Latest research and knowledge exchange news at Bournemouth University
The Innovation Common Room offers researchers the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and provide mentorship in a casual environment over coffee.
Academics are welcome to invite their Post-Graduate Students
Please contact Wendelin Morrison, BU Knowledge Exchange Manager, if you would like more information: wmorrison@bournemouth.ac.uk
Book now for RKEDF development in October 2024! Wednesday Oct 1st, 14:00 – 15:00 – Fusion Building, Talbot Campus
Everything you wanted to know about being an ECR (but were afraid to ask). It is open to all who identify as being in the early stages of their research career – whether a Postgraduate Researcher, newly-appointed academic, or returning to research.
RDS Researcher & Academic Induction
Wednesday, Oct 18th, 10:00 – 11:00 – online, MS Teams
An overview of all the practical information staff need to begin developing their research plans at BU and support available through RDS
Wednesday, Oct 30th, 13:00 – 14:00 – Fusion Building, Talbot Campus
This session is aimed at ECRs & PGRs who are new to or who have experience of academic publishing and wish to find out more.
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Please help us in avoiding any waste of resources; make sure you can attend or cancel your booking prior to the session.
For any further information, please contact RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk
RKEDF: Early Career Researcher Network – Introduction/New to BU
Weds 2nd Oct 14:00-15:00, Talbot Campus
This session is facilitated by BU Professors and ECRN conveners. It is an open introduction to working, researching and thriving at BU where you will learn about key contacts and services, how to manage the expectations of your role, and share advice on developing your skills as an early career researcher.
It is open to all who identify as being in the early stages of their research career – whether a Postgraduate Researcher, newly-appointed academic, or returning to research.
If you are not already a member of the Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) but would like to be, or if you have any questions, please contact: RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk.
The primary aim of this event is to raise participants’ awareness of how to get started in research at BU or, for more established staff, how to take their research to the next level. It will provide participants with essential, practical information and orientation in key stages and processes of research and knowledge exchange at BU
You’ll be made aware of the support available at each stage of the research lifecycle and get an introduction to the Research, Development & Support Team, who are here to help! It will be hosted by our experts who are responsible for strategy, outputs, ethics, public engagement, knowledge exchange, project management & training. It will include:
Come along, join in, get some important insights – hopefully see you there! Book your place HERE
If you are new to academia, it may be helpful for you to meet with your faculty mentor to guide your familiarisation of research at BU and expectations of an early career researcher before attending this induction. You can also join the Early Career researcher (ECR) Network.
For some background and more immediate information on RDS, please head to the RKE SharePoint
For further information on this event or joining the ECRN, please contact RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk
Last week colleagues from our Sonamoni project co-hosted a workshop with TGI Australia (The George Institute for Global Health) at the 15th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion (Safety 2024) which was held in New Delhi (India). Focusing on the strengths of the Human-Centred Design (HCD) approach, this workshop first introduced the design principles to participants and demonstrated how they can be employed to reduce risks and prevent accidents. These design principles have been applied for many years in designing consumer products and, more recently, in the fields of health and social systems. 
In this well-attended workshop researchers presented case studies from Bangladesh (including the Sonamoni project) and Tanzania to illustrate how the process is employed with communities to co-develop interventions aimed at reducing the risk of drowning among fishing folk and vulnerable children. 
The team proposed a framework which integrates HCD methodology and traditional research methodologies, creating a more user-centred and multidimensional approach to intervention design. Outputs of the process included user risk journeys, stakeholder mapping and systems diagrams that can be used with communities and wider stakeholders to visualise the problem and bring to life the environment in which interventions are to be designed. These outputs can also be support advocacy and donor engagement.
The proposed framework provides a mechanism for closer collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and communities to work together to co-design context-specific solutions that are culturally and environmentally appropriate. Workshop participants were asked for their expert opinion on the proposed framework, to help us refine the framework and inform future practice.
Our Sonamoni project recently had its own video recording on YouTube. 
Sonamoni is a public health project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) through its Research and Innovation for Global Health Transformation programme. For more information, visit the NIHR website. 
Sonamoni is coordinated by Bournemouth University in collaboration with Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), the University of the West of England, Bristol, the University of Southampton, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and design Without Borders (DWB) Africa.
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health
RKEDF: Early Career Researcher Network – Introduction/New to BU
Weds 2nd Oct 14:00-15:00, Talbot Campus
This session is facilitated by BU Professors and ECRN conveners. It is an open introduction to working, researching and thriving at BU where you will learn about key contacts and services, how to manage the expectations of your role, and share advice on developing your skills as an early career researcher.
It is open to all who identify as being in the early stages of their research career – whether a Postgraduate Researcher, newly-appointed academic, or returning to research.
If you are not already a member of the Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) but would like to be, or if you have any questions, please contact: RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk.
I am delighted to share that our most recent methods paper in the International Journal of Qualitative Methods entitled “Most Significant Change Approach: A Guide to Assess the Programmatic Effects” [1] is now published and is available online (click here!). This paper is co-authored by Mohan K. Sharma, Shanti P. Khanal and Edwin R.van Teijlingen.
The paper outlines the so-called ‘Most Significant Change’ (MSC) participatory technique to monitor and evaluate programmatic effects. MSC is a form of monitoring that can be applied throughout the programme cycle and it provides information to help manage the programme. Furthermore, MSC as an evaluation method, provides stories from which programmes’ overall impact can be assessed. However, MSC, as a participatory evaluation technique using qualitative approaches, is often neglected by many evaluators.
This is the latest in a series of papers describing the strengths and weaknesses of applying specific research approaches. Other recent methods papers included two on positionality [2-3], a paper on interview methods [4], reflections on conducting participatory policy analysis in Nepal [5], some considerations about the selection of study localities in health research [6], distinguishing between methods and methodology [7], the use of the appreciative inquiry methods [8], reflections on interdisciplinary research [9], and patient and public involvement in research in Bangladesh and Nepal [10].
Whilst older methods papers published Faculty of Health & Social Sciences academics include topics such as focus group discussions, working with translators, conducting pilot studies, the Delphi Method, comparative studies, and qualitative interviews [11-22].
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
CMWH
References:
If you want your research to influence policy, you need to know who to approach and how.
We have 121 slots available with Carys Davis, of The Other Place. Carys is a public affairs consultant and trainer with eighteen years’ experience in politics and public affairs, including working for:
You can book a one-hour bespoke consultation for yourself, a research group or centre by emailing impact@bournemouth.ac.uk. This is likely to be of particular interest if you are developing an impact case study for REF2029, but all researchers at all stages are welcome to book.
Your personalised policy engagement strategy will include:
But you need to be quick – any sessions must take place by 31 July!
Areas of Research Interest are a great way to match your research with potential policy stakeholders.
From the webinar event listing;
Join us for an enlightening and engaging event hosted by the Universities Public Engagement Network (UPEN) in collaboration with the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). This event is dedicated to exploring the OSR’s diverse areas of research interest, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the organisation, their interests, and how you can work with them to ensure you have policy impact.
OSR is the independent regulator of official statistics in the UK, but their areas of research interest are far broader than statistical methods. They include what influences perceived trustworthiness of statistics or data, what makes statistics or data vulnerable to misuse (and the impacts of this), and how can we best bring the public into conversations about statistics. You can read their UPEN blog post to get a further feel for their range of interests, and explore the introduction to their areas of research interests to learn more about why and how you can collaborate with them. This event is a chance for you to gain further insight into OSR, and provides opportunities for direct engagement with the team behind their areas of research interest.
Event highlights include hearing from the OSR Director General describing how statistics regulation goes far beyond ensuring numbers are accurate, learning about the experience of academics who have worked with OSR, and making the most of the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals to expand your network across the research community.
This event is ideal for researchers, academics, knowledge brokers and students with interest in topics such as trust, communication, public value, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, meet senior leaders in this area, and contribute to the advancement of research in this field.
We look forward to welcoming you to this UPEN x OSR event. Register now to secure your space.
Have you heard the news!!!!!!
We are excited to share some great RKEDF training opportunities coming up in July 2024!
Click on the titles to find further details and book your place!!!!
AHRC & ESRC: How to write an application in the new format for the Funding Service
Thursday, July 4, 11:00 – 13:00 – Online
The session will cover the requirements for the new UKRI application format. We will discuss the application structure focusing on AHRC and ESRC and the sections and how to complete them. The session will be framed with more general information on the various Research Councils that comprise UKRI and best practice in writing applications for external research funding.
Principal Investigation – Post Award for RKE
Wednesday, July 10, 14:00 – 15:00 – Online
This session is aimed at any researcher who is, who plans to be, a Principal Investigator for an externally funded research or knowledge exchange project.
New Generation Thinkers 2025 – AHRC/BBC Radio 4
Thursday, July 11, 11:00 – 13:30 – F112 – Fusion Building – Talbot Campus
This is our annual new generation thinkers’ workshop, where we look at the call, requirements, eligibility and having a panel chair and member’s point of view. For early career researchers and PGRs who want to share their research with the public.
Call information: Develop your media skills with the New Generation Thinkers scheme. The scheme is a partnership between the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the BBC.
Building a Policy Influencing Strategy
Friday, July 12, 9:30 – 16:30 and Thursday, July 18, 9:00 – 16:00 – Zoom
A one-day online workshop for up to eight researchers, delivered via Zoom and facilitated by public affairs and policy consultant Carys Davis, from The Other Place.
The session will enable participants to:
RKEDF: ECRN: Where do you begin with Research funding?
Friday 12th July – 10:00-12:00 – Online
The workshop is aimed at researchers from across BU at either postdoctoral or early career stage. It will focus on funders including (but not limited to) the AHRC, UKRI, British Academy, Welcome Trust, and NIHR.
Are you an Early Career Researcher interested in applying for research funding but unsure where to start? In this BU ERC Network special session, professional bid writing consultant Sally Baggott (PhD) offers her insights in the contemporary funding landscape for ECRs,
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Please assist us in avoiding any waste of resources; make sure you can attend or cancel your booking prior to the session.
For more training opportunities, please visit the ‘SharePoint site’ here.
For any further information, please contact: RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk
RKEDF: New Generation Thinkers 2025 – AHRC/BBC Radio 4 – Thursday 11th July – 11:00-12:30 – F112 – Fusion Building – Talbot Campus
Facilitated by: Professor Richard Berger
This is our annual new generation thinkers’ workshop, where we look at the call, requirements, eligibility and having a panel chair and member’s point of view. For early career researchers and PGRs who want to share their research with the public.
Call information: Develop your media skills with the New Generation Thinkers scheme
New Generation Thinkers is a career development scheme for early career researchers to:
The scheme is a partnership between the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the BBC.
If your application is successful, you’ll learn how to communicate research findings to the widest possible audience.
The scheme gives participants the opportunity to:
New Generation Thinkers has run since 2010. Each year a number of applicants are invited to create ideas with the BBC, of which we select the next cohort of New Generation Thinkers.
You can: read about the scheme’s achievements over the first 10 years – find the currently open New Generation Thinkers funding opportunity on the UKRI funding finder once it’s launched.
Previous winners: see a list of previous winners – listen to content created by previous winners on BBC Sounds (search for New Generation Thinkers) – read New Generation Thinkers magazine
Book your place here – under “New Generation Thinkers 2025″ in the drop-down menu
There’s still time to book your place for the BU Research Conference, which takes place on Wednesday (26 June) in the Fusion Building.
The theme for this year’s conference is powerful partnerships, exploring how working with others can enhance your research.
Speakers include Isabella Pereira, Head of the Institute for Community Studies, and a panel of BU academics sharing their experiences of working with partners regionally, nationally and internationally.
You’ll also have chance to take part in practical workshops covering topics including building international partnerships, co-creating research, and working with business.
The conference runs from 9.30am – 1pm and will be followed by a networking lunch to spark further conversations and collaborations.
We’re hoping it will be an inspiring and informative day, and we’d love to see you there.
Thursday 20th June – 10:00-11:30 – Hybrid – Poole House, Talbot Campus
Thursday 20th June – 13:00-14:30 – Hybrid – Gateway Building, Lansdowne
UKRI Assurance and compliance for externally-funded grants
This workshop is aimed at staff who have active UKRI-funded grants, or are in the process of applying for UKRI-funded grants. The workshop will cover; how UKRI conduct its assurance and compliance visits (audits), what you as a principal investigator or co-investigator need to be aware of, how to prepare, and the support you can expect to receive from Research Development & Support. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be aware of the common pitfalls and what you can do to ensure a positive outcome if UKRI pick your project as part of their assurance and compliance process.
The external facilitator for these sessions is Charles Shannon
Please note there is an AM and a PM session on the same day. You are invited to attend online or in person.
Book your place here – under “UKRI Assurance” in the drop-down menu
Formulating Practice Research Methods in Bid writing
In person event – 21st June 2024 – 11:00 – 13:00 – Create Lecture Theatre, Fusion building, Talbot campus.
This workshop is aimed at anyone trying to formulate funding proposals for grants that primarily follow a practice research method. It will look at how to formulate a practice research project, starting with the framing of the initial idea in relation to peers and relevant prior research/art, how to describe the methodology in a way that meets funding bodies requirements for transparency and rigour, and how to translate outputs into impact.
Attendees can be at any stage of a bid writing process, but should come with an idea that they want to work on, or past experiences that they can reflect on.
Book your place here under ‘Formulating Practice Research Methods in Bid writing – 21/06/2024’ in the drop-down menu.
For any queries regarding this workshop, please contact RKE Dev Framework
ECRN: Where do you begin with Research funding?
Friday 12th July – 10:00-12:00 – Online
The workshop is aimed at researchers from across BU at either postdoctoral or early career stage. It will focus on funders including (but not limited to) the AHRC, UKRI, British Academy, Welcome Trust, and NIHR.
Are you an Early Career Researcher interested in applying for research funding but unsure where to start? In this BU ERC Network special session, professional bid writing consultant Sally Baggott (PhD) offers her insights in the contemporary funding landscape for ECRs, as well as a comprehensive guide on how to improve your bid writing skills, how to work with external partners, and how to apply for funding at BU. The workshop will give an overview of various funding schemes currently available to ECRs, discuss what funders look for within their subject remits and evaluation, and demystify the process of application.
The facilitator for this event is Sally Baggott – Find out more here.
Book your place here under ‘ECRN – Where do you begin with Research funding?‘ in the drop-down menu.
For any queries regarding this workshop, please contact RKE Dev Framework
This morning ResearchGate alerted us that our paper published two decades ago ‘The Importance of Pilot Studies’ has now been cited one thousand times [1]. This methods paper in the Nursing Standard is very often used by authors quoting a paper in their research methods section when they have done pilot or feasibility study for a larger-scale study. This paper is also our second top cited paper with 1,982 citations on Google Scholar and, interestingly enough, on SCOPUS it is not listed at all.
Pilot studies are a crucial element of a good study design. Conducting a pilot study does not guarantee success in the main study, but it does increase the likelihood of success. Pilot studies fulfill a range of important functions and can provide valuable insights for other researchers. There is a need for more discussion among researchers of both the process and outcomes of pilot studies. 
This paper is one of several methods paper focusing on pilot studies we have published over the past 22 years [2-8].
Professors Vanora Hundley & Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health
References:
We have a small number of places available on our Building a Policy Influencing Strategy workshops on Friday 12th and Thursday 18th July.
These sessions are suitable for you if you have already made steps to engage with policymakers, and/or you have attended previous policy training workshops. Public affairs consultant and trainer Carys Davis will deliver both sessions, and they will enable you to:
The sessions will be delivered via Zoom, from 9.30-4.30pm with 15-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon, and an hour away from screens for lunch from 12.30-1.30pm.
Carys Davis has 18 years’ experience in politics and public affairs. She has worked as a parliamentary researcher for two frontbench MPs, a policy adviser on the environment, food and rural affairs portfolio for a UK political party and was also the public affairs manager for the Financial Conduct Authority.
Please note these workshops are not intended as an introduction. If you are not sure whether they are suitable for you, please contact the impact team, who can advise. We can also offer 121 bespoke sessions with Carys up until 20 July 2024, which you can book via impact@bournemouth.ac.uk.
NEED SOME TIME & SPACE TO CONTEMPLATE, INNOVATE & GENERATE?
is at Fusion again TODAY – SAME TIME, SAME SPACE
over tea, coffee and biscuits
Academics can invite their Post-Graduate Students
TODAY, 12.30 – 3.30, FG04
and EVERY WEDNESDAY afternoon throughout June
HELP ESTABLISH THIS REGULAR FEATURE AT FUSION BY JOINING
THE INNOVATION COMMON ROOM
Research Knowledge Exchange Culture: Making it Happen
Contact the BU Knowledge Exchange Manager, if you need to know more
wmorrison@bournemouth.ac.uk
BU staff can login below:
Horizon Europe – ERC CoG and MSCA SE webinars
MaGMap: Mass Grave Mapping
ERC grants – series of webinars
Last reminder – MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 internal deadline next week MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 – internal deadline approaching
Research Information Network
Research Skills Toolkit – On demand online modules
Evaluating complex interventions
Three grant applications rejected this month
BU policy influence digest newsletter – 09/10/2024
The Innovation Common Room returns to FG04 on Wednesday 9 October 1-3:30pm
Student Research Opportunity
Blindness and Media Engagement
Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Fund: Open for Applications