BU Research Blog

As the new academic year begins, so does the recruitment process for a new cohort of Missing Persons Indicator Project researchers. This year, as well as recruiting law students to the project, we are presenting this opportunity to budding researchers across the university. Notably, a new collaboration between the FMC and BUBS has emerged, enhancing the interdisciplinary approach of the project.

In collaboration with the International Commission on Missing Persons, students have begun the process of collating indicators to capture the way States engage with, and seek to solve, missing persons cases. These indicators range from understanding contextual factors that could have contributed to a surge of missing persons cases, such as conflict or natural disasters, to international treaty ratification, to domestic legislation.

In light of recent headlines concerning conflicts across the globe, students have likely been exposed to stories that highlight the pressing issues of our time, such as missing persons. This voluntary research project offers them a unique opportunity to engage with work that has real-world significance, showing how research can extend beyond the university to make a meaningful impact.

Our expectations:

• Dedicate approximately 8 hours a month to the project (flexible around university commitments).
• Attend in-person meetings, skills workshops and data collating sessions.
• Be keen to develop research skills.
• Work respectfully within a diverse team.

Student experience:

• Support into real-world research with lasting impact.
• Assist in articulating the project into written form to enhance employability.
• Optional research skills workshops.
• Inter-disciplinary learning.
• Feedback opportunities.
• A well-stocked snack cupboard.

If you feel this opportunity would benefit students in your faculty, discipline, or program, please email indicators@bournemouth.ac.uk to request the necessary recruitment paperwork or to arrange a drop-in talk for your students.