The Research Excellence Team in RDS, was established in April 2022. The team plays a key role in the delivery of the University’s strategic plan, BU2025, particularly in terms of academic research quality, visibility and influence.
The team is responsible for the management and oversight of preparatory work for the next research assessment exercise and the final submission as well as key initiatives to strengthen the excellence and sustainability of the University’s research environment, such as the University’s Research & Knowledge Exchange Development Framework to support colleagues to engage actively with excellent research.
The team is also developing and leading initiatives to bolster BU’s research culture with the aim of strengthening and sustaining a healthy and productive research environment. This includes the Open Access Publication Fund, the implementation of responsible use of research metrics and the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).
Claire Fenton
REF Manager
As REF Manager, I work across all areas of BU to provide strategic support and information to enhance research at BU in preparation for the REF, with a particular focus on research outputs and research environment. I am also responsible for championing and facilitating open access at BU, through initiatives including the Open Access Publication Fund.
Before joining BU in 2023 I worked in research funding, most recently for the NIHR, and at Wellcome prior to that. My background is in the biosciences. I spent 6 years as a postdoc at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, characterising novel genes involved in the DNA damage response, using fission yeast as a model organism. I have a PhD from Cambridge University, again focused on cellular responses to DNA damage.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. When not spending weekends driving across the breadth of Dorset and Hampshire to chauffeur the girls to their various football fixtures, we can often be found walking on the beach with our naughty pug Baxter.
Joelle Fallows
Research & Knowledge Exchange Development Framework Advisor
I ensure the smooth running of the Research & Knowledge Development Framework, organising over 100 workshops and events to allow Researchers and Academics to develop their potential and enhance their skills. From bid and publication writing support to sessions on Project Delivery, Knowledge Exchange, Impact, Public Engagement, Ethics, internal systems and more. We aim for our staff to be supported, informed, and educated about the whole of the research lifecycle.
I started the role in April 2023 and am in the office 3 days a week (Tues-Thurs). Prior to this, I was the Operations Officer in RDS, dealing with all the finance and resourcing for the office. I have broad and varied experience from working as a Compliance & Technical Manager for a global Bank’s in-house occupational pension dept for 12 years to cover teaching in a local Primary School for 10 years. Outside of work, I have a hubby, 2 gorgeous teenage children, 2 cats and a Romanian rescue dog. I enjoy walks with my family, festivals, music, fitness, travelling and reading. I truly believe life is for the living!
Emma Matthews
Research Communications Advisor
As Research Communications Adviser, I’m responsible for creating and sharing content around BU’s research across corporate channels and in the media. I manage the research pages of the BU website and Research Blog and can provide advice and support around communicating your research effectively.
I previously worked in BU’s press office, producing a range of multimedia content and securing media coverage. Prior to joining the university, I trained and worked as a journalist – interviewing David Attenborough and helping operate on a dog (thankfully not at the same time!) among other weird and wonderful assignments.
As a native Midlander, I love to take advantage of being so close to the coast with lots of long walks and the occasional sea dip. Having just bought my first house, my weekends are mainly taken up by dodgy DIY but I’m also partial to a pub quiz and a strong G&T!
Amanda Edwards
Impact Manager
As Impact Manager, I am responsible for leading on the development and implementation of BU’s research impact strategy, leading impact preparation for REF 2028 and building capacity for impact tracking and evidence gathering.
I also have responsibility for collaborating with colleagues to optimise public engagement activities as a pathway to impact, developing and leading a programme of events and activity for public engagement with research.
Before taking on this role, I worked as an impact advisor, and provided maternity cover for the Engagement and Impact Facilitator role for over a year.
Prior to that, my first job at BU was as Impact Officer for the Faculty of Science and Technology, developing and submitting its impact case studies for REF 2021.
Before moving to Bournemouth, I worked variously in journalism and government press offices in London, after studying English Literature at Cambridge University.
In my spare time, I love hiking in remote parts of the UK, and am attempting to train my rescue dog Alfie.
Adam Morris
Impact Advisor
As one of two Impact Advisors, I lead activities and initiatives to enable BU’s researchers to identify,
develop, communicate, and evidence impact arising from BU research.
I studied Zoology at Bangor University, followed by internships in interpretation development at the Natural History Museum and documentary production at BBC Science Television, and a year of travelling and volunteering around Europe. Since then, I have worked in public engagement at the Royal Society, and in communications for the Human Tissue Authority. Most recently, I was Engagement Officer at BU, responsible for public engagement with research activities.
I enjoy photography, cooking, technology, travel, sea swimming, camping, quizzing, wildlife watching and anything that combines the above!
Shumana Begum
Impact Advisor
As an Impact Adviser, I lead activities and initiatives to enable BU’s researchers to identify, develop, communicate, and evidence impact arising from BU research.
Prior to my current position, I worked in Estates as an Operations Assistant, Academic Services as a Project Co-ordinator and most recently I provided maternity cover in Marketing & Communications as an Impact Analyst.
I am also a former student of Bournemouth University and graduated with a BA Hons degree in Business and Management. After finishing university, I worked for a financial services group for 4 years before returning to BU as a member of staff, and I have remained here since.
Outside of work I love spending time with my close-knit family, enjoy walks in nature and regular visits down the beach. I am also passionate about Arts and Crafts, I really enjoy drawing, painting, sewing and all things creative!
Yasemin Oksel Ferraris
Engagement Advisor
As the Engagement Adviser at Bournemouth University, I collaborate with researchers in incorporating public engagement throughout the research cycle. This helps ensure that research addresses real societal challenges, drives meaningful change, and enhances the impact of their work, aligning with Bournemouth University’s core values of inclusivity, creativity, and responsibility.
My academic journey started with a degree in Architecture from Izmir University of Economics, followed by a Master’s in Architectural Design from Dokuz Eylul University. Before taking on my current role, I gained experience as a research assistant and lecturer at Yasar University and worked with the Careers Team and Funding Development Team at Bournemouth University.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about reading and creating webcomics, playing board games, and enjoying real-time strategy games, as well as traditional and digital role-playing games. I’ve also contributed as an Interactive Story Writer and Co-creator for various webtoon projects.
Beverley Allen
Events and Communications Coordinator
As the Events and Communications Organiser, I am responsible for organising and supporting a range of research events and activities to engage diverse audiences with Bournemouth University’s research. This includes large-scale and BU-wide research events, for example the annual ESRC Festival of Social Science, as well as a regular programme of engagement activities, such as Cafe Scientifique and Public Lecture Days. It is part of my role to ensure the smooth running of events and provide support through the process of planning to delivery.
Previously I have worked in busy ticketing teams at a variety of leading live music venues such as The O2 London, Hammersmith Apollo, Brighton Centre and at the O2 Academy Birmingham. I have also worked at AEG Live and was involved with providing box office support at a range of venues and outdoor events which included Hyde Park, Wembley Stadium, Twickenham Stadium and The Stadium of Light.
Living in Bournemouth, I try to take advantage of the beautiful Dorset coast and countryside and enjoy exploring by bike, foot and kayak!
I enjoy taking photographs to capture the stunning scenery in the area. I am also a keen runner and often take part in local park runs.
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