Tagged / Events

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

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 

Take a Break: Join the Creative Wellbeing Event

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

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

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

Wednesday 24 June, 2-5pm

Spaces are strictly limited to 40

Tea and coffee will be provided

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

About the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant

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

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

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

Knowledge Exchange

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

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

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

An Interdisciplinary Gathering

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

  • English Literature
  • Clinical Imaging
  • Accounting
  • Business Management

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

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

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

Inside the Workshop: Theory Meets Practice

The day was split into distinct phases to maximise engagement:

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Attendees Said

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

Key takeaways from the attendees highlighted that the event was:

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

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

Behind the Scenes

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

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

About the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant

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

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

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

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

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

PG research

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

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

Why We Need You in the Audience

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

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

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

Event Details

Wednesday 17 June, 1-3pm

Create Lecture Theatre, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

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

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

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

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

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

Focus and Keynotes

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

The event features two keynote speakers presenting in person:

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

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

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

Event Details

Wednesday 20 May, 12-2pm

Hybrid

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

Online: Joining details to follow

Find out more and register here

The British Academy European Research Council Grant Support Sessions

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

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

ERC Reading Day 2026

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

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

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

ERC Reading Day 2026 | The British Academy

Event Details

Monday 1 June, 9am-5pm

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

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

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

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

Webinar: ERC Advanced Grants

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

ERC Grants Webinars | The British Academy

Event Details

Friday 19 June, 10:30am – 12pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Expect

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

All members of the BU Research Community welcome

Tuesday 14 April, 4-5pm

SUBU 5th Floor Space, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

3C Event: Research Culture, Community & Cherry Blossom

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

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

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

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

What to Expect

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

All members of the BU Research Community welcome

Tuesday 14 April, 4-5pm

SUBU 5th Floor Space, Talbot Campus

Find out more and register here

3C Online Social: Thursday 26 March 1–2pm – Research Culture, Community & Can you Guess Who?

Could you describe your research in just 7 words? The Doctoral College’s 3C Event returns this Thursday 26 March, bringing our research community together through Culture, Community, and Connection.

This session offers a playful, online social where we use images and short clues to “Guess Who” is behind the work. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your projects creatively and meet potential collaborators in a relaxed environment.

How it works

  1. Submit an image that best represents your research (think abstract, literal, or symbolic).
  2. Provide a 7-word description of your work
  3. Join us online to see if the research community can match the clues to the right researcher

Whether you contribute, or simply join as an audience member, it’s a great opportunity to share your work and spark new connections.

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, please get in touch with the Research Development & Culture Team: researcherdevelopment@bournemouth.ac.uk

Accessing Sign Language for Better Communication

Awarded & submitted bids, international

We warmly invite you to a two‑day workshop/symposium funded by the British Council’s International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF). The event will open on Monday afternoon (9 March) with two introductory British Sign Language (BSL) taster sessions led by professional BSL teachers from the Wilts & Dorset Deaf Association (WDDA). This will be followed by a full day of talks on Tuesday, featuring academics, professionals, and researchers discussing sign language history, recognition, and the role of AI in supporting inclusive communities.

Venue: Student Hall, Talbot Campus

Event Schedule is as follows:

Monday (9th March)

12:30  Registration

12:50  Opening address

13:00 – 14:30 BSL session – BSL teachers: Lynn Preston & Richard Neale

14:30 – 15:00 Break

15:00 – 16:30 BSL session – BSL teachers: Lynn Preston & Richard Neale

16:30  Closing

 

Tuesday (10th March)

9:30     Registration

9:50     Opening address

10:00 – 11:00 AI Translation between Sign and Spoken Language

Presenter: Richard Bowden is Professor of Computer Vision and Machine Learning within the Centre for Vision Speech and Signal Processing at the University of Surrey. He is also co-founder of Signapse. His research centres on the use of computer vision to locate, track, and understand humans with a specific interest and focus on sign languages. Having worked on many areas of computer vision, including robotics, autonomous vehicles and the tracking and analysis of humans. He has been developing computational approaches to sign language recognition and translation for over 30 years. Over the last few years Richard has refocused his entire research group on Sign Language Translation, with recent funding including a large grant from Google to reduce the cost of translation through AI and SignGPT, which aims to develop the next generation of AI tools for sign languages.

11:00 – 11:15 Break

11:15 – 12:00 A History of the Development and Access to British Sign Language

Presenter: George Raggett has been deaf from the age of eight through a yet undiagnosed hereditary condition. George acquired good speaking and reading skills prior to his hearing loss and prefer to communicate using these methods, supplemented by hearing aids and naturally developed lip-reading skills. George has developed Sign Language skills since 1987 and has been teaching Sign Language and Deaf Awareness & Communication courses to all ages since qualifying as a teacher in 2002. In 2007, George became a trustee of The Wiltshire and Dorset Deaf Association, a charity set up to promote and support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities of both counties, in 2004

12:00 – 13:30 Break

13:30 – 14:15 Relevant Annotation for Multimodal Interaction Analysis: AI Bridging Interaction Studies of Gestures and Signs

Presenter: Mayumi Bono is an Associate Professor at the National Institute of Informatics (NII), Tokyo, Japan. She received her Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Kobe University in 2005. In her Ph.D. project, she demonstrated how to build a machine-readable model of the ‘Participation Framework,’ initially provided by Canadian-American sociologist Erving Goffman. After receiving her Ph.D., she got a position in informatics at ATR Media Information Science Laboratories, Kyoto University, and the National Institute of Informatics based on fruitful collaborations with engineering and informatics researchers. Currently, she is conducting several research projects of building sharable spoken and sign language multimodal corpora in an open science framework for all academic researchers interested in human communication using artificial intelligence techniques such as machine learning.

14:15 – 14:45 J-Shuwa: A Large-Scale Web-Collected Japanese Sign Language-Japanese Parallel Corpus

Presenter: Junwen Mo is a PhD candidate in the Nakayama Lab at the University of Tokyo. His research focuses on sign language understanding, with an emphasis on Japanese Sign Language translation. Recently, he has also developed an interest in alternative computational paradigms for artificial intelligence.

14:45 – Break

15:00 – 15:30 Between Representation and Embodiment: Perspectives on Sign Language Avatars

Presenter: Yi Wen is a first-year PhD researcher at Bournemouth University, where she previously completed her Master’s in Artificial Intelligence. She has a background in the game industry, working on large-scale production pipelines and collaborative projects. Her current research interests include sign language avatars, particularly exploring how different representational approaches may influence how signing is generated and experienced.

15:30 – 16:00 Continuous Sign language Recognition (CSLR): Feature Extraction from an Image Procesing Perspective

Presenter: Xinyu Zhang is an artificial intelligence researcher working at the intersection of medical imaging, representation learning, and algorithmic alignment. Her research advances contemporary medical AI by promoting approaches that reduce dependence on clinical expert teams and high computational resources, thereby enhancing scalability, reproducibility, and accessibility.

16:30 Closing

From Sustainable Research to Sustainable Research Lives: Reflections from the SPROUT Network Event

Supported by the ECR Research Culture and Community Grant, the SPROUT Network hosted its second collaborative hybrid event at BU’s Fusion Building on Tuesday 17 February 2026. What does it mean to be a “sustainable” researcher? Does it refer to the topics being studied, or the way researchers live their lives while conducting that work? The session brought together PGRs, ECRs, and supervisors from Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Durham Universities to tackle these very questions.

Building Momentum: The Three Pillars

Following the foundation laid during the network’s inaugural session in November, this second event moved the conversation forward. Shifting the focus from what is researched to how researchers work and sustain themselves.

The organisers structured the day around three core pillars:

  1. Sustainability as Practice: Exploring how research is designed and carried out, from initial focus and methodology to eventual impact
  2. Sustainability as Culture: Examining how research environments and institutional structures shape what is possible and what is valued within academia
  3. Sustainability as Research Lives: Focusing on the human element, sustaining the “researcher self” and professional communities over the long term

Keynote Insights: Practice and Resilience

The network was honoured to welcome two keynote speakers who offered unique, complementary perspectives.

Professor Fiona Cownie framed sustainability as an active choice enacted through doctoral work. Introducing the “Sustainability Triangle,” challenging researchers to balance their Choices (topics and methods) against external Constraints (time and resources) and the necessity of Compromise without losing professional integrity.

Professor Emerita Fiona Cownie introducing the 'Sustainability Triangle,' a framework designed to help researchers balance methodology with institutional constraints

Keynote speaker Professor Fiona Cownie discussing the vital role of sustainability in doctoral research practice during the SPROUT Network hybrid event

Professor Sara Ashencaen Crabtree then explored the human realities of academic work, arguing that sustainable research depends on sustainable research lives. Sharing a moving reminder from poet William Stafford: “There’s a thread you follow… While you hold it you can’t get lost,” emphasising the need for a stabilising sense of purpose to navigate the pressures of contemporary research culture.

Professor Sara Ashencaen Crabtree sharing reflections on care, resilience, and the 'researcher self' during her keynote session

Professor Sara Ashencaen Crabtree sharing reflections on care, resilience, and the ‘researcher self’ during her keynote session

A Milestone for Organisers: Leadership and Growth

For the SPROUT team, coordinating a multi-institutional, hybrid event was a significant milestone in professional development.

The session was led by a dedicated team:

PGR/ECR Leads: Mosopefoluwa Akinrinmade, Ibrahim Awawdeh, and Kasongo Shutsha.

Academic Leads: Dr Tahani Mohamed (Bournemouth), Dr Julie Gwilliam (Cardiff), and Rosalind Beaumont (Durham).

Reflecting on the impact of the grant, Dr Tahani Mohamed noted:

“The funding enabled the network to deliver a high-impact event that moved beyond ‘business as usual.’ It allowed the team to create a generous and thoughtful space where ECRs and PGRs felt safe to discuss the structural and personal factors that shape their careers. Facilitating these ‘deep conversations’ has significantly increased our confidence in leading research culture initiatives.”

Managing the grant funds and coordinating across three universities provided the leads with invaluable experience in leadership, multi-site logistics, and cross-university advocacy.

Impact and Future Growth

The event demonstrated a clear interest for community-based research culture initiatives. Feedback from the community highlighted the importance of this space:

“I am so thankful for such a group existing within BU… which focuses on sustainability in research. The meeting was really valuable and the two speakers were inspirational.”

The SPROUT community continues to grow because researchers find value in returning. Future sessions are already being planned to cover sustainable funding strategies, research methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Stay Connected

To join the SPROUT mailing list or Teams group, please contact sprout@bournemouth.ac.uk or reach out to Dr Tahani Mohamed at tmohamed@bournemouth.ac.uk

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 the Sprout Team’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

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

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.