Tagged / BU research

BU professor invited speaker at Huddersfield University

Publishing, Training, writing

Last Friday (July 10th) Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen presented at University of Huddersfield staff development ‘Academic Writing Retreat’.  After attending the Global Consortium for Public Health Research Conference held earlier in the week at the University of Huddersfield, he was invited to stay a little longer to present at, and help facilitate, this staff writing day.  Edwin spoke about what motivates academics to write, the role of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), selecting an appropriate journal for your academic paper, and a range of other relevant topics and questions raised by participants on the day. The day was organised by Huddersfield’s Dr. Bibha Simkhada (who is also a BU Visiting Faculty), and included two further facilitators: Ph.D. student Joshua Oykere and Dr. Devendra Raj Singh.

 

BU contributions to successful Global Health conference

conferences, international, Publishing, writing

Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen attended this week’s Global Consortium for Public Health Research (GCPHR) 4th Annual Conference at the University of Huddersfield.  The conference was very well attended with delegates from India, Nepal, Ghana, Finland and the UK.  BU’s contribution included a poster on the recently completed study on kidney disease in Nepalese migrant workers, a study funded by The Colt Foundation.

Prof. Chandra Kala Sharma, President of Nursing Association of Nepal and Dr. Bibha Simkhada, Reader in Nursing at the University of Huddersfield presented on ‘Implementing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in Nursing in Nepal’.  In this very topical presentation they highlighted the importance of the research conducted in Nepal by UK universities (which included Bournemouth University) in getting the regulations changed in Nepal around CPD.  This effect of research into CPD in Nursing will make a useful REF Impact Case Study.

Both Pramod and Edwin chaired a session on different days of the conference.  Whilst Prof. van Teijlingen gave an invited presentation on the topic of ‘Equitable participation on academic publications’.    He also facilitated a Round Table Discussion with five selected panel members on the final day.

New paramedic science paper by BU’s Dr. Ursula Rolfe

NHS, writing

Congratulations to Dr. Ursula Rolfe in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Science on the publication of her latest paper ‘Paramedics’ management of people experiencing mental health issues: An investigation of knowledge gaps and support needs in England‘ [1].  The paper is co-authored with colleagues from the University of Southampton and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration, Wessex.  The paper highlights that demand for mental health care from U.K. ambulance services is increasing, yet paramedics report feeling underprepared to manage these presentations. This study aimed to identify knowledge gaps, educational needs, and systemic factors shaping frontline paramedics’ ability to provide mental health care in England, examining: (1) mental health education and training at pre- and post-registration levels; and (2) paramedics’ experiences of managing mental health presentations. A two-phase mixed-methods design was employed across the country.
Congratulations!
Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen
Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health
Reference:
Zecchinato, F., Rolfe, U., Sloan, H, Campling, N. (2026) Paramedics’ management of people experiencing mental health issues: An investigation of knowledge gaps and support needs in England, Paramedicine [ONLINE FIRST]   https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386261467717

Equitable Partnerships in Global Health Research

conferences, international

Today is the first day of the Global Consortium for Public Health Research (GCPHR) 4th Annual Conference here at the University of Huddersfield.  This two-day Conference (July 6-7) has as its theme ‘Equitable Partnerships in Global Health Research’.  It brings together academics based in Ghana, the UK, Nepal, India, and Finland.  This 4th conference has a mixture of invited speakers, roundtable discussions, poster presentations and keynote speeches.

The conference was originally the brainchild of Prof. Padam Simkhada, who recently moved from the University of Huddersfield to the University of Chester.  The main organisers at the University of Huddersfield are Dr. Rajeeb Kumar Sah, Dr. Bibha Simkhada and Dr. Zoe Darwin.  Bournemouth University is represented in Huddersfield by Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

CMWH well-represented at the International Confederation of Midwives’ 34th Congress

Researchers from the Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health shared their expertise at the recent 34th Triennial ICM Congress in Lisbon, Portugal.

Presentations included workshops by Dr Juliet Wood – Supporting student midwife confidence to facilitate physiologic birth: a workshop for clinical and academic faculty and Dr Laura Iannuzzi – Rest or arrest? A workshop to advance knowledge and skills to support women, families and teams when dealing with a slowing or pausing labour.

Laura Stedman presented her work on The impact of neonatal intensive care admission at term following gestational diabetes mellitus: a neglected area.
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Dr Dominique Mylod and Prof Vanora Hundley had poster presentations on their work in the early phase of labour: Can we identify women who will need additional support in the early (latent) phase of labour? and Supporting women in early labour: an interdisciplinary digital approach.
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You can read the abstracts here

 

 

 

Methods of Researching Digital Harms and Cybercrime: An Interdisciplinary Symposium – Wednesday 15 July

Join this upcoming interdisciplinary symposium exploring how researchers safely and effectively study cybercrime, online safety, and digital manipulation in the digital age

Supported by the Research Culture and Community Grant and organised by Dr Mark Berry, the day features insights spanning psychology, AI, criminology, and media ethics.

The symposium is designed for academic staff, early career researchers, and postgraduate researchers working on digital harms, online safety, or cybersecurity who are seeking interdisciplinary collaborations. It is also highly relevant for sector practitioners and stakeholders, including those in policing, digital investigation, victim support, policy, education, and third-sector organisations.

Highlights Include

  • NCA Keynote: Protecting Children from Online Harms – Robert Richardson and DCI Adam Smith on law enforcement challenges and the vital role of academic research.
  • AI & Cyber Communities: Using AI/BERT models to analyse text corpuses from massive hacker forums (Prof. John McAlaney).
  • Policy & Social Media: The absurdist cycle of “ban solutionism” regarding children and social media (Prof. Andy Phippen).
  • Crypto & Fraud: Machine learning models for real-time fraud detection in crypto wallets (Dr Muntadher Sallal).
  • Gaming & Gambling: Mixed-methods approaches to researching digital harms with neurodivergent youth (Dr Emily Arden-Close & Dr Constantina Panourgia).
  • International Insights: A digital anthropology approach to countering child recruitment narratives on social media in Colombia (Juan Pablo Hernández).

Event Details

Wednesday 15 July 15, 9:30am-5pm

The Allsebrook Lecture Theatre, Talbot Campus

Coffee, lunch, and dedicated Q&A networking blocks are included throughout the day.

Find out more and register here

Reminder: Recharge Your Research Routine Next Week for World Wellbeing Week

World Wellbeing Week is just around the corner, and it is the perfect time to step away from your desk, quiet the mental noise, and invest a little time back into yourself.

Between drafting proposals, analysing data, and meeting deadlines, it is incredibly easy for researchers and postgraduate students to put personal health on the back burner. That is why BU has put together a fantastic line-up of free, restorative activities designed specifically for our research community to unwind, connect, and recharge.

If you have been meaning to sign up but have not yet managed to do so, here is a quick look at the events happening next week across Talbot Campus (and online) that you won’t want to miss.

Your World Wellbeing Week Line-up 

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

Boost Your Research Toolkit: Digital Confidence & AI Literacy Workshop – Friday 26 June 10am-12pm

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, researchers are invited to join an upcoming practical session designed to help Postgraduate Researchers and Early Career Researchers navigate the evolving landscape of AI in academia with confidence.

The Digital Confidence and AI Literacy for Researchers: A Practical Skills Workshop for PGRs and ECRs is an interactive event that will explore the practicalities of responsible AI use, digital trust, and how to effectively leverage AI to strengthen research bids and streamline workflows.

What the Session Covers

This workshop focuses on actionable skills that researchers can apply to their work immediately. Attendees will explore the ethical and secure use of AI tools under the framework of digital trust, and discover smart ways to integrate these digital tools into daily research practices. Crucially, the session will also provide practical approaches to strengthening future research bids and grant applications using digital insights.

Featured Speakers & Facilitators

The event brings together a cross-disciplinary panel of experts to share their insights:

  • Dr Ediz Akçay (Business School)
  • Dr Festus Adedoyin (School of Computing and Engineering)
  • Anthony Ashwn (Data Scientist, ROSEN)
  • Facilitated by: Dr Emmanuella Ejime-Okereafor

Event Details

Friday 26 June, 10am – 12pm
F202, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus

How to Register

Register here to book your place

If you have any questions, please email Emmanuella Ejime-Okereafor: eejime@bournemouth.ac.uk

UKCGE Recognised Research Supervision Programme: Final Deadline Reminder

The current submission window open for academic staff to seek national recognition for their doctoral supervision closes at 9am on Monday 15 June

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

o 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.

Celebrating Success: Congratulations to Dr Elvira Bolat

We are delighted to celebrate Dr Elvira Bolat, whose application for the Full Award in the March UKCGE window was successful. Elvira joins over 30 recognised research supervisors here at BU.

Reflecting on the achievement on LinkedIn, Elvira shared:

“This recognition belongs as much to the many students, doctoral researchers, colleagues and supervisory teams I have had the pleasure of working alongside as it does to me. Every supervision journey teaches me something new.”

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