BU Research Blog

The 2013 BU Studentships internal competition will be launched next term with opportunities for up to 40 matched funded PhD projects. As in previous years, the studentships will be awarded to supervisory teams on the basis of a competitive process across the whole of BU. In selecting proposals for funding, emphasis will be placed on the excellence of the research and quality of proposal in the first instance. Strategic fit with REF, societal impact and opportunity for public engagement will also be assessed.

To support academics in seeking matched funding and in preparation of their project proposals, the Graduate School will be running a series of events over the next few months, starting with two project proposal writing workshops facilitated by John Wakeford from the Missenden Centre.

There will be two workshops on Tuesday 24th July (am and pm) to help Supervisors to develop and strengthen their project proposal applications to the internal competition. Peter Delgado (RDU Commercialisation and KTP Officer) will also be available to provide advice and support in securing matched funding.  Participants should have some initial proposal ideas in preparation to focus discussion on the day.

Tuesday 24th July, Morning Session (09:00-13:30) – Venue tbc (Draft Agenda)

09:00 Arrival & Coffee

09:15 Studentship Proposal Writing Workshop (part I) – John Wakeford

• Agenda sharing (participant introductions and identifying concerns and priorities to be covered).
• Reviewing good research bid.
• What to do before applying.
• Writing a good application.

10:45 Institutional Context (information on the BU PhD Studentship Competition 2013 and the support of the Graduate School) – Professor Tiantian Zhang

11:00 Coffee Break

11:15 Studentship Proposal Writing Workshop (part II) – John Wakeford

• Advising colleagues on draft applications.
• Plenary feedback.
• Questions and discussion.
• Reflecting after having an application turned down.
• Action planning: individual participants draw up plans for progressing own research.
• Participants make suggestions to the university to help those bidding for funds.

12:30 Lunch

13:00 Engaging Matched Funders – Peter Delgado

13:30 Close

Tuesday 24th July, Afternoon Session (12:30 – 17:00) – Venue tbc (Draft Agenda)

12:30 Arrival & Lunch

13:00 Engaging Matched Funders – Peter Delgado

13:30 Studentship Context incl 2013 Competition – Professor Tiantian Zhang

13:45 Studentship Proposal Writing Workshop (part I) – John Wakeford

• Agenda sharing (participant introductions and identifying concerns and priorities to be covered).
• Reviewing good research bid.
• What to do before applying.
• Writing a good application.

15:15 Tea Break

15:30 Studentship Proposal Writing Workshop (part II) – John Wakeford

• Advising colleagues on draft applications.
• Plenary feedback.
• Questions and discussion.
• Reflecting after having an application turned down.
• Action planning: individual participants draw up plans for progressing own research.
• Participants make suggestions to the university to help those bidding for funds.

17:00 Close

Similar sessions have been very well attended previously and spaces are limited. To book a place on either session, please email the Graduate School (graduateschool@bournemouth.ac.uk).