January 22, 2020

Reminder: Applications Closing Soon for British Science Festival 2020

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

Reminder: British Science Festival 2020 applications closing soon!

Proposal deadline: Monday 17 February at 5pm

Each year, thousands of people come together to celebrate the latest developments in research and engage in open discussion about issues affecting our culture and society. Through a mixture of traditional and creative formats, it focuses on showcasing cutting-edge science and technology.

The Festival will be hosted by Anglia Ruskin University and will be taking place from the 8-12 September in Chelmsford and Essex. All events will be free to attend!

Call for proposals

The open call is an opportunity for anyone to submit an event idea. Festival proposals should be aimed at non-specialist adults (16+) with a broad interest in science. During the week, Festival events will take place in the daytime on the university campus, followed by events throughout the city each evening. To close the Festival, there will be a final celebration over the weekend. The programme is aimed at a range of formats from talks to drop-in activities and creative content that challenges perceptions of what science is and can be.

Proposal deadline: Monday 17 February at 5pm

More information including the application process and FAQs, can be found here.

If you’re thinking about submitting a proposal, please chat with the Festival team before completing the form.

Please contact anna.woolman@britishscienceassociation.org

Alternatively if you would like advice on planning or submitting your application or to discuss ideas, you can contact Adam Morris (Engagement Officer) publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

January 15, 2020

Einstein’s Garden at Green Man Festival 2020: Applications now open!

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team, Public engagement ballen

Einstein’s Garden at the Green Man Festival 2020: Applications now open!

Einstein’s Garden is Green Man’s area for creative engagement with science, nature and technology. Each year a lineup is created which fuses performance, art, music and research to bring the world around us and our questions about it to life in the most unique ways.

Organisers are looking for research groups and any other science/nature/technology-minded people that would like to bring a stall to Einstein’s Garden with the aim of engaging festival audiences with their work.

Your stall can explore any aspect of science or tech research, nature, curiosity or questions about the world around us, which you’ll bring to life in a unique way to engage the audiences. Stalls should include as much interactivity and participation as possible.

Rather than giving out leaflets or bringing roll-up banners, think about how your stall can be visually striking and offer an activity that will attract people within a festival environment.

More information about Einstein’s Garden can be found here.

Apply now to take part The first deadline for applications is midnight on Friday 6 March 2020, applications submitted by this time will be considered first and advised of their outcome throughout March and early April 2020.

There will be a second deadline for applications (if there are spaces left) at 5pm on Friday 10 April 2020. These will be advised of their outcomes in May 2020.

Please direct any questions to sophie@greenman.net or for more information or help with the application process, please contact Adam Morris at publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

January 14, 2020

Cafe Scientifique Tuesday 4 February: Crooked picture frames and ageing of perception

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team, Public engagement, Research communication ballen

Café Scientifique takes place on the first Tuesday evening of the month at Café Boscanova

Enjoy listening to a short talk from our guest speaker before engaging in debate and discussion around that topic.

We’ll be joined by Dr Sharon Docherty on Tuesday 4 February 7:30-9pm (doors open at 6:30pm) No need to book, make sure you get there early though as seats fill up fast!

Crooked picture frames and ageing of perception

How we experience the environment around us involves the brain combining information from our different sensory systems. Something as ‘simple’ as staying upright involves signals from our inner ears, joints and eyes. Join us to discover how our perception of upright changes throughout our lifetime, and how different medical conditions can affect this. It may also make you reconsider whether your picture frames are straight.

If you have any questions please do get in touch

Find out more about Café Scientifique and sign up to our mailing list to hear about other research events: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cafe-sci

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

December 16, 2019

FameLab 2020: Applications are now open!

BU research, Events, Public engagement, Research Training ballen

FameLab is the only international science communication competition, designed to find, train and mentor scientists and engineers to share their enthusiasm for research with the public. FameLab was started in 2005 by Cheltenham Science Festival. Since the partnership with the British Council in 2007 over 10000 scientists and engineers from 31 countries have participated, with winners coming together for the International FameLab Final at Cheltenham Science Festival each June.

Participants receive training in science communication before presenting their research in an engaging way to a live audience. Presentations must not exceed 3 minutes, must not involve PowerPoint slides, and any props used must be carried on by the participant themselves. Participants are judged on Content, Clarity and Charisma, and the best go through to the next round.

FameLab UK winners receive a weekend masterclass with a professional science communicator, an all-expenses paid trip to Cheltenham Science Festival, the opportunity to take part in the FameLab UK Final and possibly the FameLab International Final at Cheltenham Science Festival, and up to £2000 prize money.

Are you interested in…

Improving your communication skills
Talking about your research with a live audience
Joining a global network of science communicators
An all-expenses paid trip to Cheltenham Science Festival

Apply now to take part in FameLab UK Applications close at midnight on Friday 28 February 2020.

“FameLab has been a great chance to meet inspiring people who are doing and communicating wonderful research around the world. Learning from each other, encouraging each other and building networks that will last into the future has been a brilliant experience, and one that I’ve been very lucky to be a part of.”

Tim Gordon, FameLab International Winner 2019

For more information or for help with the application process, please contact Adam Morris – Engagement Officer

December 6, 2019

Cafe Scientifique: The Secret information hidden in your hair

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

As we go about our daily lives our hair is recording evidence of what we consume and of the environments we are exposed to. It can record how much you drink, whether you smoke or take drugs, or live in an environment where drug abuse is prevalent. Hair testing for drugs and alcohol provides evidence to the police, assists with family law issues, and is utilised in workplace testing and a variety of other settings. The interpretation of analytical data from hair testing is challenging however, and research is continuing to improve the validity of the process.

At this month’s Café Scientifique, Dr Richard Paul discussed the science behind hair testing for drugs and alcohol, and reviewed some of the applications of the technique. Richard highlighted how hair testing may be used in cases of drug facilitated crime, the use of hair alcohol testing to determine abstinence or chronic excessive consumption, and finally reviewed how hair testing will be utilised in new research to examine second-hand exposure to new psychoactive substances in prisons.

Drug facilitated crime

The term drug facilitated crime refers to when a person is subjected to a criminal act whilst they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately in many such cases a victim may experience memory loss caused by certain drugs, or be reluctant or unable to report the crime soon after it has taken place. Certain drugs associated with such crimes are often quickly eliminated from our body through natural processes, rendering blood and urine testing obsolete if too much time has passed following the crime. This is where hair testing has a crucial advantage: once drugs enter our hair they can remain bound and stable for very long periods of time. Richard discussed his research developing new techniques for the investigation of drug facilitated crime and examined cases utilising the technique.

How are drugs incorporated in our hair?

Drugs can enter our hair via three mechanisms;

The bloodstream – every hair on our body has a blood supply, and drugs or alcohol (metabolites) circulating in our bloodstream can access our hair via this system. Once in the hair, compounds can bind strongly to melanin and keratin in our hair.
Sweat and sebum – it has been shown that some drug and alcohol metabolites will be excreted via sweat/sebum, and then re-incorporated in hair that is in contact with sweat/sebum.
External contamination – it has been demonstrated that exposure to drugs that are smoked or snorted can lead to passive incorporation of drugs into the hair of non-drug users. We’ve even shown that some cosmetic hemp-based hair treatments can lead to positive test results for cannabinoids. Laboratories have systems in place to distinguish between drug consumption and passive exposure, but it can be challenging.

Alcohol testing

Alcohol itself (ethanol) is not tested for in the hair, the compound is too volatile. Instead researchers look for metabolites of ethanol in our system, focusing on ethyl glucuronide, and ethyl palmitate. These are biomarkers of alcohol consumption, and when found in hair samples above a certain concentration, provide good evidence of alcohol consumption. Hair alcohol testing is widely utilised in family law cases, often in child custody disputes. If one parent accuses the other of being an alcoholic, a court may request a hair alcohol test to provide evidence. Our research examines the factors that may influence the incorporation of alcohol biomarkers into the hair, as well investigating fingernails as an alternative testing matrix to hair.

New psychoactive substances in prisons

Richard discussed his latest research project investigating second-hand exposure to new psychoactive substances in prisons. NPS are new narcotic or psychotropic drugs many of which pose serious health risks. The abuse of such drugs in prisons (including Spice and similar compounds) is a significant problem and one which is experienced to different levels across many European countries.

Richard’s team are using a range of analytical techniques to assess the prevalence of NPS abuse in UK prisons and will also be assessing the extent to which prison staff are exposed to secondary drug fumes during their employment.

Dr Richard Paul reflects on his experience of speaking at Café Scientifique: ‘Presenting my research at Café Scientifique was an excellent opportunity to engage the public in debate around the applications and validity of hair testing. The audience was lively and focused, and we had a lot of excellent, thought provoking questions.’

We are taking a break in January but we’ll be back on Tuesday 4 February 2020!

If you have any questions please do get in touch

Find out more about Café Scientifique and sign up to our mailing list to hear about other research events: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cafe-sci

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

November 26, 2019

RKEDF – Research Training in December

BU research, ECR Network, Events, Funding opportunities, Research Training, RKE development framework Theresa

We have some great events coming up over the next month to support you in your research activities.

December

Tuesday 3rd December	RKEDF: NHS site set-up or research and overview of approval process
Wednesday 4th December	RKEDF: Environment Narrative Writing Day
Friday 6th December	RKEDF: Impact Planning Session
Tuesday 10th December	RKEDF: Inspirational Impact Journey – FMC
Tuesday 10th December	RKEDF: Writing Academy
Wednesday 11th December	RKEDF: Working with Industry
Thursday 19th December	RKEDF: Preparing Practice-Based Research Outputs for Assessment

You can see all the Organisational Development and RKEDF events in one place on the handy calendar of events.

Please note that all sessions are now targeted, so look closely at the event page to ensure that the event is suitable for you. In addition, most RKEDF events now require the approval of your Head of Department (or other nominated approver). Please follow the instructions given on the event page and the template email for you to initiate the booking request.

If you have any queries, please get in touch!

November 26, 2019

ESRC Festival of Social Science – Part 4

BU research, Events, Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement, Research communication Adam Morris

We’re continuing our look back at the ESRC Festival of Social Science, you can catch up on our coverage so far on the Research Blog.

Friday night featured two concurrent events. Professor Edwin van Teijlingen visited Poole Hospital to consider ‘How We Think about Pregnancy and Childbirth’, comparing different perspectives on pregnancy – from the social model of pregnancy, which accepts childbirth as a normal event in a woman’s life to the medical model, which portrays childbirth as potentially dangerous to health.

Dr Alison Taylor discussed infant feeding and shared research in the form of video diaries from first-time breastfeeding mothers.

At South Coast Roast café, we explored the idea of ‘Influencers for good’; can social media influencers be more than their media image as drivers of overspending, overconsumption and low self-confidence?

A team of BU academics (Dr Elvira Bolat, Dr Parisa Gilani, Samreen Ashraf & Dr Nasiru Taura) covered every angle, including the trust-relationship between influencers and us, how influencers make us feel and a positive vision for the future, where influencers are an ethical economic force for good.

Guest speaker Sarah Ali Choudhury shared the story of her rise to fame, while talent agent Laura Edwards showed us the other side of the influencer industry.

This series will conclude with Part 5 tomorrow.

November 25, 2019

Cafe Scientifique Tuesday 3 December: The secret information hidden in your hair

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

Café Scientifique takes place on the first Tuesday evening of the month at Café Boscanova

Enjoy listening to a short talk from our guest speaker before engaging in debate and discussion around that topic.

We’ll be joined by Dr Richard Paul on Tuesday 3 December 7:30-9pm (doors open at 6:30pm) No need to book, make sure you get there early though as seats fill up fast!

The secret information hidden in your hair

As we go about our daily lives, our hair is recording evidence of what we consume and of the environments we are exposed to. It can record how much you drink, whether you smoke or take drugs, or live or work in an environment where drug abuse is prevalent. Join us to learn about the technology used to analyse hair and how it can be used in criminal cases to investigate drug facilitated crime, monitor alcohol consumption, and assess the exposure of prison guards to new psychoactive substances in UK prisons.

If you have any questions please do get in touch

Find out more about Café Scientifique and sign up to our mailing list to hear about other research events: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cafe-sci

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

November 25, 2019

ESRC Festival of Social Science – Part 3

BU research, Events, Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement, Research communication Adam Morris

We’re continuing our look back at the ESRC Festival of Social Science, you can catch up on our coverage so far on the Research Blog.

‘Stress and Wellbeing in the Workplace’ followed on Wednesday, with Professor Lee-Ann Fenge introducing the topic of how researching sensitive topics can have an emotional impact on academics and practitioners, mainly in social work but with wide-reaching relevance.

Tilia Lenz, Stevie Corbin-Clarke and Emily Rosenorn-Lanng then led a series of workshops teaching techniques to de-stress, including origami, meditation and yoga.

Dr Jeff Bray delivered a ‘Rainbow of Vegetable Literacy’ at a local primary school, with Natalia Lavrushkina, Dr Fiona Cownie and Professor Katherine Appleton. Designed to increase children’s familiarity with vegetables, and encourage them to eat more vegetables, the event featured a quiz, tasting vegetables cooked in a variety of ways, and planting a broad bean seed in the school ‘allotment’.

Find out more about this project in a post by one of the organisers.

Members of the Global Festival of Learning team reprised activities last run in Vietnam, this time training teachers, tutors and others who work with young adults in a series a workshops aimed at ‘Preparing Generation Z for the Global Workplace’.

Dr Debbie Sadd, Rebecca Hindley and Dr Milena Bobeva provided a grounding in workshops including ‘Stranded on a Mountain’, Belbin personality assessments and interactive quiz technology, designed to develop teamwork skills and awareness.

This series will continue with Part 4 tomorrow.

November 22, 2019

ESRC Festival of Social Science – Part 2

BU research, Events, Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement, Research communication Adam Morris

We’re continuing our look back at the ESRC Festival of Social Science, you can catch up on our coverage so far on the Research Blog.

Dr Sally Lee and Stefan Kleipoedszus led an exploration at Shelley Theatre on Tuesday, on ‘Trauma-informed health and social care’, or how social care practice can improve the wellbeing of individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced childhood adversity or trauma. Using a World Café format and innovative creative methods for evaluation and engagement, they were able to integrate the event into their research project.

Stefan Kleipoedszus

Dr Sally Lee

In addition to valuable discussions facilitated by Sally and Stefan, the event welcomed a number of guest contributors with valuable insights for working in a supportive role. This included Professor Ann Hemingway presenting her research into The Horse Course, to understand how learning natural horsemanship skills can have a positive effect on mental health outcomes.

Prof Ann Hemingway

Dr Humaira Hussain

Dr Humaira Hussain presented her research on using ‘neonatal simulators’, high-tech dolls, to replicate the symptoms of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and provide a more interactive education for midwifery students.

One set of guests proved themselves particularly popular – Caring Canines brought a few of their trained dogs and explained how they provide support and therapy in mental health units.

On Tuesday evening, Dr Elvira Bolat and Dr Emily Arden-Close took over our regular Café Scientifique slot to discuss the ‘Hidden stories of online gamblers’, exposing how gambling companies use masses of data to engage customers, and setting out their work in how this data can be turned around to help problem gamblers.

Dr Emily Arden-Close

Dr Elvira Bolat

In concert with this event, we produced an online exhibition, featuring the stories of gamblers as expressed through art pieces commissioned from Arts University Bournemouth students.

Hidden Stories of Online Gamblers Online Exhibition

November 21, 2019

ESRC Festival of Social Science – Part 1

BU research, Events, Impact, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team, Public engagement, Research communication Adam Morris

Earlier this month saw BU host ten events as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science. The Festival is a nationwide celebration of the social sciences, with 475 events held across the UK this year.

Over the next week, we’ll be sharing regular posts to look back over these events.

The Festival is designed to promote and increase awareness of social science and ESRC-funded research, enable social scientists to engage with non-academics and increase awareness of the contributions the social sciences make to the wellbeing and economy of UK society.

BU contributed to the Festival this year for the eighth time in a row, holding a variety of events spanning research areas and faculties, which were held on campus, off campus and online.

Our programme kicked off with ‘Living Your Best Life: Positivity for Wellbeing’ on Saturday 2 November, with Dr Camila Devis-Rozental and Susanne Clarke leading a keen public audience through a journey of positivity in Poole’s Lighthouse Centre for the Arts.

The audience learned how a few simple tips and techniques can make us more resilient, with a more positive attitude towards life. These included mindful eating – taking time to enjoy and experience tastes, how learning new skills can boost your confidence, expressing gratitude and the importance of ‘hippo time’ – giving yourself permission to wallow before moving on with purpose.

“Reminded me of positivity in all areas of life – so thoroughly enjoyable” – Feedback

On Monday 4 evening, Dr Emma Kavanagh and Dr Adi Adams presented an innovative and thought-provoking event in ‘Ways of Seeing Sport Coaching Violence’, an audio-visual exhibition conveying experiences of coach-athlete violence. Working with students, including project collaborator Terri Harvey, to develop and deliver the event provided a rewarding and productive experience for all involved, students and academics.

The varied audience included sports coaching students and representatives from local sport coaching organisations, sparking interesting debates and discussions on best practice in coaching.

You can read more about the event in this post by Impact Officer Matt Fancy.

We’ll continue our series with a new post tomorrow.

October 31, 2019

Last chance to book your free tickets for the ESRC Festival of Social Science!

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

With only a few days to go before we kick off this year’s ESRC Festival of Social Science, don’t miss out on booking your free tickets!!

This year we’re exploring a number of different issues through a series of talks, interactive workshops, discussions and exhibitions. These events are aimed at a wide range of audiences to share understanding and spark conversations that can make a difference to society.

Come and join us to gain a fascinating insight into some of the social science research taking place at Bournemouth University and find out how we’re helping to understand and shape society.

Living your best life: positivity for wellbeing

Saturday 2 November: 9:30am -12:30pm

Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG

With a rise in reported mental health issues amongst the general population, it is important to understand how each of us can take steps to develop our own self-awareness and socio-emotional intelligence. In this event we’ll turn the latest social science research into wellbeing tips and self-care strategies you can adopt in our own life, to develop your confidence and a better understanding of your emotional experiences.

Ways of seeing sport coaching violence

Monday 4 November: 6 – 8pm

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Abuse, intimidation and violence in sport and coaching remain a significant global problem. Drawing on academic research and real life accounts of coach-athlete related violence, this event offers sport coaches, practitioners and others interested in this issue a unique and innovative opportunity to engage with research through an arts-based, audio-visual installation. You’ll also be able to chat to the researchers and share your experiences and views on developing positive coaching practice.

Trauma-informed health and social care

Tuesday 5 November: 9am – 4pm

The Shelley Theatre, Beechwood Avenue, Bournemouth, BH5 1LX

Trauma informed care is a new way of supporting the wellbeing of individuals who are experiencing, or have experienced childhood adversity or trauma. Using the World Café format, we will bring together those who work with people in a supportive role, for example teachers, care workers and social workers, to exchange ideas, learn from each other and develop new strategies. We’ll also feature talks from service users and expert practitioners, as well as workshop activities.

Hidden stories of online gamblers

Tuesday 5 November: 7:30 – 9pm and all week, online

Cafe Boscanova, Boscombe BH1 4BP

Visit our virtual exhibition, where we’ll share the diverse stories and voices of those affected by online gambling. Attend our Cafe Scientifique discussion in person or watch online to enjoy talks to discover the artificial intelligence, targeted advertising and behavioural science that keeps gamblers hooked and how you can beat them. Join the conversation by sharing your views and stories on social media.

Stress and wellbeing in the workplace

Wednesday 6 November: 10am – 4pm

Executive Business Centre, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EB

There is growing recognition that experiencing stress and trauma at work can have a hugely detrimental effect on your wellbeing. This event brings together academic researchers, staff from key agencies and the public to discuss research on stress and workplace trauma, and the best ways of tackling it. There will an opportunity to try out a range of self-care, relaxation and coping techniques as part of the event.

Preparing Gen Z for the global workplace

Wednesday 6 November: 3 – 5:30pm

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

It’s more important than ever that we equip our 21st century learners with the skills they need to thrive in the global workplace. This event, for further education teachers and tutors will teach you how to deliver a suite of workshops developed at Bournemouth University. We will run through the workshops in small interactive groups, and you will be provided with all the materials required to adapt these workshops for your own work with young people.

How we think about pregnancy and childbirth

Friday 8 November: 5:30 – 6:30pm

Poole Hospital, Longfleet Road, Poole BH15 2JB

This event looks at different perspectives on pregnancy – from the social model of pregnancy, which accepts childbirth as a normal event in a woman’s life to the medical model, which portrays childbirth as potentially dangerous to health. We’ll also discuss how understanding key models of pregnancy and childbirth could help politicians, journalists, healthcare professionals, pregnant women and new mothers put issues around ‘normal birth’ into perspective

Influencers for good

Friday 8 November: 6 – 8pm

South Coast Roast, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6EJ

News stories highlight the power of influencers to drive overspending, overconsumption, fast fashion and to erode self-confidence. But is there a better way? Join local influencers and experts from Bournemouth University for a relaxed event with talks and workshops. We’ll talk about how to post responsibly, how to understand your own behaviour and identity, and the power dynamics between influencers and followers. What’s more – we’ll learn how influencers can make the world a better place.

Suicide in the media

Saturday 9 November: 10am – 3pm

Executive Business Centre, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EB

This event will discuss the role of the media in suicide prevention, and the impact it can have on those suffering from bereavement and working in the field of suicide prevention. Join Bournemouth University academic Dr Ann Luce, along with people with experience of suicide, members of the Mental Health Forum, the Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership and the NHS. The event will feature talks and a discussion, with peer counsellors on hand to support you.

For more information about any of these events please contact; publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

October 25, 2019

British Science Festival Chelmsford 2020: Calls for proposals now open

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

Calls for proposals for British Science Festival 2020 are now open!

Taking place from the 8-12 September in Chelmsford and Essex, the Festival will be hosted by Anglia Ruskin University.

Each year, thousands of people come together to celebrate the latest developments in research and engage in open discussion about issues affecting our culture and society. Through a mixture of traditional and creative formats, it focuses on showcasing cutting-edge science and technology.

Festival proposals should be aimed at non-specialist adults (16+) with a broad interest in science. All events are free to attend.

There are two ways to get involved…

Award Lecture nominations

Are you, or do you know, a promising early career researcher?

Every year nominations are requested for the seven Award Lectureships available to promising early career academics, skilled at engaging people with their research. These Award Lectures aim to promote open and informed discussion of science and related disciplines. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to present their winning Award Lecture at the 2020 Festival. To get an idea of what it’s like to be an Award Lecturer, check out the blog from one of the 2018 winners.

Nomination deadline: 17:00, 6 January 2020

Open call for proposals

The open call is an opportunity for anyone to submit an event idea.

Festival proposals should be aimed at non-specialist adults (16+) with a broad interest in science. During the week, Festival events will take place in the daytime on the university campus, followed by events throughout the city each evening. To close the Festival, there will be a final celebration over the weekend. The programme is aimed at a range of formats from talks to drop-in activities and creative content that challenges perceptions of what science is and can be.

Please submit one proposal per event.

Proposal deadline: 17:00, 17 February 2020

More information about the above, including the application process and FAQs, can be found on the website

People who are thinking about submitting a nomination or proposal are strongly encouraged to chat with the Festival team before completing the form(s). If you’re interested please contact anna.woolman@britishscienceassociation.org

Alternatively you can contact Adam Morris (Engagement Officer) if you would like advice on planning or submitting your application or to discuss ideas.

And finally – a reminder about the upcoming UK Science Festivals Network conference taking place in London on the 19 November. Perfect for anyone working or interested in the science Festival, or wider engagement sector. More information and tickets available here

October 16, 2019

ESRC Festival of Social Science 2019: Upcoming events

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

Bookings for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2019 are open.

This year’s #ESRCFestival events are taking place across Bournemouth and Poole between 2-9 November.

How does social science research influence our social, economic and political lives? How can we use this research to prepare ourselves for the future challenges facing society?

Come and join us for the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2019 to gain a fascinating insight into some of the social science research taking place at Bournemouth University and find out how we’re helping to understand and shape society. The festival is a unique exploration of our society now, and how society may look in the future as we adapt to the various challenges in the world around us.

This year we are exploring a number of different issues through a series of talks, interactive workshops, discussions and exhibitions. These events are aimed at a wide range of audiences to share understanding and spark conversations that can make a difference to society.

Living your best life: positivity for wellbeing

Saturday 2 November: 9:30am -12:30pm

Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG

With a rise in reported mental health issues amongst the general population, it is important to understand how each of us can take steps to develop our own self-awareness and socio-emotional intelligence. In this event we’ll turn the latest social science research into wellbeing tips and self-care strategies you can adopt in our own life, to develop your confidence and a better understanding of your emotional experiences.

Ways of seeing sport coaching violence

Monday 4 November: 6 – 8pm

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Abuse, intimidation and violence in sport and coaching remain a significant global problem. Drawing on academic research and real life accounts of coach-athlete related violence, this event offers sport coaches, practitioners and others interested in this issue a unique and innovative opportunity to engage with research through an arts-based, audio-visual installation. You’ll also be able to chat to the researchers and share your experiences and views on developing positive coaching practice.

Trauma-informed health and social care

Tuesday 5 November: 9am – 4pm

The Shelley Theatre, Beechwood Avenue, Bournemouth, BH5 1LX

Trauma informed care is a new way of supporting the wellbeing of individuals who are experiencing, or have experienced childhood adversity or trauma. Using the World Café format, we will bring together those who work with people in a supportive role, for example teachers, care workers and social workers, to exchange ideas, learn from each other and develop new strategies. We’ll also feature talks from service users and expert practitioners, as well as workshop activities.

Stress and wellbeing in the workplace

Wednesday 6 November: 10am – 4pm

Executive Business Centre, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EB

There is growing recognition that experiencing stress and trauma at work can have a hugely detrimental effect on your wellbeing. This event brings together academic researchers, staff from key agencies and the public to discuss research on stress and workplace trauma, and the best ways of tackling it. There will an opportunity to try out a range of self-care, relaxation and coping techniques as part of the event.

Preparing Gen Z for the global workplace

Wednesday 6 November: 3 – 5:30pm

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

It’s more important than ever that we equip our 21st century learners with the skills they need to thrive in the global workplace. This event, for further education teachers and tutors will teach you how to deliver a suite of workshops developed at Bournemouth University. We will run through the workshops in small interactive groups, and you will be provided with all the materials required to adapt these workshops for your own work with young people.

How we think about pregnancy and childbirth

Friday 8 November: 5:30 – 6:30pm

Poole Hospital, Longfleet Road, Poole BH15 2JB

This event looks at different perspectives on pregnancy – from the social model of pregnancy, which accepts childbirth as a normal event in a woman’s life to the medical model, which portrays childbirth as potentially dangerous to health. We’ll also discuss how understanding key models of pregnancy and childbirth could help politicians, journalists, healthcare professionals, pregnant women and new mothers put issues around ‘normal birth’ into perspective

Influencers for good

Friday 8 November: 6 – 8pm

South Coast Roast, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6EJ

News stories highlight the power of influencers to drive overspending, overconsumption, fast fashion and to erode self-confidence. But is there a better way? Join local influencers and experts from Bournemouth University for a relaxed event with talks and workshops. We’ll talk about how to post responsibly, how to understand your own behaviour and identity, and the power dynamics between influencers and followers. What’s more – we’ll learn how influencers can make the world a better place.

Suicide in the media

Saturday 9 November: 10am – 3pm

Executive Business Centre, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EB

This event will discuss the role of the media in suicide prevention, and the impact it can have on those suffering from bereavement and working in the field of suicide prevention. Join Bournemouth University academic Dr Ann Luce, along with people with experience of suicide, members of the Mental Health Forum, the Wellbeing and Recovery Partnership and the NHS. The event will feature talks and a discussion, with peer counsellors on hand to support you.

Hidden stories of online gamblers

Tuesday 5 November: 7:30 – 9pm and all week, online

Cafe Boscanova, Boscombe BH1 4BP

Visit our virtual exhibition, where we’ll share the diverse stories and voices of those affected by online gambling. Attend our Cafe Scientifique discussion in person or watch online to enjoy talks to discover the artificial intelligence, targeted advertising and behavioural science that keeps gamblers hooked and how you can beat them. Join the conversation by sharing your views and stories on social media.

For more information about any of these events please contact; publicengagement@bournemouth.ac.uk

October 14, 2019

Cafe Scientifique – Tuesday 5 November: Hidden stories of online gamblers

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

Café Scientifique takes place on the first Tuesday evening of the month at Café Boscanova

Enjoy listening to a short talk from our guest speaker before engaging in debate and discussion around that topic.

We’ll be joined by Dr Elvira Bolat & Dr Emily Arden-Close on Tuesday 5 November from 7:30pm until 9pm (doors open at 6:30pm) No need to register, make sure you get there early though as seats fill up fast!

Hidden stories of online gamblers

The stereotype of the problem gambler no longer holds true – digital connectivity means we are all now exposed to online gambling and the risk of addiction. Join researchers from BU to discover how platforms use artificial intelligence, targeted advertising and behavioural science to keep gamblers hooked – and how you can avoid falling prey to these tools.

If you have any questions please do get in touch

Find out more about Café Scientifique and sign up to our mailing list to hear about other research events: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cafe-sci

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

October 9, 2019

Cafe Scientifique – The changing face of crime: how can we improve the recognisability of facial composites?

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

Facial composites are computerised visual likenesses, created by witnesses and victims of crimes, to resemble perpetrators. These images are released to the public in the course of an appeal, in the hope that someone familiar with the offender will report their identification to the police. While facial composites are only constructed in situations where the offender is unfamiliar to the victim and the offence serious, recent statistics show that upwards of 2,500 criminal investigations have made use of these images since 2013.

In this month’s Café Scientifique, Dr Emma Portch discussed how researchers can work collaboratively with forensic practitioners to improve the recognisability of these images. Emma highlighted that researchers can influence three separate stages of the composite construction process: (1) pre-construction cognitive interview techniques, (2) construction mechanics, and (3) post-production display of images.

Do construction systems mimic the way in which humans recognise unfamiliar faces? Emma detailed the difference between feature-based and holistic computerised composite systems. While feature-based systems require the witness to piece together a likeness, by selecting and editing from a database of individual photographed features (e.g. noses and mouths), holistic systems allow the witness to select whole-face representations, with selections bred together to preserve important configural similarities (i.e. the relative distances between features). Emma described how holistic systems better mirror the way in which we recognise faces in everyday life and demonstrated how further enhancement techniques can be used to boost the accuracy of images created this way (e.g. removing or blurring external facial features).

Are facial descriptions detrimental to subsequent facial recognition? Descriptions of the offender’s face are often critical to the process of composite construction and ACPO stipulate that composites should not be created if the witness cannot provide one. However, Emma revealed that providing a detailed facial description can sometimes make it more difficult to recognise when a composite has reached a good level of visual likeness. This so-called verbal overshadowing effect may arise as providing a verbal description of the face instates a suboptimal feature-based processing style, at odds with the holistic style needed to recognise that a composite well-resembles the offender. Emma discussed ways to alleviate verbal overshadowing, specifically focusing on promising results with a newer type of holistic interviewing.

How can we ensure that facial composites are recognised by those familiar with the offender? Composites are a useful investigative tool insofar as they can be identified by officers and members of the public familiar with the offender. Emma outlined the importance of post-production of images prior to media release, describing how different techniques could be used to occlude commonly error-prone regions of the image, and upregulate distinctive and accurate regions, respectively.

Dr Emma Portch reflects on her experience of speaking at Cafe Scientifique: ‘Public engagement is a vital exercise for communicating research findings to those who benefit from it most. The Café Scientifique team organised an excellent event and the attendees keep me on my toes with interesting and insightful questions and discussion’.

The next Café Scientifique will take place at Café Boscanova on Tuesday 5 November from 7:30pm until 9pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

There’s no need to register, make sure you get there early though as seats fill up fast!

Find out more about Café Scientifique and sign up to our mailing list to hear about other research events: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cafe-sci

If you have any questions please do get in touch You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

September 16, 2019

Cafe Scientifique Tuesday 1 October – The changing face of crime: how can we improve the recognisability of facial composites?

BU research, Events, Public engagement ballen

Café Scientifique takes place on the first Tuesday evening of the month at Café Boscanova

Enjoy listening to a short talk from our guest speaker before engaging in debate and discussion around that topic

We’ll be joined by Dr Emma Portch from the Faculty of Science & Technology on Tuesday 1 October from 7:30pm until 9pm (doors open at 6:30pm) No need to register, make sure you get there early though as seats fill up fast!

The changing face of crime: how can we improve the recognisability of facial composites?

Facial composites are computerised visual likenesses, constructed by witnesses and victims of crime, and released via the media in the hope that someone will recognise the constructed individual. While some composites are fairly accurate reconstructions that generate important investigative leads, others appear comical and may detract from the seriousness of the offence (who remembers the Cheshire Cat Burglar?). Join us to explore how psychologists can work with the police to improve the quality of composite images, have a go at recognising ‘celebrity’ composites and test your ability to generate accurate facial descriptions.

If you have any questions please do get in touch

Find out more about Café Scientifique and sign up to our mailing list to hear about other research events: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cafe-sci

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

September 12, 2019

Cafe Scientifique: Eye Tracking as a Window to the Mind

BU research, Events, Knowledge Exchange, Public engagement ballen

The movements of your eyes can reveal a lot about what you’re thinking.

Researchers at Bournemouth University are studying eye movement in order to understand the mental processes behind everyday tasks, such as reading and navigation.

At a packed Cafe Scientifique on Tuesday 3 September, Dr Tim Slattery from the Faculty of Science & Technology here at BU, discussed how eye tracking is already being used and what the future may hold when eye tracking becomes more widespread, even embedded in our personal devices.

Dr Slattery explained how research into eye movement can help us understand mental processes behind everyday tasks, and how movements of your eyes can reveal a lot about what you’re thinking and how you are processing information in the world around you.

The audience were presented with various visual illusions to highlight the fact that our perceptions of the world around us are not 100% accurate. He then described the anatomy of the eye and why we need to move our eyes to better see the objects that capture our attention.

Tim and colleagues gave interactive demonstrations to show what state of the art eye tracking technology is capable of and also discussed how eye tracking is already being used and what the future may hold when eye tracking becomes more widespread, even embedded in our personal devices. In fact, in 2017 Apple purchased SMI (SensoMotoric Instruments) which manufactured eye tracking equipment, and as of this year there is a third party app, Hawkeye which allows users to track their eye movements while looking at newer iphones and the ipad pro. This recent advancement holds both promise for eye tracking research and problems related to personal data protection. The audience was very engaged in a lively debate on these issues.

Follow the link below for access to slides from Dr Tim Slattery’s Cafe Sci talk on Tuesday 3 September:

Eye Tracking as a window to the mind

The next Café Scientifique will take place at Café Boscanova on

Tuesday 1 October from 7:30pm until 9pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

There’s no need to register, make sure you get there early though as seats fill up fast!

Find out more about Café Scientifique and sign up to our mailing list to hear about other research events: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/cafe-sci

If you have any questions please do get in touch

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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