Category / research staff

Updated documentation for the BU Bridging Fund Scheme

Research news, research staff

In summer 2015, BU launched the BU Bridging Fund Scheme to HR excellence in research logoprovide ‘bridging funding’ for the continuation of employment of research staff for a short-term (usually up to three months, but up to six months can be considered in exceptional situations) between research grants. BU’s Bridging Fund Scheme is intended to permit the temporary employment, in certain circumstances, of researchers between fixed-term contracts at BU, for whom no other source of funding is available, in order to:

(a) encourage the retention of experienced and skilled staff, and sustain research teams and expertise;

(b) avoid the break in employment and career which might otherwise be faced by such staff;

(c) maximise the opportunity for such staff to produce high-quality outputs and/or research impact at the end of funded contracts/grants.

 

The scheme guidelines have been updated to include a figure demonstrating the application workflow (in Appendix 2 of the scheme guidelines).

 

The Bridging Fund Scheme is an action from our Athena Swan action plan (which aims to create a more gender inclusive culture at BU) and our HR Excellence in Research Award (which aims to increase BU’s alignment with the national Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers).

Repurposing Your Unsuccessful Grant Applications

BU research, ECR Network, Events, pre-award, research staff, Research Training, RKE development framework, Uncategorized

Have you been unsuccessful with a grant application and don’t know what to do next? Don’t give up!!

 

 

This session will cover best practice for repurposing unsuccessful applications for external funding.

Beginning from the research itself and how to reshape it, the session will then cover the predominant differences between the UK funders and the types of schemes they offer.

The value of feedback – from the funder or from peers will be discussed. Participants will be asked to select a potential new funder or scheme for their unsuccessful application and develop a pitch for a revised application.

Outcomes:

  • Understanding of what makes a successful application
  • Knowledge of the UK funding landscape and the schemes available
  • Draft pitch for a repurposed application

Repurposing Your Unsuccessful Grant Applications

Tuesday, 04/07/23    09:30 – 11:00  On line workshop

 

To book a place on this workshop, please complete the Booking Form

 

For any specific queries regarding this Workshop please contact Research Facilitators:      Kate Percival kpercival@bournemouth.ac.uk, Zarak Afzal zafzal@bournemouth.ac.uk,                Ainar Blaudums  ablaudums@bournemouth.ac.uk ,   Eva Papadopoulou epapadopoulou@bournemouth.ac.uk,

Artificial Intelligence – RKEDF Workshop on Thursday, 29th June

BU research, Business Engagement, ECR Network, Events, innovation, pre-award, research staff, RKE development framework

If you are interested in exploring ways in which AI could be utilised to deliver new or enhanced ways of working,

then put 29 June 2023 in your diary

 

 

AI is pervasive and will – for better or worse – hugely impact the nature of business, as well as society at large.

BU will be hosting a workshop where you can connect with expert colleagues at Bournemouth University who are involved in a range of AI research projects. There will also be a chance to find out about major funding opportunities connected with AI, build connections, and hear about support that you can access when applying for funding.

 

  • Learning more about AI research at BU
  • Building connections with Businesses working in AI
  • Meeting with BU colleagues doing AI research
  • Learning about AI research funding opportunities
  • Learning about support available for research applications

The event will take place on 29th June 2023, from 08.30 to 13:30 at Lansdowne Campus and catering will be available.

To book a place for the BU Artificial Intelligence Workshop, please complete the Booking Form.

For any queries regarding the content of this session, please email Zarak Afzal or Finn Morgan

BU Research Conference – one week to go!

BU research, conferences, Events, Featured, Research communication, research staff, Research Training, RKE development framework

There’s still time to book your place for the BU Research Conference, which takes place next Wednesday (14 June) in the Fusion Building.

The theme for this year’s conference is embracing failure, looking at how we can overcome and learn from the moments that don’t go to plan.

Speakers include BU Honorary Doctorate recipient Dr Jan Peters MBE, Professors Ann Hemingway and Sam Goodman, and Robert Seaborne from Inside Academia. You’ll also have chance to take part in practical workshops covering topics including building resilience, repurposing funding applications, and improving writing practices.  

Lunch and refreshments are provided, and you’ll be able to create your own ‘failure cake’ with members of the Centre for Science, Health and Data Communication Research.

Following the conference, a drinks reception will provide the opportunity to network and share your experiences over a beverage or two.

We’re hoping it will be an inspiring and informative day, and we’d love to see you there.

Find out more and book your place via Eventbrite

An exciting opportunity to be an Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) representative 

ECR Network, research staff, RKE development framework

An exciting opportunity to be an Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) representative 

The BU Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) is designed to support early career researchers (ECR’s) and PGRs at BU, offering general advice, support and tailored workshops for skills training and career development. The network also provides an opportunity to form connections – creating a community in which expertise can be shared, and collaborative working encouraged as well as a range of opportunities linked with the  British Academy Early Career Researcher Network.

The ECRN is currently seeking a network ECR Rep. ECR reps are drawn from across the University and are recruited on a voluntary basis. An ECR rep is appointed via an expressions of interest process that is open to all eligible research staff. 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. The Rep would contribute to the strategic direction of the ECRN, advising on content, liaising with members and the leads, and representing the network at BU and external events where appropriate.

 

If you are interested in this role, please supply approx. 200 words to demonstrate your interest and suitability in relation to the position to RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk by the 15/06/2023.

If you have any queries or seek further detail, please contact the ECRN academic leads, Professor Sam Goodman (FMC) and Professor Ann Hemingway (HSS)

Exciting opportunities under the RKEDF

ECR Network, Events, pre-award, research staff, Research Training, RKE development framework

Here are some great RKEDF training events coming up in June

 

 

Follow the links for more information and to book.

RDS Academic & Researcher Induction         Wednesday, 7 June

This event provides an overview of all the practical information staff need to begin developing their research plans at BU, using both internal and external networks.

Anatomy of an Impact Case Study                    Wednesday, 7 June 13:00-15:00

By the end of this session you will be familiar with the structure of an impact case study, what makes an excellent case study and what you will need in order to start building an impact case study from your own research.

ESRC New Investigator                                         Thursday, 8 June 11:00 – 13:00

Beginning with a general overview of the ESRC in terms of what they like to fund and their priorities for funding, the session will then cover the guidance for the scheme and the structure of the application.

RSA Writing Day for Researchers                    Tuesday, 13th June 9:00 – 17.00

Do you have a piece of writing to do or an article to finish up, but can never seem to find the time to do it? This event is for you!

 ECRN – Imposter Syndrome                              Wednesday, 14th June 16:00 – 17:00

he session will offer a space to discuss this growing issue as well as offer advice, guidance and support on how to manage, avoid and overcome such feelings.

BU Research Conference 2023                           Wednesday, 14 Jun 2023 10:00 – 18:00

The BU Research Conference is back for 2023 and this year’s event will explore the concept of ‘failure’ in academia and building the resilience to overcome obstacles that may be in your path.

Writing Academy 2023                                           21st, 22nd, 23rd June

This year the Writing Academy covers strategies for academic writing: writing to prompts, targeting a journal/specific criteria, types of prompt for academic writing, ‘snack writing’, goal setting for writing

RKEDF – Real World Examples of Public Engagement  Wednesday, 21 June 14:00-16:00

Learning the basic principles is essential for doing effective public engagement with research, but it can be challenging to apply them to developing your own projects.

Engaging with Parliament for Impact           Friday, 23 June

This session will cover multiple ‘Common Routes to Influence’, including Government consultations, Select Committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups, think tanks etc. and the best ways to approach them. You will have an opportunity for stakeholder mapping and to plan your approach.

  The Way of the Productivity Ninja                  Thursday, 29 June 13:00-15:00

In this practical, engaging, interactive and fun 2 hour online workshop you’ll learn how to utilize the mindset and tactics of the 9 Characteristics of the Productivity Ninja.

BU Artificial Intelligence Workshop                Thursday, 29 June 8:30 – 13:30

If you are a business or academic interested in exploring ways in which AI could be utilised to deliver new or enhanced ways of working, then put 29 June 2023 in your diary. 

 

Checkout the full range of possible events via the  the “Events Calendar“

If there are any sessions that are already fully booked, please make sure you add your name to the waiting list.

 

 

RIPEN Hub Funding Calls Live

Funding opportunities, Research Integritiy, research integrity, Research news, research opportunities, research staff

The RIPEN Hub will receive £250,000 per annum from the BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) – Diet and Health Open Innovation Research Club to fund research across three streams. The three streams are:

Feasibility Award, each with a maximum value of £100,000 with match funding from industrial partner

Mobility Award, each with a maximum value of £100,000

Progression Award, each with a maximum value of £50,000


Project applications should align with the 2023/24 priority areas listed below: 

a.     Food structure (matrix effects, bioavailability)

b.     Food processing (degree and type of processing)

c.      Chemical constituents in foods (fibre, vitamins, additives, sweeteners)

d.     Alternative food sources (plants, insects, algae)

e.     Targeted nutrition (individual/grouped)

To be able to apply, you have to be a member of the RIPEN Hub.

Join the RIPEN Hub:

https://www.ripenhub.co.uk/membership

Here is what is coming in June for RKEDF

BU research, ECR Network, Events, Knowledge Exchange, research staff, Research Training, RKE development framework, Training, Uncategorized

 

The following training events are coming up in June.

Please book now!

 

Wednesday 7th June 2023, 13:00-15:00 Talbot Campus

Anatomy of an Impact Case Study

This workshop is aimed at researchers who would like to learn what an excellent REF impact case study looks like and how to start building your own case study from scratch.

 
Thursday, 8th June 2023, 11:00 – 13:00 Online

ESRC New Investigator

·     Understanding of the ESRC.

·     Knowledge of the requirements for the scheme.

·     Draft plan for developing an application.
Wednesday, 14th June 2023, 16:00-17:00 Hybrid session

ECRN – Imposter Syndrome

The session will offer a space to discuss this growing issue as well as offer advice, guidance and support on how to manage, avoid and overcome such feelings. At the end of the session attendees will have achieved greater confidence in developing their career and profile.
Wednesday, 14th June, 10:00 – 16:00

BU Research Conference 2023: Embracing Failure, Building Success

The BU Research Conference is back for 2023 and this year’s event will explore the concept of ‘failure’ in academia and building the resilience to overcome obstacles that may be in your path

 
21-22-23/06/2023

Writing Academy 2023

Wednesday, 21st June 2023, 10.00 – 16.00 Online

Thursday, 22nd June 2023, 08.55 – 16.45 Online

Friday, 23rd June 2023, 08.45 – 16.45 Talbot Campus

This workshop covers strategies for academic writing: writing to prompts, targeting a journal/specific criteria, types of prompt for academic writing, ‘snack writing’, goal-setting for writing, motivation, freewriting, generative writing, analysing academic writing, drafting and revising an abstract/summary, constructing a ‘contribution’ argument, using prompts in series, outlining, productive writing behaviours, wellbeing, writing groups, micro-groups and retreats.
Wednesday, 21st June, 14:00-16:00, Online

RKEDF – Real World Examples of Public Engagement

·     Useful knowledge into how successful public engagement are planned and delivered.

·     Skills in critically analysing public engagement with research projects.

·     Inspiring ideas that would translate into their own work and share with others

·     Confidence that public engagement is approachable and practical to deliver.
Friday, 23rd June, 10:00-16:30

Engaging with Parliament for Impact

It will cover multiple ‘Common Routes to Influence’, including Government consultations, Select Committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups, think tanks etc. and the best ways to approach them. You will have an opportunity for stakeholder mapping and to plan your approach.
Thursday, 29th June, 13:00-15:00, Online

The Way of the Productivity Ninja

In this practical, engaging, interactive and fun 2-hour online workshop you’ll learn how to utilize the mindset and tactics of the 9 Characteristics of the Productivity Ninja.

 

To book a place please complete the booking form

If you have any queries please contact RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk

 

Research Staff Association (RSA) is organised a Writing Day for Researchers

BU research, ECR Network, Events, Research communication, research staff

Do you have a piece of writing to do or an article to finish up,

but can never seem to find the time to do it? This event is for you!

 

This Writing Day aims to provide a dedicated space and time away from our usual hectic schedules, to enable us as researchers to get our heads down and… write!

We’ll begin with some introductions – a chance to meet other researchers, make friends and support each other.

Then we’ll get down to business… writing!

Tuesday 13 June, 9am to 5pm 

Green House Hotel, BH1 3AX 

There will be tea and coffee available throughout the day, plus pastries on arrival, a buffet lunch and an afternoon snack.

Plenty of food and drink to fuel your writing!

After the day finishes at 5pm, we’ll stick around and go for drinks in the hotel bar, so please join us for more networking then if you’d like to.

 

Please sign up to attend via our EventBrite page here.

We only have 15 places available, so please sign up ASAP!

 

Please note that this event is organised by BU’s Research Staff Association – an association run by BU researchers from all faculties who want to make BU a great place to work and do research. We aim to ensure that researchers are supported to realise their full potential and to develop and produce research of the highest quality.

For queries regarding the content of this session, please email Raf Nicholson rnicholson@bournemouth.ac.uk

Reminder about the BU Bridging Fund for researchers

Research news, research staff

In summer 2015, we launched the BU Bridging Fund Scheme which aims to provide additional stability to fixed-term researchers who are often employed on short term contacts linked to external funding. This situation may impact on continuity of employment due to breaks in employment, job security and can result in a costly loss of researcher talent for the institution.

The Scheme aims to mitigate these circumstances through early career planning, forward research project planning, redeployment where possible, or where feasible, by providing ‘bridging funding’ for the continuation of employment for a short-term (usually up to three months, but up to six months can be considered in exceptional situations) between research grants. BU’s Bridging Fund Scheme is intended to permit the temporary employment, in certain circumstances, of researchers between fixed-term contracts at BU, for whom no other source of funding is available, in order to:

(a) encourage the retention of experienced and skilled staff, and sustain research teams and expertise;

(b) avoid the break in employment and career which might otherwise be faced by such staff;

(c) maximise the opportunity for such staff to produce high-quality outputs and/or research impact at the end of funded contracts/grants.

 

To find out more about the scheme, including how to apply for bridging funding, see the scheme guidelines. 

 

HR excellence in research logoThe Bridging Fund Scheme is an action from our Athena Swan action plan (which aims to create a more gender inclusive culture at BU) and our HR Excellence in Research Award (which aims to increase BU’s alignment with the national Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers).

CSHV – International guest lecture on ‘Pacing Adult Womanhood: Young Women, Aspirations, and Expectations in Newly Independent Kosovo’

BU research, Research Centres, Research news, research staff

The Centre for Seldom Heard Voices is delighted to invite you to a special international guest lecture featuring social anthropological research on ‘pacing adult womanhood’ in precarious situations, here through the case study of young women’s situation in Kosovo. Dr Rozafa Berisha (Manchester/ Prishtina), currently visiting the social anthropology sister programme in the Social Science and Social Work department through our Erasmus+ K107 programme in partnership with University of Prishtina, Kosovo, will present her research on Thursday, 27th April, 15:00 to 17:00 in EB-206. All interested staff and students welcome! More details are available in this poster: Rozafa Berisha poster

Post-Doctoral Researchers, Research Assistants, ECR’s, Research Fellows

BU Challenges, BU research, BU2025, ECR Network, Fusion, Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Research Centres, Research Concordat, Research Ethics, Research Integritiy, research integrity, research methods, Research news, research staff, Research Supervision, Research Training, RKE development framework, Vitae, Women's Academic Network

Post-Doctoral Researchers, Research Assistants, ECR’s, Research Fellows. It’s the final day of the CEDARS survey and not many of you have completed the survey. We would particularly love to hear your thoughts/feedback.

Don’t miss the chance to influence policies and initiatives relating to research at BU. Please complete the BU Vitae CEDARS survey 2023 (Culture, Employment and Development in Academic Research survey)* today. The survey closes today Friday 21st April.

This is an important survey as it benchmarks BU against the rest of the sector. It will, therefore, help us to identify where we are excelling and where there is room for improvement.

Participating in this study will also influence policy. Your input will help us to understand where to focus our efforts and resources – it will give us the data to make the argument for you. (The results of the previous PIRLS and CROS surveys that CEDARS has replaced were used to develop new policies and initiatives, as well as training and development opportunities).

The CEDARS survey is for everyone who is research-active (whether on a full-time, part-time or part-time hourly paid contract). This includes researchers at all stages in your career, those who manage researchers, or are Principal Investigators, or contribute to research by providing professional services for researchers, (i.e. researcher developers, research officers or technical staff).

Your responses will be anonymous; you will not be identified or identifiable in any published results. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete the survey. BU Vitae CEDARS survey 2023

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please email Rachel Arnold: rarnold@bournemouth.ac.uk

 

Thank you, the Research Development and Support Team

*CEDARS is a national survey that explores the views and experiences of researchers and those supporting researchers across the UK. It is based on the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, which aims to create the best culture for researchers to thrive. This survey replaces the previous CROS and PIRLS surveys.

Please find more information here on the ‘Concordat to Support the Careers of Researchers’ and what BU is doing to support researchers.

Publishing Strategy Lunchbyte

BU research, ECR Network, Publishing, research staff, RKE development framework

Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash

Publishing Strategy Lunchbyte – Developing a Fusion-led Publishing Strategy workshop

We will examine how knowledge can be translated to a range of stakeholders, with a particular emphasis on the value of publishing in non-academic sources as a pathway to developing societal impact.

 

Workshop Date Time Location
Publishing Strategy Lunchbyte – Developing a Fusion-led Publishing Strategy Thursday, 4th May 2023 10.30 – 11.30 Online

 

This workshop aimed at all Academic staff and facilitated by Prof John Oliver

To book a place on this workshop please complete the Booking Form.

 

For queries regarding the content of this session, please contact: Pengpeng Hatch:pphatch@bournemouth.ac.uk or RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk

 

BU researchers: We need your help!

BU research, ECR Network, Research communication, Research news, research staff

Please help to develop BU policies and initiatives relating to research at BU by completing the  BU Vitae CEDARS survey 2023 (Culture, Employment and Development in Academic Research survey)*.

This is an important survey as it benchmarks BU against the rest of the sector. It will, therefore, help us to identify where we are excelling and where there is room for improvement.

Participating in this study will also influencepolicy. Your input will help us to understand where to focus our efforts and resources – it will give us the data to make the argument for you. (The results of the previous PIRLS and CROS surveys that CEDARS has replaced were used to develop new policies and initiatives, as well as training and development opportunities).

Please complete the CEDARS survey if you are research-active (whether on a full-time, part-time or part-time hourly paid contract). This includes researchers at all stages in your career, those who manage researchers, or are Principal Investigators, or contribute to research by providing professional services for researchers, (i.e. researcher developers, research officers or technical staff).

The survey is running from 20th March to 21st April. Your responses will be anonymous; you will not be identified or identifiable in any published results. It will take approximately 20 minutes to complete the survey. BU Vitae CEDARS survey 2023

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please email Rachel Arnold: rarnold@bournemouth.ac.uk

 

Thank you, the Research Development and Support Team

*CEDARS is a national survey that explores the views and experiences of researchers and those supporting researchers across the UK. It is based on the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, which aims to create the best culture for researchers to thrive. This survey replaces the previous CROS and PIRLS surveys.

Please find more information here on the ‘Concordat to Support the Careers of Researchers’ and what BU is doing to support researchers.

FHSS PGR Conference – extension to deadline of abstract submission

BU research, PG research, Research communication, Research news, research staff

We are pleased to announce a one-week extension to the date for submission of abstracts, for the inaugural FHSS PGR Conference, which is being held on Tuesday 6th June from 09:30-13:30, in BGB.

 

The revised abstract submission date is Friday 21st April

 

We welcome abstracts for presentations or posters, from all PGRs in FHSS, no matter what stage of your studies you are at, focusing on the conference theme of ‘doing postgraduate research in health and social care’.  Do get in touch with the conference committee at FHSSPGRConferenceCommittee@live.bournemouth.ac.uk if you are unsure and want to discuss your ideas before submitting an abstract.

 

Don’t forget that we welcome the submission of posters that you have presented elsewhere over the last year – please submit a brief abstract, as outlined below.

 

You can submit your abstract by scanning the QR code, or following this link (https://forms.office.com/e/RK7uhNc7LT)

 

Best wishes

Tanya (on behalf of the conference committee)