Tagged / BU research

Celebrate World Wellbeing Week This June

Every June, World Wellbeing Week reminds us to pause and check in on our mental, physical, and social health.

To celebrate, a range of activities are available for researchers, designed to help individuals unwind, recharge, and prioritise personal wellbeing.

Baduanjin and Qigong for Body and Mind

Baduanjin (八段锦) is a traditional Chinese form of qigong consisting of eight slow and beginner-friendly movements. Widely practiced in China, it is especially suitable for anyone who sit for long periods, as it helps ease tension, improve mobility, and reset energy levels in a calm and supportive environment.

For those wishing to learn a little more beforehand, many resources are available online, such as this instructional video.

Attendees are requested to wear comfortable clothing for this slow-paced, easy-to-follow session. No prior experience is needed. Simply come along, take a break from your desk, and enjoy a peaceful summer afternoon with the community.

Monday 22 June, 3-4pm

Student Hall, Talbot House, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Community Garden Volunteering

Established in January 2025 and funded by grants and donations, the Community Garden is managed by the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU). The garden is located on Talbot Campus, behind the Poole Gateway Building, with full details available on the SUBU website.

This session offers an opportunity to spend time enjoying nature and volunteering to support the mission of growing food for the community and those in need.

Tuesday 23 June, 12-1pm

BU Community Garden, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Wellbeing Creative Break

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, Alison Woodward and Tara Zaksaite have planned a 3-hour activity, involving creative play activities such as colouring, writing, drawing, playing with sand and lego. This will offer a creative and fun break to increase mindfulness and wellbeing.

You are also welcome to bring your own creative activities such as crafting or knitting.

Tea and coffee will be provided

Wednesday 24 June, 2-5pm

Talbot Campus: Room TBC

Find out more and register here

Motivation, Burnout and Staying Well While Researching

Supported by the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant, Cihan Yesilmen Kilinc will deliver an online session for PGRs and ECRs on motivation, burnout, and maintaining wellbeing.

Slowing down is a normal part of the research journey. For anyone experiencing feelings of being stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, this session offers a non-judgmental space to pause and reflect.

Friday 26 June, 11:45am-12:45pm

Online

Attendees will have a chance to win one of three £50 wellbeing shopping vouchers.

Find out more and register here

Paint and Pause, Art in Nature

An invitation to step away from your desk and gather in the BU Community Garden for a relaxed painting session. This event offers an opportunity to gently slow down, try painting or drawing, and enjoy the calming surroundings of nature, no prior experience is required.

Attendees are welcome to bring a drink, some sweet treats will be provided.

Friday 26 June, 2-4pm

BU Community Garden, Talbot Campus (weather permitting)

Find out more and register here 

Official book launch at Bournemouth University

international, Publishing, writing

Last night Bournemouth University hosted the official launch at of the book Early Labour and Maternity Care: Research for Practice published by Routledge.  This edited collection was led by Prof. Vanora Hundley in the Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH) and University of Stirling Prof. Helen Cheyne.  Several BU staff as well as a current and a former BU student student have contributed to various chapters.  CMWH academics include in this edited volume are: Prof. Carol Clark and Dr. Dominique Mylod, our current BU M.Res. student Maryam Malekian and the former BU Ph.D. student and former staff member who contributed a chapter is Dr. Preeti Mahato (currently based at Royal Holloway, University of London).

The book launch was opened by Prof. Rick Stafford as Associate Dean – Research, Innovation & Enterprise in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences.  This was followed by  short presentations from various contributors to the book.   Prof. Hundley highlighted about the book: “The early phase of labour is an area of tension for women, midwives and other healthcare professionals. Current services often fail women, putting the onus on them to decide when to come into hospital and then sending them home ‘not in labour’, creating a revolving door that can lead to anxiety, stress, fear and negative communication between women and midwives. This book explores why this happens and the challenges that it places on women and the midwives that care for them. It works to define what “early labour” is and teases out some of the issues that definitions of the early phase of labour raise for both woman-centred care and the management of services. Presenting innovative approaches to practice in this contested area, this book includes vignettes from women exploring their experiences of the early phase of labour in different models of care. Key point summaries and boxed recommendations for practice help readers transfer their learning to practice.”

Congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Take a Break: Join the Creative Wellbeing Event

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, this upcoming interactive session offers BU researchers a dedicated space to pause, connect, and focus on emotional wellbeing.

Being an ECR or PGR can be challenging and stressful and finding time to step away from your desk is tough. Organised by Tara Zaksaite and Alison Woodward, this upcoming session is designed to offer a creative, fun break to increase mindfulness, giving you the space to consider how to weave wellbeing practices back into your usual work routine.

A 3-hour mindfulness session involving creative play activities such as colouring, writing, drawing, playing with sand, and Lego. You are welcome to bring your own crafts or knitting.

Wednesday 24 June, 2-5pm

Spaces are strictly limited to 40

Tea and coffee will be provided

Please register your interest by completing the ECR wellbeing activity booking form by Wednesday 17 June to secure your place.

About the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant

This event highlights how the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant directly empowers early career researchers to lead impactful initiatives. By supporting these researcher-led projects, the grant continues to build a vibrant BU community cantered on wellbeing and professional development.

If you want to explore future ECR funding or get involved in our upcoming research culture initiatives, keep an eye on the Researcher Development Hub. We will be sharing details on exciting new open calls this September.

Strengthening BU’s Research Culture: A Look Inside the Mixed Methods Workshop

Knowledge Exchange

Bridging the Methodological Divide: ECR Led Workshop Explores the Power of Mixed Methods Research

On Wednesday 6 May 2026, Early Career Researchers and academics from across BU came together for an insightful and collaborative workshop: “The Growing Importance of Mixed Methods Research”

Organised by Jiahong Han from the Faculty of Business and Law and supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, this event was designed to strengthen researchers’ methodological skills by delving into the principles, applications, and challenges of Mixed Methods Research (MMR) within the social sciences.

An Interdisciplinary Gathering

For a specialised, interactive methodological workshop, the event achieved an impressive turnout of 20 researchers. Rather than drawing from a single department, the workshop successfully built a cross-faculty collaboration, attracting Doctoral Researchers, Lecturers, and Senior Lecturers from a diverse range of disciplines:

  • English Literature
  • Clinical Imaging
  • Accounting
  • Business Management

This mix of backgrounds sparked rich discussions, allowing attendees to learn from varied methodological perspectives and experiences. While the workshop was a standalone event, it successfully established new professional connections across BU. Attendees also gained a valuable external contact, with the guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University sharing her details to facilitate ongoing external collaboration.

Guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University introduces the principles of Mixed Methods Research to BU researchers

Guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University introduces the principles of Mixed Methods Research to BU researchers

Inside the Workshop: Theory Meets Practice

The day was split into distinct phases to maximise engagement:

Foundational Theory: The invited guest speaker from Sheffield Hallam University introduced the core principles of MMR, focusing on how qualitative and quantitative data can be meaningfully integrated within research design.

Deconstructing the Designs: A dedicated segment aimed at demystifying the different types of mixed methods frameworks and addressing common pitfalls in social science research.

Hands-On Application: Moving from theory to practice, attendees workshopped their own active research projects, troubleshooting real-world methodological hurdles with peers from different faculties.

Catered Networking Lunch: A working lunch that allowed researchers to connect casually, exchange contact details, and lay the groundwork for future cross-faculty BU collaborations.

Doctoral researchers and senior staff workshopped active research projects together during the practical afternoon session

Doctoral researchers and senior staff workshopped active research projects together during the practical afternoon session

What Attendees Said

The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Participants particularly valued the blend of lecture and practical workshop activities, noting that it made complex concepts highly applicable to their own active projects.

Key takeaways from the attendees highlighted that the event was:

“Informative, engaging, and highly relevant to our research development needs.”

Many noted that the sessions helped them clarify different mixed methods designs and provided a supportive space to discuss real-world methodological challenges with both peers and the guest speaker.

Behind the Scenes

For organiser Jiahong Han, the grant provided an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Reflecting on the experience of organising an academic event for the first time, from coordinating with external speakers to promotion and logistics, Jiahong described the journey as “collaborative, valuable, and confidence-building.”

“Through organising the event and participating in the discussions, I deepened my own understanding of Mixed Methods Research and its practical applications. It has expanded my professional network both within BU and externally, creating fantastic opportunities for future knowledge exchange.”

About the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant

This event highlights how the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant directly empowers early career researchers to lead impactful initiatives. By supporting these researcher-led projects, the grant continues to build a vibrant BU community cantered on interdisciplinary dialogue, knowledge exchange, and professional development.

If you are inspired by this event and want to explore future ECR funding or get involved in our upcoming research culture initiatives, keep an eye on the Researcher Development Hub.

We will be sharing details on exciting new open calls this September.

If you have any questions, please contact the Researcher Development and Culture Team at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) 2026: Register to Support our PGRs

PG research

Following the round of pre-recorded submissions in April, the stage is set for the 2026 BU Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Final.

PGRs face the ultimate academic challenge: condensing complex thesis data into a single, high-impact, three-minute presentation for a general audience.

Why We Need You in the Audience

Our PGRs have worked hard to master the ultimate “elevator pitch.” Having a strong, supportive audience of BU colleagues and peers makes a massive difference to their presentation energy.

By attending, you are not only supporting your faculty’s researchers but also actively contributing to the judging process. Alongside the main panel prizes, attendees will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

Finalists are competing for national recognition at the National Vitae 3MT competition, alongside top prizes including £150, £100, and £50 vouchers.

Event Details

Wednesday 17 June, 1-3pm

Create Lecture Theatre, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Spaces are limited. Please secure your seat and support our research community

For further details about the competition framework, please visit the Doctoral College Brightspace page or contact the team at pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

SPROUT Returns: Designing Sustainability in Research Practice – Wednesday 20 May 12-2pm

The SPROUT (Sustainable Research Practice and Cultures) initiative returns this May, inviting colleagues, PGRs, and ECRs to join a growing cross-university movement led by Bournemouth University.

This third SPROUT event of the academic year continues to build momentum around sustainability in research practice and culture. Supported by the Research Culture and Community Grant, the initiative brings together colleagues from Bournemouth University, Cardiff University, Durham University, and the University of Southampton.

Focus and Keynotes

This session moves beyond high-level discussion to focus on the practical, real-world decisions researchers make, from research design and travel to food choices and daily habits.

The event features two keynote speakers presenting in person:

Professor Denise Baden, University of Southampton: Embedding Sustainability in Research: Decisions, Trade-offs and Impact

Peter Jeff, PGR: Sustainable Eating in Research: Practical Food Choices to Make

The session also includes an interactive discussion, providing space for participants to reflect, share experiences, and identify practical actions within their own research contexts. This is a valuable opportunity for PGRs, ECRs, supervisors, and research staff to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and contribute to shaping a more sustainable research culture.

Event Details

Wednesday 20 May, 12-2pm

Hybrid

In person: Allsebrook Lecture Theatre, Talbot Campus (Refreshments provided)

Online: Joining details to follow

Find out more and register here

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Canapés-Tuesday 19 May 1-2pm

Behind every successful grant and impact case study is a dedicated team of experts, and now is your chance to connect with them over a few bites.

Successful research thrives on collaboration, so we are bringing the Research & Innovation Services staff directly to you for an informal mixer. We are hosting representatives from both the Research Grant Team and the Research Ethics Team, who will be on hand to answer questions and chat about your upcoming projects.

Experience the same 3C atmosphere you love, now enhanced with direct access to specialist expertise. This isn’t a lecture or a series of appointments; it’s a low-pressure opportunity to:

  • Meet the experts: Get to know the people behind the support services designed to help you succeed
  • Ask anything: Discuss your next project or navigate the research journey in a relaxed setting
  • Network: Connect with colleagues from across the BU Research Community
  • Enjoy: Sample some great canapés while you chat

Tuesday 19 May, 1-2pm

Room BG-407, Bournemouth Gateway Building, Lansdowne Campus

All members of the BU Research Community are welcome

Navigating your research journey shouldn’t be daunting. Come along, grab a canapé, and find the support you need.

Find out more and register here

The British Academy European Research Council Grant Support Sessions

As part of its European Research and Collaboration Programme, The British Academy is hosting targeted sessions for UK-based researchers in the humanities and social sciences.

These sessions are designed for those seeking European Research Council (ERC) grants and are led by British Academy Fellows with first-hand experience as ERC grantees and panel members. Offering a deep dive into the nuances of proposal development, providing strategic clarity on the evaluation process, proposal costing, and the critical themes required to secure high-level funding.

ERC Reading Day 2026

UK-based social science and humanities researchers preparing ERC Starting or Consolidator Grant applications are invited to the British Academy for a dedicated Reading Day. This event provides a rare opportunity to study 50 successful “gold standard” proposals, offering vital insights into effective structuring, research narratives, and project positioning.

The session is designed for individual, in-person study at the British Academy in London. During a two-hour window, participants can compare up to three different successful applications to help refine their own drafting process. To support attendees, the British Academy will reimburse standard rail travel.

To protect intellectual property, strict confidentiality is enforced. All attendees must sign a non-disclosure agreement; photography and recording devices are prohibited. Laptops are permitted for note-taking, provided cameras are covered with supplied stickers. This session is intended for those already familiar with ERC schemes and actively drafting a proposal.

ERC Reading Day 2026 | The British Academy

Event Details

Monday 1 June, 9am-5pm

You will be able to select one of the following timeslots during registration:

  • 9:30-11:30am
  • 12-2pm
  • 2:30-4:30pm

To attend, please register here by Wednesday 20 May. Please use your institutional email address to sign up. As places are limited, please only book if you can attend, or cancel early to allow a colleague to take your spot.

If you have any questions, please contact: Barbora Krasova b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk

Webinar: ERC Advanced Grants

The British Academy is hosting a specialised webinar for UK-based researchers preparing for the ERC Advanced Grants 2026 Call. Led by Professor Patrick Haggard FBA and a panel of experienced Fellows, the session provides an in-depth look at the evaluation format and the strategic requirements for planning, writing, and costing a successful proposal. A unique feature of this session is the opportunity for a live B1 draft proposal review. Selected drafts will be anonymised and critiqued by the panel to provide practical, real-time feedback. While not every submission can be reviewed, the collective insights are designed to benefit all participants. Please note that as this is an interactive session, the webinar will not be recorded.

ERC Grants Webinars | The British Academy

Event Details

Friday 19 June, 10:30am – 12pm

To attend, please register here by Thursday 18 June, 12pm

If you wish to submit a B1 draft for consideration, you must register your interest and email your proposal to Barbora Krasova b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk by Thursday 4 June, 12pm

Grant Writing Workshops: Master the Art of the Winning Proposal

Training

Master the art of the winning proposal with expert-led workshops tailored for every career stage, from ECRs to experienced leads.

Join Dr Chris Pull and Dr Nicholas Burger from Scriptoria for interactive sessions that turn your research vision into fundable reality.

Getting Funded: Writing Better Grant Applications 

Boost your chances of success by learning how to pitch compelling ideas and write proposals that resonate with reviewers. Facilitators: Dr Chris Pull and  Dr Nicholas Burger

Designed for early career researchers, this course teaches you how to transition from an initial idea to a high-quality, fundable proposal. Whether you are aiming for your first fellowship or the next level of funding, you’ll gain “insider knowledge” from trainers who have served on grant panels and helped donors design funding calls.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the proposal review process and the reviewing audience
  • Understand the requirements for each section of a proposal
  • Write a convincing research vision that links to feasible impact
  • Organise a logical project approach that conveys clear methods and concrete outputs
  • Highlight their value and expertise through a narrative CV
  • Draft a compelling and concise proposal abstract and text

This is not a passive webinar. Expect an engaging mix of live presentations, group discussions and breakout exercises

Thursday 4 June, 9:30am-12:30pm

Online

Find out more and register here

Grant Writing Masterclass for Experienced Researchers 

Strengthen the competitiveness of your funding applications and refine how your proposals are assessed with this interactive online session. Facilitators: Dr Chris Pull and  Dr Nicholas Burge

This masterclass is designed for experienced researchers looking to elevate their existing grant writing skills. Whether you are leading a complex collaborative bid, targeting a familiar funder, or aiming for larger-scale grants, you will gain practical strategies to demonstrate research leadership and craft winning applications.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Delve deeper into how funding proposals are reviewed and assessed
  • Write a convincing research vision that links clearly to feasible impact
  • Demonstrate leadership, experience and expertise through a strong narrative CV
  • Plan and manage a collaborative proposal writing process with confidence

This session provides a supportive space for reflection and strategy, featuring interactive presentations, group discussions and participant-led breakout exercises.

Thursday 4 June, 1:30-4:30pm

Online

Find out more and register here

UKCGE Recognised Research Supervision Programme: New Application Window

A new submission window is now open for academic staff to seek national recognition for their doctoral supervision

Whether you are just starting out in supervision or already experienced, you can apply for national recognition of your doctoral supervision through the UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE).

Levels of Recognition

  • Recognised Supervisor (Full Award): For those who have supported doctoral candidates through to final examination and completion.
  • Recognised Associate Supervisor: For those who have not yet supervised candidates to completion and/or who contribute to supervision in an informal capacity.

Why Apply

UK universities are increasingly prioritising supervisor development to enhance research culture and doctoral support. The Research Supervisor Recognition Programme (RSRP) encourages supervisors at all levels to engage in structured self- reflection, using the Good Supervisory Practice Framework to identify strengths and target areas for growth.

Key Benefits

  • Structured Self-Reflection: Evaluate your methods and decision-making
  • Benchmarked Excellence: Map your practice against national standards
  • Professional Growth: Identify clear pathways for improvement, whether applying for Full or Associate awards
  • BU already has over 30 recognised research supervisors, and you could be next

How to Apply

Write a reflective account of your supervisory practice aligned with the Good Supervisory Practice Framework.

Submit your Application using the Relevant Form

Recognised Supervisor Reflective Account Form

Recognised Associate Supervisor Reflective Account Form

Your application will be peer-reviewed by a two-person panel. Whatever the outcome, you will receive detailed feedback.

UKCGE | Frequently Asked Questions

To complete your application, please ensure we receive a formal approval email sent directly from your Associate Dean Research, Innovation and Enterprise to researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk. This confirmation is required before the application can move to the final review stage.

For more information, to register your interest, or to discuss your application, please email Julia Taylor (Doctoral College) at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

Please note: The Doctoral College will cover the cost of applications submitted by BU supervisors.

Application Deadlines

BU Window Closes: Monday 15 June, 9am

UKCGE Window Closes: Friday 19 June

Expected Outcome: September 2026

Complete applications should be submitted to Julia Taylor (Doctoral College) at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk by the above deadlines.

New BU Physiology paper

BRIAN, PG research, writing

Congratulations to HEMS’s Dr. Malika Felton, Dr. Vikram Mohan and Prof. Vanora Hundley on the recent publication of their academic paper ‘Acute cardiovascular responses to slow and deep breathing in normotensive men and women‘ [1].  The BU authors outline that there differences in cardiovascular responses to different methods of slow and deep breathing (SDB) delivery.  They query whether utilising a multi-parametric approach to measuring cardiovascular variables reveal new/different responses.  Their key findings are that all SDB conditions elicited similar cardiovascular responses to each other when compared with spontaneous breathing. However, lower breathing frequencies elicit greater blood pressure oscillations, and higher breathing frequencies (∼8 breaths min−1) may not fully optimise cardiovascular responses. This has implications on the practice of SDB for management of hypertension.

Well done!

Prof.Edwin van Teijlingen

Reference:

  1. Felton, M., Mohan, V., & Hundley, V. A. (2026). Acute cardiovascular responses to slow and deep breathing in normotensive men and women. Experimental Physiology, 01–24. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP093086

Help Shape the Future of Research at BU: Postgraduate Research Experience Survey 2026 Now Open

PG research

Today marks the launch of the 2026 national Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES). This is your chance to tell us what being a postgraduate researcher at BU is really like. Your feedback helps us build a better research community for everyone.

The survey is a national initiative led by AdvanceHE and managed at BU by the Doctoral College. Your honest feedback is vital, it helps us benchmark our performance against other universities and, more importantly, tells us exactly where we need to improve our research culture, resources, and support systems.

Key Objectives for 2026:

  • Participation: We are targeting a minimum response rate of 40%.
  • Focus Areas: Feedback covers supervision, resources, research culture, assessment, professional development, and wellbeing.

Last year, our researchers ranked us above the sector average in 9 out of 10 categories, with an impressive 87% overall satisfaction rate. This feedback directly drives improvements in supervision, research culture, and wellbeing.

What we want to hear about

The survey covers every angle of your journey, including:

  • Supervision quality and Progress/Assessment.
  • Resources, Research Culture, and Community.
  • Professional Development and Wellbeing.
  • Your primary motivations for pursuing a research degree.

How to take part

Check your inbox: If you are eligible, you will receive an email today (Monday 13 April) from doctoralcollege@bournemouth.ac.uk with your unique survey link.

Your responses are completely confidential and will be used to drive enhancements at both the Faculty and University-wide levels.

Deadline: Please submit your feedback by Friday 15 May 2026.

What’s in it for you?

We know your time is valuable. To say thank you for the 15–20 minutes it takes to complete the survey:

  • Lunch meal option on us: Once finished, head over to the Doctoral College (DLG08, Talbot Campus) to collect a £4.25 voucher for any BU Chartwells outlet.
  • You can also opt-in to a prize draw for a chance to win one of three £50 shopping vouchers T&C’s apply

Find out more

Check out the PRES webpage and the PRES 2026 privacy notice

If you believe you are eligible but have not received a link, please reach out to the team at doctoralcollege@bournemouth.ac.uk

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on what we are doing well and where we can do better.

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cherry Blossom – Tuesday 14 April

Join BU’s Research Community for an hour of reflection and connection at the next 3C event

Inspired by Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom season which focuses on reflecting on growth, change. and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Breakthroughs in research, much like cherry blossoms, can be brief but they are always worth celebrating.

The 3C Event offers a relaxed, informal space to recharge and share experiences alongside your colleagues.

What to Expect

  • Creative Crafting: Get involved with paper blossom making and origami
  • Meaningful Connection: A relaxed forum to exchange ideas and discuss your research journey
  • Refreshments: Enjoy a selection of treats while you chat

All members of the BU Research Community welcome

Tuesday 14 April, 4-5pm

SUBU 5th Floor Space, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

REMINDER: 3MT® Competition – Deadline 9am Monday 20 April

Don’t let your research go unheard. You have until Monday 20 April to submit your three-minute presentation for the 2026 3MT® competition. It is a fantastic way to sharpen your public speaking skills and get your work noticed across the university.

Originally established by the University of Queensland, this globally recognised challenge invites doctoral researchers to condense their entire thesis into a high-impact, three-minute presentation designed for a general audience.

Prepare Your Submission

The first BU round of the competition will take place via pre-recorded presentations.

To participate, you must:

Deadline: Both your online application form and video presentation must be submitted by 9am on Monday 20 April.

Please note: Applications submitted without a presentation will not be considered for Faculty selection.

A Faculty Panel will select a winner for each school. Finalists will be invited to the in-person BU Final on campus on Wednesday 17 June.

To ensure your presentation meets the official criteria and recording standards, please consult these resources

Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply if:

  • You are an active PhD or Professional Doctorate candidate
  • You have successfully passed your Probationary Review

Exclusions: MRes/MPhil students, graduates, and students currently on interruption are not eligible.

Remote & Part-Time Researchers: If you cannot attend the campus final due to your status, a pre-recorded video submission is permitted in accordance with official rules.

Why Join the Challenge?

  • Refine Public Speaking: Master the “elevator pitch” for complex data
  • Boost Your Profile: Gain visibility within the university and the wider research community
  • National Recognition: The winner will represent BU at the National Vitae 3MT competition
  • Earn Prizes: All finalists receive a Doctoral College backpack, plus a chance to win:
    • 1st Prize: £150 voucher
    • 2nd Prize: £100 voucher
    • 3rd Prize: £50 voucher
    • People’s Choice: £50 voucher

Learn More

For more on the history and global impact, visit the official Vitae and 3MT® websites.

Further information is available on Brightspace

Watch the 2025 BU winners here

Registration to attend the final will open in May.

If you have any questions, please contact the team at: pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cherry Blossom

Join BU’s Research Community for an hour of reflection and connection

Inspired by Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom season which focuses on reflecting on growth, change. and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Breakthroughs in research, much like cherry blossoms, can be brief but they are always worth celebrating.

The 3C Event offers a relaxed, informal space to recharge and share experiences alongside your colleagues.

What to Expect

  • Creative Crafting: Get involved with paper blossom making and origami
  • Meaningful Connection: A relaxed forum to exchange ideas and discuss your research journey
  • Refreshments: Enjoy a selection of treats while you chat

All members of the BU Research Community welcome

Tuesday 14 April, 4-5pm

SUBU 5th Floor Space, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

Boost Your Research Profile: Training Sessions with The Conversation

Knowledge Exchange, Training

The Conversation is a premier news and opinion platform featuring content written exclusively by academics, researchers, and PhD candidates

Backed by professional journalists, it offers a high-impact way to share research with the public, build a media profile, and develop confidence in external communication.

BU’s impact on the platform is already significant: over the last year, BU academics have published 32 articles, reaching nearly 1 million page views. To help more staff get involved, two dedicated training sessions led by editors from The Conversation are being offered. These sessions are a perfect opportunity to learn the ropes and discuss specific article ideas. Writing for The Conversation: Interactive Workshop

In this session, attendees will learn how to translate complex research for a general audience and how to structure articles for maximum engagement. Participants will also have the chance to pitch story ideas directly to a Conversation editor.

Wednesday 22 April, 2-4pm

Online

Please note: Spaces are limited to 20 attendees

Find out more and register here

One-to-One Meetings with the Editor

For those with specific projects in mind, the team is offering eight individual appointments (15–20 minutes each). This is a rare chance to get personalised feedback and expert advice on how to take your article ideas forward. 8 individual appointments available.

Wednesday 20 May, 2-4pm

Online

Book your One-to-One slot here