK based energy company collaboration in BU’s energy research: capture, conversion and storage through full funding of two PhDs, two Post Docs, one PhD in-kind support, industrial labs resources and funding patent applications, a three quarter of a million pound sterling research portfolio led by Professor Zulfiqar Khan. This has yielded in commercial patents in the US and GB, covering novel nano fluids, energy systems (capture, conversion and storage).
“This recent collaboration with LUSH is a testament of our full commitments to UNSDGs, UK and EU clean energy directives, initiatives which has led to emergence of BU as a global leader in Clean Energy Systems,” Professor Zulfiqar Khan added.
Dr Saeed said, “we provide opportunities for our UG/PGT courses to benefits from our research collaborations to enhance students learning and teaching experience through research informed educational provisions.” Dr Saeed, the Programme Leader of Mechanical Engineering course, said, we currently have three final year projects in energy systems which have been inspired and are linked to BU-LUSH collaborative project.
LUSH Creative Technologist Jim Woodward said, “We look forward to starting this journey with Professor Khan, his colleagues and students at Bournemouth University, researching the potential tidal energy in our beautiful Poole Harbour. We welcome the newly appointed PGR and wish him good luck in this exciting PhD project with us. What a force – Lush a local Poole company working with a fantastic local University.”
Dorset Community Foundation have launched the latest version of the Hidden Dorset report as a website
See Hidden Dorset at hidden.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org and read the story about the launch on their website here.
BU PIER are proud to have supported this and previous versions of the Hidden Dorset report. Special mention to Research Assistant Stevie Corbin-Clarke for all her help to gather initial data. Like DCF, we feel the report will be incredibly useful to groups and charities making a case for funding and identifying priorities and also to our research community in identifying local need. If you make use of it, please let us know, we would love to see how it is being used.
Public lecture looks to the future of the NHS
The future of the NHS is the subject of the first Spotlight Public Lecture delivered by Bournemouth University.
The Spotlight Public Lecture Series will shine a light on societal issues and areas of university strength, focussing on research conducted at the university and its real-world impact.
The first lecture will look at building an NHS fit for the future, featuring experts in women’s health, social care, and orthopaedics.
The event will be hosted at Royal Bournemouth Hospital from 5.30pm on Tuesday 18 March, with free tickets available. University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD) CEO Siobhan Harrington will be opening the event.
Guests will hear from Professor Tom Wainwright, an expert in orthopaedics who also works at UHD; Professor Vanora Hundley, an expert in midwifery and women’s health; and Professor Lee-Ann Fenge, a leader in social work and care. The panel will each share their own research and how their work can help to inform future NHS plans and help people live better for longer.
Professor Sarah Bate, Interim Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Bournemouth University, said, “I am always amazed by the work of our wonderful experts here at BU, who advance knowledge, solve societal issues and conduct research for a better future.
“I am excited for this first research-focused public lecture, centred around the health of the NHS – we want to see the NHS thrive and have academics actively working alongside NHS colleagues to support the health of people in the local area – I’m pleased that we’re able to share this research with you at this event.”
Future dates for events in the series will be announced shortly, with topics including tackling misinformation and the power of the past.
Tickets for the event can be reserved via Eventbrite: https://Spotlight-on-the-NHS.eventbrite.co.uk
For more information about the Spotlight Public Lecture Series, visit: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/spotlight-lectures
Calling PGRs – Take Part in Our First Annual Research Café PGR Session
Are you a Postgraduate Researcher at Bournemouth University? Do you want to share your research with a public audience in an engaging way and enhance your communication skills? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!
After more than 12 years, our Café Scientifique series has come to an end. Building on its success, we are launching a new Research Café series, which will showcase research from across BU—including arts, humanities, science, health, technology, business, and more.
We are looking for 3–4 Postgraduate Researchers to take part in our first annual PGR session of the Research Café series.
What’s Different About This Event?
We’re moving away from traditional slide-based presentations to create a more engaging and interactive experience. Instead, this session will feature:
- A short talk about your research.
- An interactive discussion where you can engage with a diverse audience and answer their questions.
It’s a fun and informal way to share your research with the public while gaining valuable feedback and new perspectives.
Why Take Part?
- Improve your public engagement and communication skills.
- Receive training and support from our experienced Public Engagement Team.
- Develop confidence in presenting your research in an accessible and engaging way.
- Get feedback from a varied audience with different perspectives.
We strongly encourage interactive elements to make your talk engaging and accessible.
Event Details
📅 Date: Tuesday, 6 May
🕡 Time: 6:30–8:00 pm
📍 Venue: Bournemouth University Gateway Building (BGB) Café
How to Get Involved
- Complete a short form to express your interest and tell us a bit about your research.
- If selected, you will receive guidance on developing an engaging talk for a public audience. We will ask you to prepare and practise a draft version of your talk.
- Attend a training session on Tuesday, 8 April, where you will present your talk to the organisers and fellow speakers. You will receive constructive feedback and be encouraged to support other speakers with their presentations.
- The Public Engagement Team will organise and promote the event to local public audiences. We will support you every step of the way—from refining your talk to helping with logistics on the day.
Apply Now
If you’re interested in taking part, please complete this form.
🕔 Application deadline: Friday, 14 March, 5:00 pm.
Please note: Completing this form does not guarantee a place in the event. We will be in touch to discuss your interest further.
For any questions, please contact the Public Engagement with Research Team at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.
Explore BU’s Research: Introducing our new Research Café series
Get inspired at our new Research Café event series – where research comes alive. Ask questions, share ideas, and connect with a community of curious minds.
After more than 12 years, our Café Scientifique series has come to an end. Building on its success, this new series will showcase research from all areas at BU—including arts and humanities, alongside science, health, technology, business, and more.
Meet the Researcher
At each event, you will have the chance to meet the researchers behind the project. Gain insights into their research journey, challenges, and discoveries, and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about their area of expertise.
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 cyber threats.
How can we help protect our towns and cities from cyberattacks?
Smart cities bring together residents, technology and infrastructure, creating a complex system. With the rise in AI-enabled cyberattacks, which can compromise energy or phone networks for example, it’s becoming increasingly clear that ordinary residents need to help protect smart city services from such cyberattacks.
Event Details
BU’s Research Café will be held at Bournemouth University Gateway Building Café
Tuesday 4 March from 6:30-8pm
While the talks start at 6:30pm, the BGB Café will open earlier—arrive from 6pm to grab a drink or a bite to eat before the event begins.
Come for the research, stay for the conversation
If you have any questions about this event, or if you’re interested in getting involved with a future Research Café, please email the Public Engagement with Research Team: publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk
Help us highlight BU’s community and cultural engagement
Your involvement counts – share details of BU’s social, community and cultural events for the annual Higher Education Business & Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey
BU has to report on a range of knowledge exchange activities for HE-BCI, which is collected by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
It is crucial we provide as full a picture as possible of these activities as Research England uses the HE-BCI data to help allocate the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) each year.
For 2024-25, BU received £549,064.
Data collection period
The SharePoint site collects details about all the social, community and cultural engagement events BU delivers between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
Information about all events delivered during this period need to be uploaded by Friday 17 October 2025.
Find your faculty table
Please ensure you complete all the columns in the individual table for each faculty, especially Number of Attendees and Academic Staff Time for Delivery.
This year, for the first time, we will not be able to include information uploaded to the public engagement records on BRIAN as these do not provide all the data HESA requires.
If you have added data to BRIAN for the relevant time period, please also upload full details here or we will not be able to include your event in the survey.
Further support
For more guidance on what you must include, please refer to the FAQ section.
If you have any questions about the data collection, please contact publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk.
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European research project exploring use of ‘virtual twins’ to better manage metabolic associated fatty liver disease- Horizon Europe funding – Weds 12th Feb
- BU research to explore how artificial intelligence can help detect and investigate crime
BU Professor has been invited to a series of plenary and invited lectures.
Research Information Network
- Physical Sciences Case studies: information use and discovery
- Information handling in collaborative research: an exploration of five case studies
- Information literacy monitoring and evaluation
- Data centres: their use, value and impact
- Heading for the open road: costs and benefits of transitions in scholarly communications