Tagged / ECR

Don’t miss our Researcher Social – 3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cake Wednesday 12 November 3-4 pm

Don’t miss our researcher social taking place on Wednesday 12 November from 3-4 pm.

The Doctoral College is excited to invite all members of BU’s Research Community for this informal social. If you are looking for a relaxed, easy way to meet new people and chat about your work, this is it.

This is a fantastic opportunity for all researchers to connect, exchange ideas, or even start a new collaboration.

Why you should join us:

This informal forum is the perfect place to:

  • Meet fellow researchers from across the university.
  • Share your own research and hear what exciting projects others are working on.
  • Develop new connections and expand your network.
  • Ask any questions you might have, especially if you are new to the BU research environment.

Event details

  • Wednesday 12 November, 3–4 pm
  •  F202, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus
  • Complimentary Refreshments

Find out more and register here

We look 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

Launch your Research into a Deeptech Startup: Conception X Applications are open

Are you a PhD student, postdoc, or early-career researcher with ground-breaking research you believe could change the world? Now is your chance to turn that vision into a reality. Applications for Conception X are open, offering you a unique opportunity to join Europe’s largest community for entrepreneurial researchers.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday 16 December 2025.

What is Conception X?

Conception X is a UK-based not-for-profit that runs the largest cross-university deeptech venture programme for researchers across Europe. Its core mission is to turn more scientists and engineers into founders, accelerating breakthroughs and building new career pathways for researchers.

Since launching in 2018, Conception X has recruited eight cohorts from 80+ universities across 11 countries, and accelerated success in the deeptech ecosystem:

Research to Real-World Impact

Conception X is designed to fit around your research timeline, helping you translate cutting-edge work into real-world impact. They recognise that not all research is at the same stage, so they offer a two-track approach. This flexible model ensures you can move at a pace that works best for you and your project.

  • Move Fast: For researchers ready to quickly move toward their first investment raise.
  • Explore: For those who want to explore research commercialisation at a more measured pace.

BU Success Story: Green Hydrogen Pioneer

Earlier this year, Conception X welcomed Cohort 8, which included BU PhD researcher Shadeepa Karunarathne and his startup, OcenGen.

OcenGen is pioneering green hydrogen production by developing next-generation, low-cost electrocatalysts that can generate hydrogen directly from seawater without costly desalination. This ground-breaking BU research aligns closely with the UK’s Net Zero goals, demonstrating how fundamental science can be quickly translated into practical solutions for global energy challenges.

Find out more

What Conception X Offers

From the moment you join, Conception X provides critical support and unparalleled access:

  • Connections: You will be connected directly with industry decision-makers and investors.
  • Funding Opportunities: They help you become eligible for innovation grants, awards, and equity investment.
  • Support: Gain access to tailored coaching and networking opportunities to build your startup foundation.

For the top-performing founders, there is the chance to pitch directly to the Conception X Angel Syndicate and XTX Ventures, with the potential to receive up to £250k in investment.

A Proven Track Record

Since its launch in 2018, Conception X has championed success in the deeptech ecosystem:

  • 600+ researchers have been supported in launching deeptech startups based on their research.
  • 190+ companies have been created.
  • These companies have collectively raised £147+ million in early-stage investments and grants.

Your Next Step: Join a Discovery Session

Want to hear directly from people who have gone through the process?

Register for a Discovery Session. It is the perfect opportunity to:

  • Hear inspiring stories from Conception X alumni.
  • Learn more about the available pathways.
  • Get all your questions answered.

Please visit the Conception X website to learn more about the programme, register for a session, and apply when you are ready.

ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Apply Now

Funding opportunities

Research Culture & Community Grant – Relaunch with dedicated ECR Funding

Following the success of the Doctoral College Research Culture & Community Grant for our PGR community, we are excited to announce a new funding strand specifically for Early Career Researchers.

This is your opportunity to secure dedicated funding to develop your ideas, build essential collaborations, and grow professionally within BU’s research environment.

We have set aside grants to support ECR-led social and/or academic events. Whether it is a social mixer, a focused training workshop, or a creative new initiative, we want to empower you to enhance the BU research culture and community.

Which stream is right for your idea?

We have two dedicated streams to support a diverse range of activities:

Stream 1: Researcher Development 

This stream supports the organisation of skills-focused workshops, events, or initiatives designed to build research capacity. 

  • Grants Available: Up to £500 per activity
  • Examples: Specialised research methods workshops, inviting an external guest speaker, or dedicated academic writing sessions. 

Stream 2: Research Culture & Community 

This stream supports initiatives focused on community building, well-being, or social activities that enhance the overall research culture at BU. 

  • Grants Available: Up to £300 per activity. 
  • Examples: Cultural and social events, or activities specifically designed to enhance researcher well-being. 

Key Terms & Conditions 

Please review the following terms before submitting your application: 

One Activity Limit: No ECR should be the primary organiser of more than one activity. 

Community Reach: Activities should be engaging and made available to the full PGR community. 

Commitment: Organisers must be committed to promoting, delivering, and evaluating their activity. 

Timeline: Activities must take place and be invoiced before 31 July 2026. 

Originality: Activities should not duplicate those already on offer elsewhere within the Doctoral College or wider University. 

Match Funding: Contributions from other sources are welcome to complement the Doctoral College grant. 

Non-Retrospective: Funding will not be offered for activities that have already taken place. 

Ready to apply?

If you would like to discuss your ideas before submitting your application, we encourage you to get in touch. Please contact Enrica Conrotto, Researcher Development Manager at researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

The closing date for all applications is 4pm, Friday 12 December 2025

Apply here 

We look forward to seeing your ideas and supporting you in shaping the future of community and development at BU.

The Researcher Development and Culture Team

Researcher Development Opportunities for ECRs

Training

We are excited to introduce the new Researcher Development and Culture Team within the Doctoral College at BU

Our team – Enrica Conrotto, Beverley Allen, and Zoe Leonard support BU researchers at all career stages. We will work together to shape and deliver initiatives that strengthen researcher development and promote a positive research culture across BU.

As we are currently developing a more structured programme of support, specifically for Early Career Researchers, we are pleased to offer you immediate access to 10 core online workshops from the Researcher Development Programme

You can register for the following online workshops via Eventbrite, where you will also find an overview of each session.

Research data management: An introduction – Friday 10 October, 12-1pm

Ethics: Values, standards, and BU process Q&A – Monday 3 November, 12-1pm

Ethics: Clinical research governance – Monday 3 November, 2-3pm

Presentation skills for researchers – Friday 7 November, 10am-1pm

NVivo: Day 1 – Setting up your qualitative database – Thursday 13 November, 9am-5pm

NVivo: Day 2 – Analysing your data – Friday 14 November, 9am-5pm

Publishing your research: Mastering journal paper writing (SSH) – Wednesday 19 November, 2-4pm

Publishing your research: Mastering journal paper writing (STEM) – Thursday 27 November, 10am-12pm

Academic writing: Reduce anxiety – Friday 5 December, 10am-1pm

Integrating GenAI in our Research: A practical guide – Monday 17 November, 10am-12pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional opportunities are available via the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network

The British Academy Early Career Researcher Network is an inclusive, researcher-led membership body accessible to all UK-based early career researchers working in the humanities and social sciences.

Finding your Voice – Stream 2 Advancement – Wednesday 8 October, 10:30am-4:30pm

Early Career Researcher Network Welcome Session and Development Fund Drop In – Thursday 9 October, 11am-12:30pm

Mastering CV and Cover Letters for International Scholars in the UK – Friday 10 October, 10am-12pm

Being Strategic & Prioritising Your Time – Stream 2 Advancement – Wednesday 15 October, 9:30am-12:30pm

Empirical Research – Coding and Analysing interview data with Dr James Lovelock – Wednesday 15 October, 3-4:30pm

Curating Conversations: Setbacks, support and success – Thursday 16 October, 10am-4pm

Compass 1: Reframing Research Identity – Thursday 16 October, register to access

Finding your Voice – Stream 2 Advancement – Thursday 16 October, 10am-4pm

Compass 2: Pathways Beyond Academia -Thursday 6 November, register to access

Conference: Company Law and Sustainability – Friday 7 November, register to access

Compass 3: Strategic Action Planning – Thursday 27 November, register to access

Other useful resources for ECRs are available on the Elsevier Research Academy. The Elsevier Researcher Academy is a free e-learning platform designed to unlock the potential of early and mid-career researchers.

Finally, we are pleased to invite you to our 3C event, taking place on Talbot Campus, Wednesday 12 November 3-4pm

These regular social events provide an informal forum to connect with fellow researchers, exchange ideas, and develop new collaborations over refreshments. All members of the BU research community are invited to attend and contribute.

Find out more and register here

Please keep a look out for further announcements regarding the Early Career Researcher Network.

Should you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to discuss your development needs, please contact the team: researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

📣📣 Calling all Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at the postdoctoral level! 📣📣

Help us understand the precarious nature of fixed-term contracts.

The Action Research on Research Culture (ARRC) project at the University of Cambridge is conducting an online Discrete Choice Experiment to examine how postdocs and ECRs make career choices. The results from this survey will inform policy recommendations aimed at improving research careers.

With only 10-15 minutes of your time, you can contribute to the conversation about contract precarity in the academic sector and help the understanding of the situation among funders and universities. As a token of our appreciation, we will donate £2 to a charity of your choice for completion of our survey!

You can find the survey here:

https://redcap.link/ECR_job_pref

For further information about our project, please visit our website or email us at arrcproject@admin.cam.ac.uk.

AHRC call – New Generation Thinkers 2025 – webinar reminder, Thurs 12th December, 2:30pm

Funding opportunities

This scheme offers five early career researchers the opportunity to be ‘researchers in residence’ where they will work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4 and produce a piece of writing to be recorded for radio.

 

If selected, you’ll also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policy makers.

You’ll be an up-and-coming early career researcher with a passion for sharing ideas with the largest possible audience.

For further details: AHRC’s New Generation Thinkers 2025

Scope

AHRC are looking for applications from a diversity of backgrounds, research disciplines and institutions, particularly candidates who can demonstrate:

  • how one area of their research could make a strong, clearly expressed and engaging piece of writing for BBC radio. The scheme will match researchers with programmes or BBC units, so we are looking for discussion ideas for those programmes which draw upon your own research or your knowledge of trends in your subject area
  • how this research could have the potential to either change public opinion or influence policy
  • creativity, originality and the potential to talk and write about other areas within the arts and humanities in an accessible and interesting manner, particularly to a wider audience
  • that they are comfortable talking and writing about ideas from beyond their own research area in an accessible and interesting way
  • a wide range of interests through their review and description of their current research
  • high standards of scholarship: clear explanations in interesting, well-written, jargon-free language, that is editorially and stylistically suitable for a BBC audience

To get a good idea of what we’re looking for, we recommend you listen to work by previous New Generation Thinkers on the BBC website before you apply.

Who is eligible to apply

To apply for the New Generation Thinkers scheme, you must be:

  • a UK resident
  • over the age of 18
  • currently working or studying at a UK research organisation that is eligible to receive funding from UKRI. See Eligibility of your organisation
  • studying a relevant area of research. See ‘Your research history’

You must also be either:

  • currently studying for your first PhD and having made considerable progress on your research, for example within one year of submission
  • within eight years of the award of your first PhD, excluding any period of career break such as parental leave, caring responsibilities, health reasons, or reasons consequent upon the COVID-19 pandemic
  • within six years of your first academic appointment at an organisation that is eligible to receive funding from UKRI, excluding any period of career break such as parental leave, caring responsibilities, health reasons, or reasons consequent upon the COVID-19 pandemic. This must be a paid contract of employment, either full-time or part-time, which lists research or teaching as the primary function, including research assistantships

You do not need to have a permanent contract of employment to be eligible, provided you meet the conditions at the time of your application.

If you have applied to the scheme before, you may apply again provided you have never been selected as a new generation thinker in any given year.

Each person is allowed to submit only one application. The application will ask how your research aligns with one of the programmes or units. The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and BBC may then match you to any one of the five programmes or units.

Who is not eligible to apply

You cannot apply if:

  • you work for the BBC, AHRC or UKRI
  • you are a senior academic

Webinar for potential applicants

AHRC will hold a webinar on:

These will provide more information about the funding opportunity and a chance to ask questions.

We ran a workshop at BU late last academic year, slides available- give us a shout and if needed, we can run this workshop again at BU.

Let Eva Papadopoulou know if you are interested via email please.

Compelling narratives for funding success

Training

Struggling to effectively communicate the potential impact of your research in funding applications? This training session on Tuesday, 28 January 2025 from 10am to 12noon, will equip you with the practical tools and knowledge to develop effective plans of impact, articulate these in proposals and increase your success rates.

 

This session is intended for academics working on a proposal at the time of the session. It could be an early-stage idea, or a specific proposal for a funder. Please bring your proposal with you to the session to work on.

 

Key benefits:

  • Maximise your impact: Learn how to identify, measure, and communicate the real-world significance of your research in funding proposals
  • Write more competitive proposals: Master the art of crafting compelling impact plans that resonate with funding panels.
  • Save time and effort: Discover efficient strategies to integrate impact considerations into your research process and proposals
  • Gain actionable insights: Apply your newfound knowledge to your current or future funding bids.

Where: Fusion building. In-person only, not hybrid.

Book here

New Generation thinkers 2025 – call now open – AHRC and BBC Radio4

Funding opportunities

This scheme offers five early career researchers the opportunity to be ‘researchers in residence’ where they will work with programme makers at BBC Radio 4 and produce a piece of writing to be recorded for radio.

If selected, you’ll also take part in learning and development opportunities with AHRC around working with the media, engaging the public with research and how to work with policy makers.

You’ll be an up-and-coming early career researcher with a passion for sharing ideas with the largest possible audience.

 

 

 

 

Full info on the scheme can be found here

Scope

AHRC are looking for applications from a diversity of backgrounds, research disciplines and institutions, particularly candidates who can demonstrate:

  • how one area of their research could make a strong, clearly expressed and engaging piece of writing for BBC radio. The scheme will match researchers with programmes or BBC units, so we are looking for discussion ideas for those programmes which draw upon your own research or your knowledge of trends in your subject area
  • how this research could have the potential to either change public opinion or influence policy
  • creativity, originality and the potential to talk and write about other areas within the arts and humanities in an accessible and interesting manner, particularly to a wider audience
  • that they are comfortable talking and writing about ideas from beyond their own research area in an accessible and interesting way
  • a wide range of interests through their review and description of their current research
  • high standards of scholarship: clear explanations in interesting, well-written, jargon-free language, that is editorially and stylistically suitable for a BBC audience

To get a good idea of what we’re looking for, we recommend you listen to work by previous New Generation Thinkers on the BBC website before you apply.

Who is eligible to apply

To apply for the New Generation Thinkers scheme, you must be:

  • a UK resident
  • over the age of 18
  • currently working or studying at a UK research organisation that is eligible to receive funding from UKRI. See Eligibility of your organisation
  • studying a relevant area of research. See ‘Your research history’

You must also be either:

  • currently studying for your first PhD and having made considerable progress on your research, for example within one year of submission
  • within eight years of the award of your first PhD, excluding any period of career break such as parental leave, caring responsibilities, health reasons, or reasons consequent upon the COVID-19 pandemic
  • within six years of your first academic appointment at an organisation that is eligible to receive funding from UKRI, excluding any period of career break such as parental leave, caring responsibilities, health reasons, or reasons consequent upon the COVID-19 pandemic. This must be a paid contract of employment, either full-time or part-time, which lists research or teaching as the primary function, including research assistantships

You do not need to have a permanent contract of employment to be eligible, provided you meet the conditions at the time of your application.

If you have applied to the scheme before, you may apply again provided you have never been selected as a new generation thinker in any given year.

Each person is allowed to submit only one application. The application will ask how your research aligns with one of the programmes or units. The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and BBC may then match you to any one of the five programmes or units.

Who is not eligible to apply

You cannot apply if:

  • you work for the BBC, AHRC or UKRI
  • you are a senior academic

 

Webinar for potential applicants

AHRC will hold webinars on:

These will provide more information about the funding opportunity and a chance to ask questions.

 

We ran a workshop at BU late last academic year, slides available- give us a shout and if needed, we can run this workshop again at BU.

Let Eva Papadopoulou know if you are interested via email please.

 

 

Research Connect Seminar Recap: October Highlights

In this month’s Research Connect seminar, organized by the Department of Marketing, Strategy, and Innovation, we had the pleasure of hearing two fascinating research presentations. Associate Professor Elvira Bolat and a PGR student Chris Styles led discussions on two very interesting topics. 

Dr. Elvira’s presentation, Children and Young People’s Exposure to Gambling via Influencers: A Scoping Review and Content Analysis of Social Media Practices, explored the growing concern of youth exposure to gambling content on social media. Whereas Chris (who has just started his PhD journey) introduced his PhD topic about managing  the entrepreneurial journey more effectively. 

The seminar was well-attended by colleagues and sparked an engaging discussion on both topics. The lively research conversations even continued after the seminar at Dylan’s, where a few colleagues gathered for informal chats. 

Our next seminar of this monthly series will take place on 13th November 2024, 4-5pm in F108.

If you would also like to present your research at our upcoming research connect seminar,  feel free to reach out to me at sashraf@bournemouth.ac.uk.

 

BA Small Grants call: Online Guidance session

British Academy Small Grants will be opening soon

Join us Online

Wednesday 24 July 2024, 10:00-12:00

 

to review the guidance and discuss your proposal for the upcoming BA/Leverhulme Small grants call.

Slides will be available after the session while the timeline schedule for this call can be found here.

 

Join Teams link here

If you have any queries, please contact Eva Papadopoulou epapadopoulou@bournemouth.ac.uk or your Funding Development Officer.

BA Small Grants Guidance session

Funding opportunities, Guidance

BA Small Grants will be opening soon

We are welcoming your proposals for the upcoming BA/Leverhulme Small grants call.
To ensure that the pre-award team can provide all interested academics with optimal support we are inviting you to participate to British Academy Guidance session
 

 Wed 24th July 2024, 10:00-12:00 Online

Join us to review the guidance and then start work on your application. Slides will be available after the session and the timeline schedule for this call can be found here.

To book onto this session, please complete the Booking Form under “BA Small Grants Guidance session – 24/07/2024” in the drop down menu.

If you have any queries, please contact Eva Papadopoulou epapadopoulou@bournemouth.ac.uk or your Funding Development Officer.

BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants

Funding opportunities

BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants

We are welcoming your proposals for the upcoming BA/Leverhulme Small grants call.

The below deadlines will be in place to ensure that the pre-award team can provide all interested academics with optimal support.

 

Wednesday

24 July 2024

 

 Guidance Session via Teams 24/07, 10:00-12:00

 

Join us to review the guidance and then start work on your application. Slides will be available after the session.

To book your place just email us at akakaounaki@bournemouth.ac.uk
24 Jul – 4 Sep Work on your proposal

If you need help, speak to RDS for support and to your peers/mentors, organise your team, start a Flexi-Grant account, start an application in the system
4 Sep – 18 Sep Internal Peer review taking place
4 September 2024          Call Opens

–        Latest date to submit your ITB (Intention To Bid form)
18 September 2024 –        Advise your referee that you will be sending them your completed application on FlexiGrant and they will need to provide their supporting statement by 21 October. Note that the earlier you complete you application on FlexiGrant, the more time the referee will have to review your bid and provide the supporting statement

–        If you are Grade 8 or below and you wish to use the support of an External Application Reviewer (EAR), you must submit your quality approved by the Faculty draft application to RDS by this date.
 

21 October 2024

 –        Nominated referee supporting statement to be completed via FlexiGrant.

–        Submit your draft proposal to RDS preawardenquiries@bournemouth.ac.uk
28 October 2024 Your final application must be submitted on Flexi-Grant by this date at the latest.

 

Once you have uploaded all relevant documentation and your referee and CoI’s have completed their parts too, the “submit” button will appear on your screen. You can click ‘submit’ and the form will be sent to BU’s accounts for RDS checks.
28 Oct- 6 Nov Institutional checks to take place by RDS
6 November 2024 Final submissions

 

If you have any queries, please contact Eva Papadopoulou at epapadopoulou@bournemouth.ac.uk or Katerina Kakaounaki at akakaounaki@bournemouth.ac.uk.

British Academy Early Career Researcher Network event brings together researchers from across medical and health humanities

BU hosted the British Academy’s Early Career Researcher Network for an event exploring medical and health humanities, addressing some of the challenges and opportunities of working within this varied and interdisciplinary field.

Early career researchers from across the South West came together to network and discuss topics including publishing, funding opportunities, and finding their research identity.

The event took place on BU’s Talbot Campus and was opened by Interim Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange Professor Sarah Bate, who spoke about the importance of supporting the next generation of researchers to grow and develop.

A panel of Professors in front of an audience sat at tables

BU Professors shared their experiences and advice

Professor Sam Goodman (Professor of English & Communication), Professor Ann Hemingway (Professor of Public Health), Professor Chris Chapleo (Professor of Societal Marketing), Professor Ann Luce (Professor of Journalism and Health Communication) and Professor Edwin van Teijlingen (Professor of Reproductive Health Research) took part in a panel discussion, sharing their experiences of working across medical and health humanities and taking questions from the audience.

Advice included how to manage multiple stakeholders who may have different interests, publishing widely across different disciplines, how to deal with rejection, and the importance of building networks and contacts.

While the panel were honest about some of the difficulties and challenges of being an interdisciplinary researcher, they also spoke about the opportunities for applied interdisciplinary research and exploring different passions and interests. As Prof. Goodman put it: ‘Where’s the fun in colouring between the lines?’

Groups of early career researchers sat at tables

Roundtable discussions took place as part of the event

Following a networking lunch, attendees moved into breakout groups to discuss opportunities and challenges around publishing, grant capture and bidding, and developing a research identity as an interdisciplinary researcher.

The event was organised by the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network (BA ECRN) and Joelle Fallows and Katerina Kakaounaki of RDS, supported by Professor Sam Goodman and Professor Ann Hemingway who lead the ECR Network at BU.

The BA ECRN brings together ECRs across the humanities and social sciences disciplines, supporting their development through events and workshops. BU is a member of the BA ECRN’s South West Hub.

Find out more about the BA Early Career Researcher Network  

BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants

Funding opportunities

The call for the next round of BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants will be opening soon, expected 10th April.

We are welcoming your proposals for the upcoming BA/Leverhulme Small grants call.

To ensure that the pre-award team can provide all interested academics with optimal support we are inviting you to participate to  RDS British Academy Guidance session

 

Wed 28th Feb 2024, 10:00-12:00 at Talbot campus

  • Join us to review the guidance and then start work on your application
  • Slides will be available after the session on Brightspace.

Work on your proposals, submit your ITB as soon as you are ready and work with your allocated officer on your budget. The earlier you send in your ITB, the sooner you can progress with your budget support.

To book onto this session, please complete the Booking Form under “British Academy Small Grants Guidance session – 28/02/2024” in the drop down menu.

Please find details on the process to be followed and deadlines here.

If you have any queries, please contact Eva Papadopoulou epapadopoulou@bournemouth.ac.uk or your Funding Development Officer.