Tagged / BU research

Final Call for ECRs: Apply for the Research Culture & Community Grant by Monday 9 March

Following the success of our first call, applications for the second round of the Research Culture & Community Grant are open until Monday 9 March

This funding for BU’s Early Career Researchers provides the resources needed to innovate, collaborate, and lead. Whether you are planning a training workshop or a creative networking event, use these grants to empower you to strengthen BU’s research environment and turn your vision into reality.

Explore the two dedicated funding streams

Stream 1: Researcher Development (Grants up to £500)

  • Supports the organisation of skills focused workshops, events, or initiatives.
  • Grants of up to £500 per activity are available.
  • Examples: specific research methods workshops, guest speakers, writing sessions etc.

Stream 2: Research Culture and Community (Grants up to £300)

  • Supports the delivery of research culture and community building, well-being or social activities.
  • Grants of up to £300 per activity are available.
  • Examples: cultural and social events, wellbeing enhancing activities.

Submission Guidelines

To ensure your proposal aligns with our criteria, please note the following:

Inclusivity: Activities must be engaging and accessible to the entire ECR community

Timeline: All initiatives must be delivered and invoiced by 31 July 2026

Originality: Proposals should complement, rather than duplicate, existing BU provisions

Accountability: As a primary organiser, you will be responsible for the promotion, delivery, and evaluation of the project. (Note: ECRs may lead only one activity per cycle)

How the Funding is Being Used

Get inspired by how funds have been used to launch high-impact projects and creative research:

Learn how ECR funding supported the Swash Channel Wreck Book Launch, celebrating a major archaeological milestone.

Explore reflections from the SPROUT Network Event, where funding helped facilitate vital conversations on balancing high-quality research with the long-term well-being and sustainability of the researchers themselves.

Discover the impact of the Body Map Storytelling Workshop & Research Seminar, supported by PGR funding, which explored embodied research through creative practice.

Submit Your Application

Take the lead in shaping the future of community and development at BU.

Access the Application Form Here

Final Deadline: 4pm, Monday 9 March

Refining Your Proposal

We welcome the opportunity to discuss your application before you submit. Please contact Enrica Conrotto, Researcher Development Manager, at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk for guidance.

The Researcher Development and Culture Team

BU Leads AI-Driven Work Package in EU Horizon SUSHEAS Project

[SUSHEAS logo]Bournemouth University is proud to be a key partner in the EU-funded research project SUSHEAS (Sustainable Production of High Entropy Alloys from Secondary Metals), which aims to enable more sustainable and efficient production of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) using secondary metals such as scrap and recycled materials.

HEAs are chemically complex multi-component alloys with strong potential for future high-performance applications. However, most current HEA production relies heavily on virgin raw materials, leading to high energy consumption, cost, and environmental impact. SUSHEAS addresses this challenge by developing new sustainable production methods supported by international academic–industrial collaboration and staff exchanges.

Bournemouth University leads Work Package 2 (WP2), which focuses on advancing the state of the art through computational and AI-driven approaches. WP2 aims to develop new alloy composition options that can better tolerate impurities often found in recycled metals, while still meeting desired performance requirements.

This includes the use of advanced tools such as Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), CALPHAD modelling, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimise alloy chemistry and processing conditions, supporting more sustainable and scalable HEA manufacturing.

Dr Paul de Vrieze and Dr Lai Xu, as project leader and co-project leader, bring complementary expertise in AI-driven digital twins, smart manufacturing, and enterprise systems integration. Their research contributes the digital intelligence layer needed for sustainable manufacturing, enabling reasoning-based AI models and digital simulations to optimise manufacturing processes, energy use, and material flows—particularly when incorporating advanced or secondary materials.

Through SUSHEAS, Bournemouth University is helping to shape the future of sustainable advanced materials production and supporting the development of greener manufacturing technologies for Europe.

[group foto]

Group foto

 

Evidence Synthesis Centre open at Kathmandu University

Awarded & submitted bids, international, Knowledge Exchange, Publishing, Training, writing

Last week we opened the Evidence Synthesis Centre in the School of Medical Sciences at Kathmandu University in Nepal.  The centre is part of a wider initiative is funded by The British Academy and supported in the field by Green Tara Nepal. Earlier parts of this initiative included online workshop on systematic reviewing and evidence synthesis as well as face-to-face training in Nepal late last year.  The project involved Bournemouth University’s Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen both in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences. 

This capacity-building project is led by Prof. Padam Simkhada from the University of Huddersfield and takes place at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS). This new Fellowship scheme is an international collaboration led by the University of Huddersfield in the UK, in close collaboration with Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (in Nepal), the Nepal Health Research Council, and several UK universities: Bournemouth University, the University of Sheffield, Canterbury Christ Church University, Keele University and the University of Chester. The Evidence Synthesis Centre and The British Academy grant grew out of an editorial written four years ago and published in the Journal of the Nepal Health Research Council [1]. The wider British Academy funded project on strengthening evidence  synthesis for health policy-making in Nepal has been described in two recent publications [2-3].

 

 

References:

  1. Simkhada, P., Dhimal, M., van Teijlingen, E., Gyanwali, P. (2022) Nepal Urgently Needs a National Evidence Synthesis Centre,  Journal of Nepal Health Research Council, 20 (3): i-ii.
  2. Simkhada, P., Vaidya, A., Regmi, P. P., Paudyal, P., van Teijlingen, E., Dhimal, M., Kiorala, B., Shrestha, A., Simkhada, B. (2025). Strengthening Evidence Synthesis for Health Policymaking in Nepal: A New Fellowship Initiative. Nepal Journal of Epidemiology, 15(2), 1379–1380. https://doi.org/10.3126/nje.v15i2.88516
  1. Vaidya, A., Simkhada, P., Silwal, R. C., Paudyal, P., Dhimal, M., Simkhada, B., van Teijlingen, E. (2025). Progress of the Unique Fellowship in Health Research Evidence Synthesis in Nepal. Nepal Journal of Epidemiology, 15(4), 1397–1398. https://doi.org/10.3126/nje.v15i4.88535

Expand Your Impact: Collaboration and Networking Workshops for Researchers

Training

Building Partnerships and Strengthening Professional Networks.

Are you looking to turn your research into real-world partnerships or grow your professional circle? This March, we are hosting two practical workshops designed to help researchers at all stages build stronger connections.

Both sessions are actionable; you’ll walk away with the tools to communicate your value and build a support system that fuels your research goals.

Collaborating with External Partners

Thursday 12 March, 10am-12pm

Create Lecture Theatre, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus

Building long-term partnerships with industry and government doesn’t happen by accident. In this cross-faculty session, Rachel Clarke, Matt Desmier, and Finn Morgan will share practical examples of how BU teams have successfully aligned their expertise with external needs.

Why attend?

  • See how successful BU partnerships were actually built
  • Learn how to start conversations that lead to meaningful collaborations
  • Discover how your data and research can fit into wider, high-impact initiatives

Find out more and register on Eventbrite

Developing Professional Researcher Networks

Tuesday 17 March, 9:30am-12:30pm

Online

Networking is a skill, not a personality trait. Join facilitator Margaret Collins for a half-day session focused on the strategy and confidence needed to grow your professional visibility.

Overview of the session

  • Strategic Analysis: Auditing your current network and finding the gaps
  • Confident Communication: Refining your professional introduction and mastering “small talk”
  • Managing Anxiety: Practical tools to handle the stress sometimes associated with networking
  • Body Language: Using non-verbal cues to communicate more effectively

Find out more and register on Eventbrite

The Researcher Development Hub serves as your central resource for all professional growth opportunities. 

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

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Can you Guess Who? Thursday 26 March 1-2pm

The Doctoral College invites BU’s research community to a relaxed online social centred on Culture, Community, and Connection

This 3C event offers a playful break from the academic routine with a “Guess Who?” game where your work takes centre stage. Submit an image that best represents your research along with a 7-word description of your work, then join us online to see who can match the clues to the right researcher.

Whether you contribute, or join as an audience member, it’s a fantastic way to share your work creatively and spark new collaborations

Event Details

Thursday 26 March

1-2pm

Online

Find out more and register here

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions about the event, please get in touch with the Research Development & Culture Team: researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

New Social Work text with BU editors

Publishing, Women's Academic Network, writing

Congratulations to Jonathan Parker, Ivan Gray, Andrew Morris and Sally Lee, the editors of the fourth edition of Newly-Qualified Social Workers: A Practice Guide to the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment [1].  This new edition has eleven chapters.  Apart from the various chapters produced or co-produced by the editors, this 2026 text also include a chapter by two further Bournemouth University academics, including Dr. Richard Williams and Dr. Louise Oliver.  The latter contributed ‘Chapter 7: Research and NQSW: Developing yourself as a research minded and critically reflective practitioner’.

Congratulations!

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences

 

Reference:

  1. Parker, J., Gray, I., Morris, A. and Lee, S. (eds.), Newly-Qualified Social Workers: A Practice Guide to the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (4th edn.), London: Learning Matters, SAGE, 2026.

Beyond Academia: Exploring Career Options for Early Career Researchers – Online Workshop

Training

Enhance your professional growth with this upcoming researcher development and research culture opportunity for ECRs

Beyond Academia: Exploring Career options for ECRs

Wednesday 25 February, 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Online

Facilitated by Margaret Collins from Training for Universities

This engaging, practical 3-hour workshop supports early-career researchers considering their next professional chapter. Whether moving by choice or necessity, many researchers are now seeking meaningful, fulfilling alternatives to the traditional academic path. This session helps participants recognise their transferable skills, explore a wider range of careers options, and build the confidence to take their next steps, both inside and outside academia.

Find out more and register here

For more opportunities, explore the Researcher Development Hub and catch up on our February Newsletter.

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

High five! New FishE papers support the evidence base for conserving threatened species and habitats

Publishing

Providing the evidence base to support conservation actions that protect species and habitats in aquatic ecosystems is a key task in the Fish Ecology and Conservation Research Cluster (FishE). This week, five articles published or accepted for publication will contribute strongly to this evidence base, with the work co-created with a number of funders and collaborating organisations.

Sotiris Meletiou’s PhD is on the conservation biology and management of the critically endangered European eel in Cyprus – which is at the eastern edge of their range and far away from their spawning grounds in the Sargasso Sea (Atlantic Ocean). Until now, an eel management plan was not required for Cyprus as any eels present were not believed to metamorphose into adult silver eels and not emigrate back to their spawning grounds. Sotiris’ new paper in the Journal of Fish Biology demonstrates that silver eels are indeed present in Cyprus and do attempt to emigrate to sea, and so should drive the formation of a management plan that should result in greater eel protection and conservation in the eastern Mediterranean.

Simone Cittadino’s research is assessing how freshwater fish respond to saline incursion events from the sea into lowland rivers. these events driven by high spring tides, exacerbated by climate change driven rising sea levels and weather events. His new paper in Hydrobiologia assesses the general movements of a key fish species in the Norfolk Broads, the common bream, highlighting the importance of high habitat connectivity for their movements across this large protected wetland. This work will provide a strong basis for the rest of his PhD research.

Phillip Haubrock, a Marie Curie Incoming postdoctoral Fellow, identified how conservation efforts across the world have been affected by research that is limited by political borders and the restricted availability of data. He and his co-authors argue in Conservation Biology that supra-national and better open-data governance should be capable of overcoming this and lead to better conservation outcomes.

Two articles just accepted for publication this week also contribute strongly to the conservation evidence base. Jonas Palder’s first publication from his PhD was accepted in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, which assessed the increased mortality risk for threatened European shads caused by human constructed barriers within rivers. Robert Britton worked with Gabby Valle, one of our School’s 2024/25 MSc Biodiversity Conservation students, to get her research project data published, which was assessing the risk of a biological invasion in Britain by the globally invasive and ecologically damaging common carp. Their manuscript has also just been accepted for publication in the Journal of Fish Biology.

Congratulations to all involved!

A different way of external examining

international, PG research, writing

Last month I had the honour of chairing a committee to review the first three years of the MSc in Midwifery in the Netherlands.  Since all Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the Netherlands offer this joint degree there is only one in the country.  This national collaboration meant there were very few academics working in the field of midwifery who can claim to be independent.  All midwifery educators/academic midwives are employed by one of the HEIs participating in the joint Master’s degree. Hence, two of the four committee members, including myself came from abroad.

Today’s blog highlights that there is a different way to the UK version of external examining as a form of quality control in Higher Education.  In the UK each undergraduate programme, or year in a programme, or module has its own external examiner, who is appointed typically for three years to act as independent assessor.  External examiners typically reviews all education aspects of the programme/module and discuss their assessment examiners’ meetings held at the host university.  For more details on external examining in the UK, see also:”Acting as External Examiners in the UK: Going Beyond Quality Assurance” [1].

The Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium has a single cross-national organisation which is responsible for assessing the quality of higher education degrees.  This organisation, the NVAO [Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders], has an accreditation system that covers Associate Degree, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programmes in the Netherlands.   First, there is the need for initial accreditation of a new programme, valid for a period of six years.  Secondly, the accreditation of an existing programme, which, following a positive assessment, is valid indefinitely, as long as the programmes passes the six-yearly assessment by a panel of independent experts (peers engaged by the NVAO).  Between these periodic assessments there is no equivalent of the UK’s annual external examiners’ meeting.

Reference:

  1. Poobalan, A., Simkhada, P. & van Teijlingen, E. (2021), “Acting as External Examiners in the UK: Going Beyond Quality Assurance“, In: Sengupta, E., Blessinger, P., Ssemwanga, A. & Cozza, B. (Ed.) The Role of External Examining in Higher Education: Challenges and Best Practices (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 38), Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 13-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120210000038002

Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen

Seeing the fruits of your labour in Bangladesh

Awarded & submitted bids, international, writing

After several little hiccups in our Sonamoni research project we can now show some of the work.  Sonamoni is a four-year research study led by the University of Bournemouth and the Centre for Injury Prevention Research Bangladesh (CIPRB) with the University of Southampton, the University of the West of England (UWE), the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Design Without Borders (DWB) to develop a number of interventions to prevent drowning in children under the age of 2 years in rural Bangladesh.  After several stages of well-planned research we worked with local communities and stakeholders to propose six interventions with the prospect of been taken further to a full community-based feasibility study.

These six interventions are being piloted in Bangladesh as I am writing this. This pilot phase is made more difficult at the moment as the country is in the ban of the forthcoming national elections.  These elections are particularly challenging for the people in Bangladesh and CIPRB as the local research partner.  The previous national election resulted in violent changes, and the lead up to this election has been, and still is, a difficult period.

We would like to highlight one of the six interventions in a little more detail, as the Human-Centred Design approach, resulted in a neat, simple and low-cost playpen.  The colourful pictures shows the first batch of flatpack playpens in the CIPRB office and some being delivered to rural villages.  However, getting the first sixty developed in Bangladesh turned out more difficult than expected. Our collagues in Bangladesh approached several small to medium-sized companies in the country with the production capabilities to produce a large number of playpens.  In the end only one way interested to try and this company took much longer than agreed to produce enough for our pilot stage.  The good news is that the first stage of the pilot is underway, although now we have the difficulty of forthcoming national election slowing down our research.

This interdisciplinary study is funded through the NIHR Research on Interventions for Global Health Transformation programme (Ref: NIHR203216).  The Bournemouth University team comprises staff from across the university covering all three faculties: Dr. Mavis Bengtsson, Dr. Kyungjoo Cha, Dr. Mehdi Chowdhury, Dr. Yong Hun Lim, Mr. John Powell, and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen, and Ph.D. student Mr. Md. Shafkat Hossain.  For more information about our ongoing research in Bangladesh, please visit the NIHR website.

Exploring Embodied Research: Body Map Storytelling Workshop & Research Seminar

PG research

Supported by the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant, Zahra Eskandari (PhD Candidate, Faculty of Business & Law) recently hosted a two-day workshop introducing Body Map Storytelling to the BU research community. This innovative, arts-based method focuses on using creative expression to explore lived experiences, empowering participants to bridge their personal journeys with broader academic practices.

A Space for Reflection and Connection

The interactive session took place at Poole House on Thursday 22 January. Designed specifically for international women PGRs and ECRs, the workshop provided a supportive environment to explore themes of physical activity, wellbeing and belonging. Participants engaged in a hands-on creative process, developing unique body maps that combined visual expression with storytelling.

One participant noted:

“Through this workshop, I realised more about my choices and my engagement.”

Examples of body maps created during the workshop, where participants used colour and symbols to represent their lived experiences and emotional wellbeing.

Examples of body maps created during the workshop, where participants used colour and symbols to represent their lived experiences and emotional wellbeing.

Interdisciplinary Learning

The following day, the focus shifted to the Fusion Building for a research seminar led by Dr Anna Smirnova (Creative Health Associate, Edge Hill University). Dr Smirnova shared insights from her PhD research using this method with young people in Kyrgyzstan, providing a deep dive into the ethical and analytical foundations of the approach.

The seminar attracted a diverse group, including five postgraduate researchers and nine lecturers, creating an engaging cross-disciplinary exchange of ideas.

A participating lecturer described it as:

“One of the few events where you could learn something new and hear about the incredible research being carried out elsewhere.”

The PGR community in action: participants at the Body Map Storytelling workshop exploring embodied research methods

Impact

For the organiser, Zahra Eskandari, managing this project was “Empowering, Transformative, and Challenging”. While building Zahra’s project management and budget skills, the project also gave BU researchers new, creative tools for inclusive research. The positive engagement from both the workshop and seminar showed a clear demand for more arts-based sessions at BU in the future.

Apply for the PGR Research Culture and Community Grant

Do you have an idea for an event or initiative that could strengthen the research culture at BU? We invite you to follow in Zahra’s footsteps and apply for funding to bring your project to life.

Find out more and submit your application here: Research Culture and Community Grant PGR Application

Closing date 4pm, Monday 9 March 2026

If you would like to discuss your ideas before submitting your application, please contact Enrica Conrotto, Researcher Development Manager, at pgrskillsdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Marking a Milestone: The Swash Channel Wreck Book Launch

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, Tom Cousins (Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences) recently organised a public lecture and book launch to celebrate the publication of research on the Swash Channel Wreck. This event served as a major milestone for a project that has spanned Tom’s entire career at Bournemouth University, from his time as an undergraduate and postgraduate student to his current role as a full-time member of the technical staff.

A Celebration of Maritime Archaeology

The Swash Channel Wreck Book

The Swash Channel Wreck Book

The event, held at Talbot Campus on 28 January 2026, featured a well-attended public lecture and celebrated the launch of a new book by Dave Parham and Tom Cousins. The session featured an in-depth presentation on the Swash Channel Wreck, a 17th-century Dutch shipwreck first located in 1990 and rediscovered in 2006. As one of the most complete shipwrecks of its kind outside the Baltic, the site offers rare insights into 17th-century ship construction and life on board.

Combined with a display of archaeological finds, the event showcased years of research to members of the public and the wider BU community, including the University Executive Team and the Vice-Chancellor. The presentation was followed by a wine reception, allowing attendees to view the artifacts first-hand and discuss the findings

Beyond the university, the launch brought together long-term stakeholders from government agencies, harbour authorities, and museums. It was a reminder that the project was a shared effort, involving divers, students, and partners across two countries. Seeing everyone reunite to mark the publication, highlighted the project’s lasting significance for BU’s maritime archaeology and all who contributed to its journey.

Presenting the history of the Swash Channel Wreck during a public lecture, followed by a networking session where researchers, stakeholders, and the public gathered to celebrate the project's milestone.

Presenting the history of the Swash Channel Wreck during a public lecture, followed by a networking session where researchers, stakeholders, and the public gathered to celebrate the project’s milestone.

Supporting the Research Community

The launch was a collaborative effort that directly supported the development of early-career researchers and postgraduate students. Several PGRs and ECRs assisted in setting up and managing the day, providing them with valuable opportunities to network with members of the public, industry professionals, and senior university leadership.

Tom described the overall experience as “Interesting, welcoming, and collaborative,” noting that the greatest benefit was the opportunity to share this significant research with both the BU community and members of the public.

Apply for the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant

Do you have an idea for an event or initiative that could strengthen the research culture at BU? We invite you to follow in Tom’s footsteps and apply for funding to bring your project to life.

Find out more and submit your application here: Research Culture and Community Grant

Closing date 4pm, Monday 9 March 2026

If you would like to discuss your ideas before submitting your application, please contact Enrica Conrotto, Researcher Development Manager, at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

Celebrating our Research: Postgraduate Research Showcase 2026

The Doctoral College invites the BU community to the Postgraduate Research Showcase, hosted in the Atrium Gallery from Tuesday 3 February to Thursday 26 February 2026.

This exhibition features a curated selection of posters from our 17th Annual Postgraduate Research Conference. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore the diverse research being driven by our Postgraduate Researchers. The selected posters will remain on display throughout the duration of the showcase, allowing you plenty of time to visit and engage with the work.

Join us for the Launch Event

To kick off the exhibition, we are hosting a celebratory launch event. This is a chance to network with fellow researchers, meet academics, and show your support for the PGR community.

  • Wednesday 4 February 2026
  • 3-4pm
  • Atrium Gallery, Poole House, Talbot Campus
  • Cheese and wine will be provided (with vegan and non-alcoholic options available).

Register your place via Eventbrite here

Please note there will be no virtual exhibition this year, so make sure to stop by the Atrium Gallery in person to experience the showcase. If you would like a taste of the energy from our recent conference, you can catch highlights and images from the event on YouTube.

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the incredible contributions of our Postgraduate Researchers

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cookies – Tuesday 13 January 10-11am

Behind every successful grant and impact case study, is a dedicated support team. Join us at our next 3C event to meet the Research & Innovation Services staff in person. Discover the specialised support available to help you navigate and succeed on your research journey.

No slides, just support

Grab a coffee and a cookie, and have an informal chat with the Research and Innovation Services Team. No appointments, no formal presentations, just a chance to connect with the people behind your research support services. The same friendly 3C atmosphere you love, now with added expertise.

Who’s joining us?

The following RIS staff members will be joining us to answer your questions or simply say hello:

  • Shumana Begum – Research Governance Adviser
  • Claire Fenton – REF Lead
  • Eva Papadopoulou – Research Grants Manager (Pre-Award)
  • Julia Taylor – Head of Doctoral College
  • Alex Morrison – Research Grants Programme Manager

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 13 January

Time: 10-11am

Location: Room K103, Kimmeridge House, Talbot Campus

How to join: Find out more and register here

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions about the event, please do get in touch with the Research Development & Culture Team: researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

British Academy funded capacity-building training in Nepal

Awarded & submitted bids, international, Knowledge Exchange

Yesterday we reached third day of the three-day Fellowship training workshop in Dhulikhel, Nepal on evidence synthesis. This capacity-building project is led by the University of Huddersfield and takes place at Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS). This new Fellowship scheme is an international collaboration led by the University of Huddersfield in the UK, in close collaboration with Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (in Nepal), the Nepal Health Research Council, and several UK universities: Bournemouth University, the University of Sheffield, Canterbury Christ Church University, Keele University and the University of Chester. This unique Fellowship started online in the autumn of 2025 and is part of a larger project on strengthening institutional knowledge and capacity of federal, provincial and local governments for evidence-informed health policymaking in Nepal. This important initiative is funded by The British Academy and supported in the field by Green Tara Nepal [1]. The project involved Bournemouth University’s Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen both in the Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences.

Some 28 Fellows have been selected from nearly one hundred applicants to help build capacity in the field of evidence synthesis with overall aim to promote evidence-informed policymaking in Nepal. This is longstanding aim of the researcher as highlighted in previous call for an evidence-based policy centre in Nepal [2].

References:

1. Simkhada P, Vaidyal A, Regmi P, Paudyal P, van Teijlingen E, Dhimal M, Koirala B, Shresthe A, Simkhada B (2025) Strengthening Evidence Synthesis for Health Policymaking in Nepal: A New Fellowship Initiative, Nepal Journal of Epidemiology, 15(2), 1379–1380. https://doi.org/10.3126/nje.v15i2.88516

2. Simkhada P, Dhimal M, van Teijlingen E, Gyanwali P (2022). Nepal Urgently Needs a National Evidence Synthesis Centre, Nepal Journal of Epidemiology, 20 (3): i-ii.

Writing policy briefs

international, open access, Publishing, writing

This week saw the publication of ‘Bridging Research and Policy: Practical Tips for Writing Policy Briefs‘ co-authored by Bournemouth University’s (BU) Dr. Pramod Regmi and Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen as well as former BU staff Dr. Nirmal Aryal.  An effective policy brief bridges the gap between research findings and policymaking, ensuring that evidence is presented succinctly and in a way that is accessible and usable for policymakers and relevant stakeholders. It is an important step in what is called knowledge mobilisation. However, many researchers find it hard to communicate the findings of their studies to relevant policymakers, whilst policymakers note that the evidence they need is not easily accessible and is often not presented in an accessible format. Producing policy briefs is one of the approaches which academics can use to get their research noticed by policymakers.

This practical paper outlines some of the trials and tribulations of producing policy briefs, based on real-world research. It offers several recommendations to help improve the writing and dissemination of policy briefs.  The paper is published in an Open Access journal hence freely available to anybody across the globe with internet access.

 

References:

  1. van Teijlingen, E., Balen, J., Regmi, P., Rushton, S., Simkhada, P., Aryal, N. (2025). Bridging Research and Policy: Practical Tips for Writing Policy Briefs. Journal of Health Promotion, 13(1),:89–96. https://doi.org/10.3126/jhp.v13i1.87170

 

Upholding Excellence: The Concordat to Support Research Integrity

We are pleased to share developments that reinforce our commitment to the highest standards of rigour, ethics, and transparency in all our research activity: Our updated Research Integrity Statement has been published on the BU Research Integrity page, alongside the adoption of the revised Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

Concordat to Support Research Integrity

The revised Concordat is a vital update for the UK research sector, setting out a clear framework for upholding and strengthening research integrity. This establishes five core commitments for researchers, institutions, and funders, ensuring that our research culture continues to be robust, ethical, and trustworthy.

Our Five Core Commitments:

  1. Maintaining the highest standards of research integrity – the principles: Responsible research is grounded in the principles of honesty, rigour, transparency, care and respect, and accountability.
  2. Maintaining the highest standards of research integrity – expectations and compliance: Research must be conducted according to all appropriate ethical, legal, regulatory, and professional frameworks.
  3. Embedding a culture of research integrity: This focuses on creating a positive research environment by making integrity central to continuing professional development, designing research to embed ethical practice throughout, and collaborating to maintain a supportive research culture.
  4. Questionable research practices and misconduct must be addressed through effective, fair investigation. The research community is responsible for honestly reporting concerns and fully supporting the process. Annex A includes the Concordat’s definitions of questionable research practices and research misconduct. 
  5. Accountability and continuous improvement in research integrity: This is a collective endeavour requiring leadership and accountability to continuously improve responsible practice. It involves upholding trust in UK research and actively seeking opportunities to implement, reward, and share good practices and learning.

You can view the full details of the commitments on the UKRIO website: The Concordat to Support Research Integrity.

For a summary of the key changes introduced in the 2025 version, please consult the official briefing document: UKRIO Briefing doc on 2025 Concordat.

Bournemouth University’s Statement

Our new Research Integrity Statement adopts the principles of the revised Concordat and details the institutional mechanisms, policies, and training we have in place to support our research community. This document reaffirms our dedication to an environment where all researchers can conduct their work responsibly and with confidence.

Read the full statement.

This commitment is central to our mission, as highlighted by Dr Fiona Knight:

“Bournemouth University is committed to embedding research integrity across all aspects of our research. Through our Research Concordat Steering Group and comprehensive training programmes, including guidance on AI and mandatory ethics modules, we support our researchers in conducting responsible and ethical research. Oversight is provided by our Research Ethics Committee and specialist panels, with additional assurance for NHS-related research through our Clinical Research Adviser. Together, these systems promote a positive and transparent research culture.” – Dr Fiona Knight, Head of Research Excellence & Governance