Tagged / Ann Hemingway

Book now – BU Research Conference 2023: Embracing Failure, Building Success

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We all shy away from using the ‘F’ word – failure. But whether it’s a funding bid not being successful, a journal article being rejected, or findings not being as hoped, problems and setbacks are a normal part of the research journey. Understanding how to overcome and learn from these moments of ‘failure’ is key to a successful academic career.

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 learn from setbacks and overcome obstacles that may be in your path.

The conference will take place in the Fusion Building (Talbot Campus) on Wednesday 14 June, with a mix of inspirational speakers and practical workshops.

The day will run from 10am – 4.30pm, with lunch and refreshments included. It will be followed by a drinks reception to network with colleagues and chat to your peers about your own experiences.

We’re finalising the schedule but already have an exciting mix of internal and external speakers confirmed.

Our first keynote speaker for the conference will be Dr Jan Peters MBE. Jan is an engineer, consultant and campaigner for diversity and inclusion in STEM. A former president of the Women’s Engineering Society, her background is in materials research and hi-tech manufacturing, before helping academics build relationships with industry partners. In 2017 she was awarded an MBE for services to women and engineering and an honorary doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Jan’s talk, Embracing failure my way, will explore the impact of failure and how we each respond differently. And how, by knowing what drives us, we can harness our energy to bounce forwards.

BU’s very own Professor Ann Hemingway and Professor Sam Goodman will give the second conference keynote, Reckoning with Reviewer 2: Experiencing (and overcoming) Academic Rejection.

Closing the day will be Robert Seaborne, who founded Inside Academia – an online platform dedicated to positively changing the culture of mental health, wellbeing and mindset within academia.

Robert is currently a postdoctoral fellow at University of Copenhagen whose own experiences struggling with pressures and stressors during his PhD and early post-doc years had a big impact on his wellbeing.

Robert’s talk will delve into his personal reflections, the mental health landscape in academia and what tools and strategies could help equip us to navigate this journey more positively.

We’ll also have a range of practical workshops, covering topics including building resilience, repurposing failed funding applications, and improving writing practices.

We’ll be sharing more details over the coming weeks and months but you can book your place for the conference now via Eventbrite to be kept up-to-date with all the latest information.

Book your place

BU’s Early Career Researcher Network

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Support and skills development for early career researchers at BU

The BU Early Career Researcher (ECR) Network is designed to support early career researchers and PGRs at BU, offering general advice and support as well as tailored workshops for skills training and career development.

The network also provides an opportunity to network and form connections – creating a community in which expertise can be shared, and collaborative working encouraged.

It is open to all who identify as being in the early stages of their research career – whether you’re a Postgraduate Researcher, newly-appointed academic, or you’re returning to research.

The network meets monthly, with events and networking opportunities. Upcoming workshops will cover academic publishing, public engagement and impact, and pay and promotion – as well as regular drop-in surgeries where you can pop in for a chat or discuss particular concerns.

The first ECR Network event of the academic year takes place on Wednesday 28 September, with a welcome and surgery session.

There is also a dedicated Brightspace community to share ideas, ask questions and access support and resources.

The ECR network is coordinated by two academic leads, Dr Sam Goodman (FMC) and Professor Ann Hemingway (HSS), and is supported by Research Development and Support (RDS).

Dr Goodman said: “The BU Early Career Researcher Network is a great way to connect with other ECRs from across the university, learn new skills and get access to mentoring, coaching and career development in a crucial phase in your career.

“We cover all the issues facing researchers that we can, from academic subjects like how to publish, how to engage the public and develop impact, through to how to deal with work/life balance and managing imposter syndrome. However, the ECR Network is driven by its members – if there is a topic you need impartial help or guidance with, then this is the forum in which to raise it.”

You can find out more about the ECR network and see the full schedule of events for 2022/23 on the ECR Network page. 

If you’d like to join the network, or you have any questions, please contact: RKEDF@bournemouth.ac.uk