BU Research Blog

30 March 2022

RKEDF Session – Evaluation: Developing your approach. Tuesday 12 April 2-4:30pm.

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement, Training ballen

Evaluation: Developing your approach – Why is evaluation important in public engagement? And how do you do it effectively?

We are delighted to have teamed up with the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), who will deliver this bespoke session for BU researchers.

This interactive course will encourage participants to think about why evaluation is important, look at ways to get started, explore different techniques they can use, and consider what findings can tell the participant and their organisation or funder. With an emphasis on how to conduct evaluation, participating in practical activities and discussion as together the workshop facilitators and attendees will demystify evaluation and find the fun in revealing and identifying participants’ effectiveness.

These sessions are aimed at people with experience of public engagement with research; however, the session will be open to all experience levels.

Learning objectives:

To develop an awareness of the value and importance of evaluating public engagement.
To gain familiarity with the process of evaluation and the usefulness of planning.
To consider the uses of evaluation including improving activities; sharing good practice and reporting.
To begin to explore the issues and challenges of evaluating public engagement.

By the end of this session, you will:

Have a greater understanding and awareness of the importance of evaluating public engagement
Understand the processes of evaluation and how to plan for it.

It is a condition of booking that the attendee agrees that their contact email will be shared with the NCCPE for the purposes of programme administration.

Workshop	Date	Time	Location
Evaluation: Developing your approach	Tuesday 12th April 2022	14:00-16:30	Online

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

For any queries, please contact Organisational Development .

29 March 2022

Cycle of Seminars on Socio-Ecological Transitions

Public engagement Roberta Discetti

On March 16^th we hosted the first seminar of the cycle “Socio-ecological transitions seminars” (SETS). SETS are a joint initiative between the Centre for Sustainable and Socially Responsible Consumption at BU and the Research Group on Collective Action, Change and Transition at the University of Trento (Italy).

In this seminar, Stefania Barca (Universidade Santiago de Compostela) presented her book “Forces of reproduction. Struggles and practices of ecosocial justice”. Her presentation revolved around the theme of ‘hegemonic narrative of the Anthropocene’, namely a narrative that pursues violent growth at the expense of workers and the environment. Drawing from ecofeminist approaches, she presented several ways to “undo” the Anthropocene, questioning current dominant colonial relations, gender relations, class relations, and species relations.

She called for academics and social movements to cooperate to give visibility to counter-narratives able to move towards an ‘ecological revolution’. Building on the insights of the first seminar, our next seminar will explore one of these possible counter-narratives, namely Fairtrade economies cooperating with decolonizing forces and movements.

The next seminar will explore ‘Fair Trade Consumption in India: A netnographic study of market creation’ and will be on April 13th at 4pm. Presenters are Dr Matthew Anderson (University of Portsmouth) and Dr Indro Dasgupta (Word Fair Trade Organisation).

The seminar can be accessed at this Zoom link (password: coact). More information on speakers and discussants’ bios to follow.

25 March 2022

We can help promote your public engagement event or activity

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

At BU we promote and celebrate the work done to engage public audiences with BU research.

The public engagement with research team in Research Development and Support (RDS) can help promote your event to relevant audiences through our regular newsletter and social media channels. It also helps us to stay informed on the public engagement work being carried out by BU.

Please note: we are keen to promote BU public engagement with research activity wherever possible, but completing this form does not guarantee that we will be able to promote your event. To be considered for inclusion, your event or activity must be;

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.
Intended for and open to non-academic audiences, either entirely or as a portion of the audience.
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. This is due to lead times on producing and sending the newsletter.

Event descriptions may be edited for consistency in style with other content. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us.

25 March 2022

Reminder – Join the next meeting of the Public Engagement with Research Network

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

We are dedicating this meeting of the BU Public Engagement with Research (PER) Network to helping you apply for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2022, an annual celebration of the social sciences.

In this session we will explain more about the festival and how to apply through our internal process – opening on Monday 28 March. We will also hear from academics who have previously held events and activities as part of the festival, who will share their experiences and advice.

Find out more about the Festival of Social Science, including who is eligible and how much funding and support you could receive.

We will also share other news on public engagement from BU.

The meeting will take place on Thursday 31 March 12-1pm, on Teams.

To join this meeting and find out about future ones, join our BU Public Engagement with Research Network. Check under ‘Meetings’ for upcoming sessions.

If you have any questions, please email the team.

21 March 2022

Join the next meeting of the Public Engagement with Research Network

Funding opportunities, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

We are dedicating this meeting of the BU Public Engagement with Research (PER) Network to helping you apply for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2022, an annual celebration of the social sciences.

In this session we will explain more about the festival and how to apply through our internal process – opening on Monday 28 March. We will also hear from academics who have previously held events and activities as part of the festival, who will share their experiences and advice.

Find out more about the Festival of Social Science, including who is eligible and how much funding and support you could receive.

We will also share other news on public engagement from BU.

The meeting will take place on Thursday 31 March 12-1pm, on Teams.

To join this meeting and find out about future ones, join our BU Public Engagement with Research Network. Check under ‘Meetings’ for upcoming sessions.

If you have any questions, please email the team.

18 March 2022

Shared commitment to improve public involvement in research

HEIF, Public engagement mhughes

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has signed a shared commitment to improve public involvement in health and social care research.

Funders, regulators and research organisations who play an important role in the UK health and social care research have come together. They are working with members of the public to sign up to a bold new shared commitment to improve public involvement in research.

UKRI and a host of organisations across the UK have committed to bring about changes that will drive up standards in health and social care research. See statement here

This fits well with the five year BU Public Involvement in Education and Research (PIER) strategy and our vision for those who are most affected by health and social inequalities to lead the way in shaping responses and improving outcomes and impact.

14 March 2022

Take part in a national festival of public engagement with research

Festival of Learning, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement Adam Morris

We will shortly be launching the call for applications for this year’s ESRC Festival of Social Science.

What is the ESRC Festival of Social Science?

The ESRC Festival of Social Science is an annual, UK-wide, free celebration of the social sciences, usually taking place during November. BU have been involved in the festival for over a decade, running our own internal selection process and delivering up to ten activities per year.

The festival aims to encourage, support and create opportunities for social science researchers to engage with non-academic audiences.

Why should I take part?

The festival is a prestigious initiative by a major research funder, and BU’s continued involvement is justified by the quality of our events and activities. Being part of this festival is an achievement worth citing and celebrating.

It is an excellent opportunity to engage people outside of academia with your research and with the benefit of co-ordinated support and promotion from RDS and the ESRC.

You can apply for up to £1000 to deliver your project.

What if I’ve never done any public engagement before?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and this is the ideal place. You’ll have access to comprehensive support, advice and training throughout. If you’re unsure, seek out a more experienced colleague to collaborate with.

Can I apply if I’m not a social scientist?

The ESRC says that events must “feature social science (ideally with a social scientist involved in the event)”. If this doesn’t clearly apply to you, consider these options;

Does your research have clear implications for society that could be explored from a social science perspective?
Could you collaborate with a social scientist, combining your resources and creativity to explore the impact of your research? If you’re looking for a collaborator, the Research Blog or BU website are great places to start or contact us for help.

What will I be expected to do?

You’ll be expected to;

Familiarise yourself with best practice for public engagement with research. Whether you’re new to this or experienced, there’s always room to improve.
Apply to our internal panel
If successful, attend an initial training session to start out right
Plan, deliver and evaluate your activity or event, working with the public engagement team to shape your project into an impactful, professional and fascinating experience.

What support will I get?

Being part of this festival means a higher level of support and reach than we are normally able to provide.

Before applying, you’ll have access to:

A dedicated session of the Public Engagement with Research (PER) Network, featuring previous event holders.
Bookable one-on-one advice slots with BU’s Engagement Officer.
Detailed applicant guidance to help you apply.

When your application is successful, you’ll get:

A half-day training session from an expert external public engagement trainer
Continuing advice and support from BU’s public engagement team on all areas of planning, promoting delivering, evaluating your activity.
The promotional boost from being part of a huge national festival.

What next?

If you’re interested in applying, here’s what to do next;

Look out for the next PER Network session. It’ll be promoted here on the blog, or join the Network now in a couple of clicks to stay up to date.
Explore previous events from BU and examples from around the country.
Start brushing up on how to make public engagement work for you. A great place to start is BU’s own video guide to getting started in public engagement with research (Brightspace). You can also browse guidance and case studies from the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE).
Book an advice slot – once available.

We’ll provide more information on applying to the ESRC Festival of Social Science on this blog and the PER Network over the coming weeks. If you have a question in the meantime, please email the team.

14 March 2022

Online public lecture – the past, present and future of the Great British seaside

Public engagement ematthews

A picture of Bournemouth pier at sunset with details of the event in text

Beside the seaside public lecture

‘Staycations’ are more popular than ever, with restrictions on foreign travel throughout the Covid-19 pandemic meaning more holidaymakers chose to stay in the country and visit British resorts.

But what does the future hold for the Great British seaside, and how have seaside resorts adapted over the years?

That’s the topic of the next event in our online public lecture series, which is showcasing BU research and expertise as part of the #ourBUstory campaign.

Beside the seaside: the past, present and future of the Great British seaside will take place on Thursday 24 March and run from 7pm – 8.30pm.

The event will explore the heritage of the British seaside, their heyday and decline, and the creative and cultural regeneration of resorts.

Our speakers are:

Dr Anya Chapman, Principal Academic in Tourism Management
Dr Duncan Light, Principal Academic in Tourism
Dr Tim Gale, Principal Academic in Tourism Management
Dr Sam Goodman, Associate Professor in English and Communication

There will also be a panel discussion and the opportunity to ask questions to the speakers.

This event is the second in BU’s online public lecture series. Future events will explore topics including the wildlife of Poole Harbour, and how humans have adapted to crisis and disaster through the ages.

Find out more and book your place

8 March 2022

Concert of works from the Soundlapse project

international, Public engagement aseddon

BU Sonic Arts presents an immersive multichannel concert of works from the Soundlapse Project, featuring works by Aki Pasoulas, Alejandro Albornoz, Brona Martin, Francisco Lopez, Pete Stollery, Rob Mackay and BU’s Ambrose Seddon.

The Soundlapse Project (2019-22) is an interdisciplinary research initiative funded in 2019 by the Chilean National Agency for Research and Development. It seeks to highlight the acoustical heritage of wetlands in the south of Chile.

The project brought together artists, acousticians, biologists and computer scientists with the aim of studying these ecosystems’ unique soundscapes. As an outcome of the project’s periodic documentation of the “Parque Urbano El Bosque” wetland soundscapes in Valdivia, in 2021 eight sound artists were commissioned to compose works using these field recordings.

Date: Thursday 24th March 2022 at 1700

Venue: The Sound Stage, Poole Gateway Building, Talbot Campus

Admission free but please book a ticket! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bu-sonic-arts-presents-works-from-the-soundlapse-project-chile-tickets-292077861747

More information about the project at: www.soundlapse.net

7 March 2022

Family Science Fair

Public engagement thompsonk

We are excited to announce that on Sunday 13^th March 2022 we will be hosting the second Family Science Fair in Dorchester. We are delighted to be able to host our first in person event in Dorchester since 2019, and we can’t wait to show you what we have planned.

Come and join us and talk to real scientists! There will be a range of interactive activities for all the family to get involved in. This includes host stands looking at microscopic life, wildlife conservation, electrical brain activities, local natural history and much more.

A free event, aimed at children aged 4 plus, but with something for people of all ages to enjoy. Everyone is welcome.

We will be running two slots: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm. Booking is essential for both events. For more information visit dorsetmuseum.org/event/family-science-fair

If you have any further questions, please contact us via email: Genoveva Esteban gesteban@bournemouth.ac.uk or Katie Thompson thompsonk@bournemouth.ac.uk

7 March 2022

Take Me To the River

Public engagement thompsonk

This Saturday (12^th March), Cape Farwell will be hosting free science and wildlife workshops as part of Dorchester Science Festival. We have some fantastic activities lined up for you! Join our experts to explore the incredible microscopic world onsite, learn about the health of wildlife in Sydling Water, listen to the magic of underwater sound and identify birds and their call sounds. We look forward to seeing you there.

Where: The Watershed, Sydling St Nicholas, Dorset DT2 9NS

When: 12th March: 11am – 1pm or 2pm – 4pm

Booking essential: Email to confirm your place enquiries@capefarewell.com

2 March 2022

Reminder – RKEDF Workshop Tuesday 12 April. Evaluation: Developing your approach

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Why is evaluation important in public engagement? And how do you do it effectively?

We are delighted to have teamed up with the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), who will deliver this bespoke session for BU researchers.

This interactive course will encourage participants to think about why evaluation is important, look at ways to get started, explore different techniques they can use, and consider what findings can tell the participant and their organisation or funder. With an emphasis on how to conduct evaluation, participating in practical activities and discussion as together the workshop facilitators and attendees will demystify evaluation and find the fun in revealing and identifying participants’ effectiveness.

These sessions are aimed at people with experience of public engagement with research; however, the session will be open to all experience levels.

Learning objectives:

To develop an awareness of the value and importance of evaluating public engagement.
To gain familiarity with the process of evaluation and the usefulness of planning.
To consider the uses of evaluation including improving activities; sharing good practice and reporting.
To begin to explore the issues and challenges of evaluating public engagement.

By the end of this session, you will:

Have a greater understanding and awareness of the importance of evaluating public engagement
Understand the processes of evaluation and how to plan for it.

It is a condition of booking that the attendee agrees that their contact email will be shared with the NCCPE for the purposes of programme administration.

Workshop	Date	Time	Location
Evaluation: Developing your approach	Tuesday 12th April 2022	14:00-16:30	Online

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

For any queries, please contact Organisational Development .

23 February 2022

First BU online public lecture explores living better for longer

Public engagement ematthews

The first of Bournemouth University’s online public lectures has taken place, exploring BU research into healthy ageing.

Following an introductory message from Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney, the event was opened by Professor of Nutrition Jane Murphy and Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Sophia Amenyah, who discussed how our nutritional needs change throughout our life and the importance of good nutrition as we age.

They also shared details of their latest research projects – including the DONOR project, which will explore whether digital technology can support with the management of frailty, and how community-based food activities, such as growing, cooking and eating together, impact upon the health and wellbeing of older people.

In the second presentation of the evening, Principal Academic in Psychology Dr Samuel Nyman presented the findings of his research project which looked at whether Tai Chi had benefits for people with dementia and their carers and found that taking part in regular Tai Chi classes helped maintain good quality of life.

The presentation was followed by a live Tai Chi session with qualified instructor Michael Acton, which attendees could take part in from home.

Professor of Public Health and Wellbeing Ann Hemingway was the final speaker, talking about the Stay Active and Independent for Longer (SAIL) project, which used social innovation to support older people to remain active, healthy and independent, as well as exploring what barriers existed.

The event ended with a question and answer session and a discussion which covered topics including the importance of protein as we age, and the role technology can play in supporting health and wellbeing in later life.

Over 300 people registered to attend the event, which was the first in our online public lecture series showcasing BU’s research strengths and their impact.

The next event will take place on Thursday 24 March, exploring the past, present and future of the Great British seaside.

Thanks again to our speakers and to everyone who supported or attended the Living Better Longer event. If you missed it, you can watch the recording.

21 February 2022

Café Sci Tuesday 1 March: Deep breathing to lower blood pressure

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

At Café Scientifique, you can explore the latest ideas in science and technology in a relaxed online setting. Enjoy listening to a short talk before engaging in debate and discussion with our guest speaker and audience.

We’ll be joined by Malika Felton on Tuesday 1 March from 7.00pm until 8.30pm.

Deep breathing to lower blood pressure

High blood pressure affects around 1 in 3 adults in the UK and is a major risk factor for conditions such as heart failure and stroke. There are many treatments available, but deep and slow breathing could also help, with research suggesting that just ten minutes a day could reduce blood pressure with lasting effects.

Join us to discover more and try out slow and deep breathing for yourself.

Attendance is free but booking is required

16 February 2022

Royal College of Pathologists – Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme: Deadline 1 June 2022

Funding opportunities, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

The Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme provides financial support for the delivery of pathology-related activities and events in the UK.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available for individuals or organisations who wish to develop pathology-related public engagement activities or events.

The Innovation Grant Scheme aims to:

inspire innovative and creative pathology related public engagement projects and activities
raise public awareness of, and engagement with, pathology, in particular with those who would not normally engage with the topic
develop the science communication skills of pathologists and laboratory scientists
stimulate discussion about pathology between pathologists and the public in order to motivate, inspire and enthuse both parties about the value of pathology and its role in prevention, diagnosis and treatment

How to apply

The Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme 2022 is now open.

If you would like to apply for funding for an eligible project, please download the documents and return the completed application form to publicengagement@rcpath.org by 23:59 on Wednesday 1 June 2022.

RCPath grant scheme applicant guidelines 2022

RCPath grant scheme information 2022

RCPath grant scheme application form 2022

Should you require any further information, please contact publicengagement@rcpath.org

Alternatively, please contact Adam Morris (BU Engagement Officer) if you would like advice on planning or submitting your application publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

15 February 2022

Monitoring & Evaluating Impact: Free online training session Monday 28 February 2022

Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement, Training ballen

Free online training session: Monday 28 February 2022 9:30-11:00am

About this session

Evidencing impact from research remains a huge challenge.

This workshop from Fast Track Impact will build on the paper by Mark Reed et al, “Evaluating impact from research: A methodological framework” (recommended reading prior to the workshop) to consider methods for evidencing impact in three particularly challenging areas: capacity building, policy and cultural impacts.

The three speakers will provide a variety of insights, case studies, methods and tips from their specialisms in evaluating impact.

Rachel Blanche (Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh) will discuss how arts-based methods can be used to capture impacts in non-arts contexts and settings, representing a source of untapped potential for evaluation practice.
Poppy Townsend (UKRI) will consider how to evaluate capacity building impact from data services.
Mark Reed will discuss the evaluation of policy impacts.

The session includes significant time for group interaction, and participants are encouraged to bring their own evaluation challenges to the group for discussion.

Register here

15 February 2022

Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion & Diversity Fund – Application Deadline: Monday 25 April 2022

Funding opportunities, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Do you have a great idea for a project that will help make the chemical sciences community more inclusive and diverse?

About the fund

The Inclusion & Diversity Fund provides financial support for innovative products, activities and research projects.

Previous recipients of funding have included projects related to gender, disability, socio-economic background, language, race and ethnicity, the LGBT+ community and more. These have been delivered via initiatives such as data collection and analysis, workshops, conferences and hackathons.

Who can apply

The grant scheme is open to everyone (individuals and organisations). This includes, but is not limited to, members of the Royal Society of Chemistry, member-led groups, researchers in academia or industry, museums, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts groups and libraries.

Previous recipients of any of our grants are welcome to apply for funding. This can be to scale-up a project that already exists or to fund the development of an original project. Applicants should not resubmit an unsuccessful application unless invited to do so.

How to apply

You can use this preview of the application form to help you prepare your answers, but applications must be submitted through the online SmartSurvey form using the button below.

Apply here

Application deadlines

The Inclusion & Diversity Fund accepts applications throughout the year, which are reviewed in two rounds per year.

Deadlines	Round 1	Round 2
Application submissions due by:	Monday, 25 April 2022	Monday, 19 September 2022
Funding decisions returned by:	Friday, 10 June 2022	Friday, 4 November 2022

For more information, please contact the Inclusion and diversity team: diversity@rsc.org

Alternatively, please contact Adam Morris (BU Engagement Officer) if you would like advice on planning or submitting your application publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

11 February 2022

Society for Microbiology – Science and Outreach Grant: Deadline Sunday 10 April 2022

Funding opportunities, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to support relevant science teaching or promotion initiatives, or to support developments likely to lead to an improvement in the teaching of any aspect of microbiology.

A variety of educational outreach activities to promote public engagement with microbiology will be considered for support. These might include:

Talks, workshops, demonstrations, posters, leaflets, broadcasts, activities at science festivals and audio-visual or computer-based packages.
Activities that take place as part of a National Science and Engineering Week event at the applicant’s place of work

Up to £1,000 will be awarded to contribute to the expenses of the proposed activity. Activities as part of organisation open days or UCAS days will not be eligible for funding.

Maximum award: £1,000
Deadlines: 10 April 2022 & 2 October 2022
Eligible membership categories: Full Concessionary and Postgraduate Student Members
Minimum membership: None required

Find out more and apply now

Applications to the first round of the 2022 scheme (for activities taking place after 1 June 2022) are now open and will close on Sunday 10 April 2022.

Enquiries about this scheme should be made by email to grants@microbiologysociety.org.

If you would like advice on submitting your application, please contact Adam Morris (Engagement Officer).

Category / Public engagement

RKEDF Session – Evaluation: Developing your approach. Tuesday 12 April 2-4:30pm.

Cycle of Seminars on Socio-Ecological Transitions

We can help promote your public engagement event or activity

Reminder – Join the next meeting of the Public Engagement with Research Network

Shared commitment to improve public involvement in research

Online public lecture – the past, present and future of the Great British seaside

Concert of works from the Soundlapse project

Family Science Fair

Take Me To the River

Reminder – RKEDF Workshop Tuesday 12 April. Evaluation: Developing your approach

First BU online public lecture explores living better for longer

Café Sci Tuesday 1 March: Deep breathing to lower blood pressure

Royal College of Pathologists – Public Engagement Innovation Grant Scheme: Deadline 1 June 2022

How to apply

Application Documents

RCPath grant scheme applicant guidelines 2022

RCPath grant scheme information 2022

RCPath grant scheme application form 2022

Monitoring & Evaluating Impact: Free online training session Monday 28 February 2022

Register here

Royal Society of Chemistry Inclusion & Diversity Fund – Application Deadline: Monday 25 April 2022

Apply here

Society for Microbiology – Science and Outreach Grant: Deadline Sunday 10 April 2022

Find out more and apply now

Applications to the first round of the 2022 scheme (for activities taking place after 1 June 2022) are now open and will close on Sunday 10 April 2022.

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Category / Public engagement

What is the ESRC Festival of Social Science?

Why should I take part?

What if I’ve never done any public engagement before?

Can I apply if I’m not a social scientist?

What will I be expected to do?

What support will I get?

What next?

How to apply

Application Documents

Applications to the first round of the 2022 scheme (for activities taking place after 1 June 2022) are now open and will close on Sunday 10 April 2022.

Other services

Don’t miss a post!

Recent posts

Search by Category

Search by popular post topics