Yesterday the Life by the River Team welcomed over 130 guests to their Festival of Learning Event at the Kingfisher Barn next to the River Stour near Throop. The event was development by Holly Crossen-White and Angela Turner-Wilson from the Public Health Cluster in partnership with Tom Clarke from the RSPB and staff from Bournemouth Borough Council Parks. The aim of the event was to encourage the public to consider the health and wellbeing benefits that can be gained by spending time enjoying the natural environment. Of those who completed an evaluation form 63 % of visitors had never been to this stretch of the River Stour before and all said they planned to return. The Team received lots of positive feedback about the event with visitors saying ‘there was a brilliant atmosphere’ , ‘really relaxing’ and ‘lots of fun for everyone’.
/ Full archive
Applying for research funding post EU referendum
Academics who are applying for external funding from the EU, such as Marie Skłodowska Curie Fellowships, have been asking whether the EU referendum results will impact on funding available. The RKEO advise that at this stage, there has been no confirmation received that funding will not be available to UK HEIs. As we are unsure how things are going to pan out and it potentially could take 2 years for us to leave the EU from when they operationalise article 50, we would suggest you continue as planned. We should operate on the basis of business as usual and continue to develop high quality bids.
For internal staff, please see the notification to staff from Professor John Vinney.
Innovation knowledge sharing event for Social Science and Humanities commercialisation professionals
An open-door event for commercialisation professionals to share information relating to good practice and successful case studies in the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.
There seems a drive within the community of commercialisation professionals to engage more with the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities in a practical and meaningful way. Some of this emanates from the drive for more impact within the research funding sphere where Knowledge Exchange has led the way, but carrying this through to tangible commercialisation opportunities for which standard Technology Transfer Office approaches have little traction is proving much more challenging.
Isis Innovation will host and facilitate an event for commercialisation professionals to come together and share knowledge about their successes and good practice in commercialisation from the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. This is open to staff in all Universities who may have an interest in this nascent area.
This is expected to be a highly interactive event. This event is FREE.
Programme will include:
· Facilitated discussion on the subject of incubators and different approaches
· Facilitated discussion on the subject of Social Entrepreneurship and different approaches
· Facilitated discussion on licensing and more traditional venture development approaches
· Morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch will be provided
Venue
This knowledge sharing event will be held at the offices of Isis Innovation Limited, Buxton Court, 3 West Way, Oxford OX2 0SZ. Map.
Date: 27th September 2016 between 10.00 and 16.00
Click here for or more information on this event and PraxisUnico.
Impact funding available
The Arts and Humanities Research Council invites applications for its follow-on funding for impact and engagement scheme: connected communities highlight notice on creating living knowledge.
This supports new and unanticipated pathways to impact which have emerged or evolved from the connected communities programme on participatory research processes and practices.
Proposals must be based on either previous or current research directly funded by the AHRC, or on research that has been co-funded with another UK research council.
Grants are worth up to £100,000 over a maximum period of one year. Smaller grants of up to £30,000 may be awarded for shorter or higher risk activities.
Click here for further information.
If you are interested in submitting to any of the above calls you must contact your RKEO Funding Development Officer with adequate notice before the deadline.
HE Policy Update
EU referendum
With the UK having voted to leave the EU, the higher education sector has responded with lots of material about what it means for universities.
THE has reported that a Brexit will have sparked a huge amount of uncertainty for the future of research funding, student fees and hiring of staff from the European Union.
The Independent reports academic’s fears around a new form of Brexit – a brain exit or brain drain – that could hit Britain’s universities and the wider scientific community.
Wonkhe comments that universities must find a way to argue for the importance of higher education in the UK inside or outside of the EU.
At present, what we do know is that the immigration status of EU students and staff based at BU and in other European countries has not yet changed. We are likely to find out more about the implications when the two-year negotiation process between the UK and other Member States begins- we do not yet know exactly when this will be, but it could be this Autumn with the appointment of a new Prime Minister.
Work experience
The National Centre for Universities and Businesses has published a report exploring business practices and processes around work experience offers. The report highlighted that work experience is used heavily as a recruitment tool, however where work experience is gained is of less importance to employers than the development of transferable skills that the experience of work fosters. You can view the report here.
HE & Research Bill
The Vice-Chancellor of Regent’s University London has warned the Higher Education and Research Bill will meet with “substantial opposition” and may not make it through the House of Commons in its current form. HE bill ‘will face substantial opposition in Parliament’ (THE).
TEF
The TEF could radically reshape the hierarchy of UK higher education, with small campus universities and post-92s outperforming many of the elite Russell Group. TEF ‘set to reshape hierarchy of UK higher education’ (TEF).
If you would like to provide any direct feedback on any of the consultation workshops we have been running, please have a look at the consultation intranet page for more information and links to the relevant documents.
Best paper award!
Best Paper for 2015 Award in the international journal Heart. A paper published by Bournemouth University PhD student, Edward Carlton, and his supervisors, Prof. Ahmed Khattab (FHSS) and Prof. Kim Greaves from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia in collaboration with world-renowned hospitals: John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford; Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital in Australia; and Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand has been announced as the Winner of the “Heart Best Paper 2015 Award” [1]. This award is in recognition of the high quality and clinical impact of the paper. The winner for this award were chosen by the Editorial Team from the top 10 papers in each of the following three categories: downloads, citations and Altmetrics Score.
Dr. Edward Carlton has just finished his PhD at BU and he is now working as an Emergency Medicine Consultant in Bristol.
Congratulations!
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
CMMPH
Reference:
Carlton EW, Cullen L, Than M, Gamble J, Khattab A, Greaves K. A novel diagnostic protocol to identify patients suitable for discharge after a single high-sensitivity troponin. Heart. 2015 Jul;101(13):1041-6. doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307288. Epub 2015 Feb 17.
Funding opportuntity for knowledge exchange and innovation
Research shows that HEFCE funding for university knowledge exchange (KE) activity delivers significant and increasing return for public investment. The return on investment from £1 of Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) is currently estimated at £9.70 in benefits for the economy and society, and may deliver even higher returns in future.
Why not apply for the next round of HEIF funding available?
These results reflect the way universities overall are gaining greater expertise in KE, using HEIF more effectively and developing stronger partnerships, particularly with businesses. The research studies demonstrate the range and breadth of KE activity, and the significant benefits it brings to the economy and society.
The research studies describe positive feedback from businesses and social and community groups working with universities, on the benefits they have received from KE activities. Businesses feel that universities have become much more willing to engage and that higher education KE delivers value for money.
Interdisciplinary Research HE Sector Day – Great feedback from attendees
BU’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Office (RKEO) hosted the Interdisciplinary Research HE Sector Day on Tuesday, 21st June.
Attendees said it was…. inspiring, encouraging, interesting enriching, fun and diverse.
A big thank you is due to all the speakers, who, together, provided all in attendance with an engaging and thought-provoking day. There was a palpable buzz with on-going dialogue already developing across BU and beyond.
Read more about the event and the speakers previously, as posted on the BU Research Blog and on BU’s News and Events webpages.
Thank you to all who made this day such a success!
Hello from Osman Ahmed: Lecturer in Physiotherapy in the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences
Hi all,
I’ve been a bit slow in uploading an introduction the BU research blog but wanted to say thanks to everyone for making feel at home at BU. I’ve been in the role of physiotherapy lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences for about 2 months now and am enjoying it greatly so far.
My clinical background is as a physiotherapist, and I have worked both locally (at Poole Hospital and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital) and internationally (in New Zealand). As well as working at BU, I am also currently working at Poole Hospital NHS Trust as an outpatient physiotherapist, and with the Football Association with their disability football squads. My work in this field is due to take me to Rio De Janeiro in September for the 2016 Paralympic Games.
My main areas of research interest are eHealth/mHealth, sports concussion, and disability sport. I was lucky enough to do my PhD at the University of Otago in New Zealand, where my thesis centred upon the use of Facebook to assist the return to play following sports-concussion. I am looking forwards to helping to educate the next generation of physiotherapists to be forward-thinking and able to cope with the demands of an ever-changing world.
Being Dorset born and bred, I am very proud to be working at BU at this exciting time for the university. I hope that BU can mirror the development of AFC Bournemouth (where I have a season ticket) with regards to reaching new heights and levels of success!
Best wishes,
Osman
The Sun IS going to shine……
….so why not spend this Sunday enjoying
Life by the River
Members of the Public Health Cluster have been working in partnership with Tom Clarke from the RSPB over the last two years to to promote to the public the many health and wellbeing benefits there are from spending time outside enjoying the natural environment. The Team has also been working with Bournemouth Borough Council, Parks staff and supporting the development of a project based on a stretch of the River Stour. Heritage Lottery funding had enabled the creation of the Kingfisher Barn, a new visitor’s centre alongside the River Stour, near Throop. To showcase the work the project team Holly and Angela (BU), Tom (RSPB) and Bournemouth Parks staff have developed a Festival of Learning Event at the Kingfisher Barn with lots of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. There will be an opportunity to discover how previous generations have lived their life by the river and there will be some lovely family photos showing how life was that have been generously provided by local families who have also shared their memories and helped Holly bring together the exhibition. There will be some messy things to do too so maybe pack some wellies if you would like to help create a cobb structure with Heidi a local artist who has been working with the Team. The event is this Sunday – 26th June at the Kingfisher Barn between 11am and 3pm. 
Innovate UK – Current funding opportunites to develop innovative products or services
Open funding competition
Innovate UK is investing up to £15 million in innovative R&D projects, in an open competition targeted at a whole range of technology, engineering and industrial areas. Are you working with a UK company that may be interested ? (This competition is open to all UK companies.)
For more information click here.
Manufacturing and materials
Innovate UK is to invest up to £15 million in innovation projects in manufacturing and/or materials. These projects will focus on identified technical or commercial challenges. Funding for projects will be for projects that aim to lead to increased UK SME productivity, competitiveness and growth.
Click here to find out more.
Women in Innovation: infocus award
Innovate UK has up to £200,000 and a package of tailored support to award to businesswomen who have exciting ideas and the potential to become leaders in innovation and deliver economic growth.
To find ouut more and apply click here.
Connected digital additive manufacturing
Apply for a share of £4.5 million for innovation projects that develop smarter, better connected 3D printing solutions. Projects must show a significant innovation step in both additive manufacturing and connected digital manufacturing.
Click here to find out more.
Agri-food innovation in Turkey
Innovate UK is to invest up to £1.5 million for UK participants developing innovative solutions to challenges within the agri-food sector in Turkey. We are running this competition in partnership with the Newton-Kâtip Çelebi Fund.
Energy Catalyst round 4
Technology innovation is needed to solve the global energy sector ‘trilemma’ of: low carbon, security of supply and affordability. Innovate UK are looking for innovative solutions in any technology or sector area. For round 4, applications must also be relevant to the needs of developing countries.
Click here to find out more.
If you are interested in submitting to any of the above calls you must contact your RKEO Funding Development Officer with adequate notice before the deadline.
For more funding opportunities that are most relevant to you, you can set up your own personalised alerts on Research Professional. If you need help setting these up, just ask your School’s/Faculty’s Funding Development Officer in RKEO or view the recent blog post here.
If thinking of applying, why not add notification of your interest on Research Professional’s record of the bid so that BU colleagues can see your intention to bid and contact you to collaborate.
Festival of Learning 25 – 29 June
Bournemouth University’s Festival of Learning kicks off this Saturday with our Family Day, which includes lots of free, fun-filled activities, workshops, events and talks. This year we are delighted to welcome one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year, Alastair Humphreys, to open the festival during our Family Day by sharing stories from his worldwide expeditions and adventures.
We have a jam-packed five-day programme of free events, activities and opportunities to learn something new. From martial arts to solving cybercrime, there’s something for everyone.
The annual Festival of Learning is now in its fourth year and the programme is designed to encourage the general public to engage with the university through different types of activities that highlight the wide range of research taking place at BU. Plus for the first year ever, we are introducing the Global Festival of Learning with festival events running simultaneously in China and Malaysia, with BU staff and students taking part in an international celebration of learning.
Take a look at the full programme of events on the Festival of Learning website and book your place.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Appointments to the Research Councils 2016
The Research Councils fund research, research facilities and postgraduate training. The Appointments Panels for four of the Research Councils are seeking applications from suitably qualified academics or experienced individuals from the industrial/business/financial/government/voluntary sectors, to fill a number of vacancies on their governing Councils, including some with Audit Committee responsibilities. These vacancies are for part-time, fixed term membership which are expected to arise during 2016:
- Economic and Social Research Council
Four vacancies (3 academic and 1 private sector) - Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Two vacancies (1 academic and 1 non-academic) - Medical Research Council
Four vacancies (1 industry, 1 lay, 2 scientific) - Science and Technology Facilities Council
One vacancy (academic)
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Tuesday 05 July 2016
The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills will appoint members to the Councils on merit after considering advice from the Appointments Panel. The Secretary of State is committed to the principle of public appointment with independent assessments, openness and transparency of process and to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender and working patterns.
An honorarium of £6,850 is paid annually.
A video showing current and former Research Council board members talking about their experiences as a member, the benefits, how they have contributed and what is required can be found on YouTube.
Further information about the vacancies, application forms and interview dates are available to download via the Public Appointments Cabinet Office website at the following links:
- ESRC: https://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/appointment/economic-and-social-research-council-members/
- EPSRC: https://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/appointment/engineering-and-physical-sciences-research-council-members/
- MRC: https://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/appointment/medical-research-council-members/
- STFC: https://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/appointment/science-and-technology-facilities-council-member/
HEIF – Frequently asked questions
Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF): money available to support your business engagement and knowledge exchange ideas – call deadline Friday 1 July
More information can be found here.
HEFCE provide funding for knowledge exchange – Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) to support and develop a broad range of knowledge-based interactions between universities and colleges and the wider world, which result in economic and social benefit to the UK. The current round of funding is referred to is HEIF 5+1+1 and runs until 31st July 2017.
There is a variety of information to help you with your application and provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs):
Current projects
BU has a proven track record with this funding stream and our success continues. Currently there are 13 live projects funded from HEIF 5+1. Examples of current projects can be found on the project pages on the BU research website and include:
Why not talk to current HEIF project leads? Click here. (Scroll down the page for contact details and project information.)
FAQs information
Common questions include:
Q: Do I need external letters of support?
A: These are not required as part of your application. On the application form there is a requirement to list members of the project board so naturally they would need to have been contacted to advise them of your project proposal and their involvement. There is no reason why you can’t mention the background behind the formation of your project board but letters of support are not needed.
Q: How much can I bid for?
A: Whilst there is no minimum or maximum amount for HEIF funding you do need to be realistic in terms of your project proposal and budget. All monies need to be spent and this is not always easy within a 12 month timescale. On average previous 12 month HEIF project bids have been between £20K – £50K, however both smaller and larger amounts have also been awarded.
RKEO contact
For more information on HEIF and other knowledge exchange opportunities, please contact Jayne Codling Knowledge Exchange Adviser (RKEO).
Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Framework – funding from the major charities
We have previously posted about the Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Development Framework. Here we introduce another of the pathways: that dedicated to funding from the major charities, including Leverhulme Trust and Wellcome Trust.
There will be a range of sessions relating to the charities, including introductions to the Leverhulme Trust and Wellcome Trust. We’ll provide some hints and tips for applying to major charities, and run bid writing retreats for those planning to submit applications to the Wellcome Trust, and for a Leverhulme Trust Fellowship. We’ll also be running a session giving information and examples relating to building partnerships and working with stakeholders. More events will be added to this pathway in 2017-18 as well.
We’ll be populating the the OD website with more information and the booking link over the coming weeks. We’ll also be providing a timetable of all events as soon as possible. In the meantime, updates will be posted on the BU research blog and the Faculty blogs.
HEIF call is now live – reminder
Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF): money available to support your business engagement and knowledge exchange ideas – call deadline Friday 1 July
More information can be found here.
HEFCE provide funding for knowledge exchange – Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF) to support and develop a broad range of knowledge-based interactions between universities and colleges and the wider world, which result in economic and social benefit to the UK. The current round of funding is referred to is HEIF 5+1+1 and runs until 31st July 2017.
BU has a proven track record with this funding stream and our success continues. Currently there are 13 live projects funded from HEIF 5+1. Examples of current projects can be found on the project pages on the BU research website and include:
Interim funding has been made available to run from 1 August 2016 to 31 July 2017. This is known as HEIF 5+1+1. (Funds cannot be carried over.)
The call is now open. (These innovative projects can be new or build on existing activity that may strengthen and/or facilitate future funding applications.)
Call schedule
| Action | Date |
| Call w/c – applications open | w/c 06/06/16 |
| Proposal deadline – applications close | 01/07/16 Friday |
| Proposal review process | 04/07/16 – 18/07/16 |
| Successful projects announced | w/c 18/07/16 |
| New project funding starts | 01/08/16 |
These projects will need to reflect our interim strategy sent to HEFCE (as below):
“BU will continue to invest in innovation themes with a strong focus on network creation, with a particular focus on digital and creative industries, health and wellbeing, and regional development. The additional year of funding will enable BU to continue to develop our existing area in addition to investment to develop new innovations. This will allow BU to create innovations in key areas, whilst developing closer links with regional initiatives to enhance local development opportunities, working with the Dorset LEP and other organisations. We will also consider the use of HEIF funds to invest in effective mechanisms for engaging with business/industry. Our core strategy of investing in sector-specific themes with a strong focus on network creation remains; what has changed in light of emerging opportunities is the nature of the themes in which we will invest and the mechanisms through which we will engage with the region.”
Themes could include but are not exclusive to:
- Biodiversity, Natural and Cultural Assets (e.g. environmental sciences, archaeology,)
- Global Security
- Healthcare technologies (e.g. sensors, robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality, gamification, mobile apps)
- Economic growth and innovation.
Interdisciplinary working will need to be evident in successful proposals. Project boards including academics and external organisations will also need to be identified as part of the proposal.
If you are considering an application for HEIF funding you may find it helpful to speak to the current HEIF project leads (HEIF 5+1: 01/08/15 – 31/07/16) to identify how best to develop your proposal and consider existing HEIF project activity where relevant. More information is listed below:
| PI | PI email | PI ext | Title of proposal |
| Adrian Newton | anewton@bournemouth.ac.uk | 65670 | Development of a toolkit for modelling natural capital |
| Alison McConnell | amcconnell@bournemouth.ac.uk | 62313 | Final stage development and validation of a mobile device App to reduce blood pressure |
| Genoveva Esteban | gesteban@bournemouth.ac.uk | 68936 | The Dorset Coast Digital Archive (DCDA) |
| Heather Hartwell | hhartwell@bournemouth.ac.uk | 61712 | FoodSMART (proof of concept) |
| Hongnian Yu | yuh@bournemouth.ac.uk | 66150 | Sensor-Integrated Urometer for measuring real-time urine output |
| Jian Chang | jchang@bournemouth.ac.uk | 61881 | Virtual Prototyping of New Lifeboat Launching System with Unmanned Vehicles to Enhance Safety |
| Kathy Hodder | khodder@bournemouth.ac.uk | 66784 | Enhancing Urban Green Space for Pollinators – Decision Making Hub |
| Kevin McGhee | kmcghee@bournemouth.ac.uk | 68189 | Psychiatric Genetic Counselling for Healthcare Professionals (PGC4HP): First UK pilot study, regional knowledge exchange and global impact. |
| Mark Brisbane | mbrisbane@bournemouth.ac.uk | 65166 | Building Roman Britain: Innovative investigations of Roman building material and knowledge exchange through museum interpretation and learning. |
| Richard Stillman | rstillman@bournemouth.ac.uk | 66782 | Simply communicating complex research to inform environmental decision-making |
| Sarah Bate | sbate@bournemouth.ac.uk | 61918 | Superior Face Recognition: Generating Knowledge Exchange with the Police Force |
| Stephen Jukes | sjukes@bournemouth.ac.uk | 65630 | Hazardous environment training for journalists: a mobile training platform |
| Wen Tang | wtang@bournemouth.ac.uk | 62498 | “PLUS” Knowledge Exchange Partnership Building with Regional Police Forces on Developing New Police Training Methodologies Using Role-playing Games Technology |
For more information on HEIF and other knowledge exchange opportunities, please contact Jayne Codling Knowledge Exchange Adviser (RKEO).
3MP does the Festival of Learning – Get your tickets now!!!
3MP @ The Festival of Lea
rning – Theres only one week left to secure your seat for the 3MP!
Come along to the next three minute presentation (3MP) event hosted by the Graduate School. This event showcases some of the innovative research being undertaken by Post Graduate Researchers (PGR) here at BU. The aim of the event is for the PGR’s to present their research in only three minutes! We have six presentations:
Morality in video games, Global Events, Care- Farming, Eating Disorders, Pregnancy and Birth and Face Blindness.
To come and see these exciting presentations book onto this event via the link below. Remember, there are limited spaces so book now!!
https://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/festival-of-learning/events/you-can-boil-an-egg-in-3-minutes/
Eating and drinking well: Supporting people living with dementia – impact at national events
Dr Jane Murphy and Joanne Holmes have continued their impact work of their project ‘Eating and drinking well: Supporting people living with dementia’ at a number of national events recently. They spoke alongside other leading dementia experts at Dementia 2020 in Manchester, the Alzheimer’s Show at Olympia in London and the AGE UK /LSE/NHS England interactive workshops on dignity and nutrition for older people in hospital Age UK/NHS England in London and Leeds. For more information: click here
Taken together with other work, it has resulted in a significant amount of interest from the health and social care sectors leading to the successful dissemination and evaluation of the training material developed through the research. Quote from a registered care home manager who completed the training:
” …we have now revolutionised our meal times and this has proven to be of great success, in the few short weeks of implementing this we have observed and recorded an increase in weight with the majority of our residents and a more sociable and interactive feel that surrounds our mealtimes.”
For more details please visit our website here
Please click here to The Alzheimer’s Show











3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cherry Blossom
Boost Your Research Profile: Training Sessions with The Conversation
ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026: An Opportunity to Engage New Audiences
New HIV paper by BU PhD student
BU Annual Research Conference: Poster Exhibition Call for Applications
Vitae Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition: Applications Now Open
ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Apply now
ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Application Deadline Friday 12 December
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 Call
ERC Advanced Grant 2025 Webinar
Update on UKRO services
European research project exploring use of ‘virtual twins’ to better manage metabolic associated fatty liver disease