UWE Bristol announce new Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Duku

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UWE Bristol, with Duku, have been successful in securing grant funding from Innovate UK to form a new 24-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

Duku is an innovative and entrepreneurial engineering design consultancy that take client ideas and develop them into full marketable designs. They have recently added in-house product design and development to their design business, developing a new and unique electric vehicle (EV) charging point, which has considerable potential as the only accessible charging point available, that conforms to the new BSI standard for accessible EV charging products.

The project aim is to embed a full commercialisation capability within the business and to exploit innovative in-house designed products. This will enable Duku to directly market their own products and offer a full-service idea-to-market capability for new and existing design consultancy clients.

UWE Bristol academics Dr Mel Smith, Eamonn Condon and Dr Akin Ojolo will be working on the project. Mel Smith will be the lead and is an Associate Professor in Operations Management. Eamonn Condon is a Programme Leader for, and Senior Lecturer in Marketing, and Akin Ojolo is a Senior Lecturer at UWE Bristol Business School.

“Duku is a really dynamic and exciting engineering design consultancy, which has recently had a breakthrough in the design of fully accessible EV charging points. This KTP will be instrumental in helping them commercialise their EV chargers and will also extend their capabilities so they can deliver commercialisation services to their clients. The project will enable the business to grow and enhance the support they offer to their clients and should lead to many more promising innovations being brought successfully to market.”

Mel Smith, Associate Professor in Operations Management

We will soon be welcoming our Strategic Commercialisation Manager (Associate) who will conduct research into the EV market, identify an appropriate sales strategy to bring the product to market successfully and lead a significant change in strategic direction. 

Children’s Voices in a Pandemic: Looking Forwards

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Guest blog post by Dr Sara Williams, Senior Lecturer and Researcher (Environmental Psychology)

Welcome to our blog post, where we share a novel methodology that we designed and implemented in the Arts and Humanities Research Council funded Voices in a Pandemic (Children’s Lockdown Experiences Applied to Recovery) (VIP-Clear) research project. VIP-Clear is a longitudinal project conducted in partnership with schools located in socially disadvantaged areas of Bristol, a city in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a soon to be published paper in the journal, ‘Children and Society’, we report on the final stages of the research process and share a summary of our findings here.  The objective was to explore children’s hopes, ambitions, and the support they envision needing while looking forward to the recovery phase from the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are two main messages in this paper; the first is that children need to be meaningfully included in responses to, and planning for their aspirations in supporting recovery, future emergencies like pandemics, and this means all children – not just those that we hear from often. To achieve this type of engagement, not only does attention need to be paid to the methods used and the recruitment strategies, but those conducting research with children need to be able to create an environment where children are more likely to share their authentic thoughts and feelings. This means that they need to be aware of their positions of power of influence in creating a space where children can tell their stories, not the stories that they think adults want to hear. We designed a child centred 2-stage research activity using a tree metaphor (The Tree(s) of Hope and Ambition) as a means to delve into children’s inner worlds. By using this metaphor, we encouraged children to express their aspirations, reflect on their emotions, and highlight their support needs. The method is a child-centred, arts-based, research method aimed at uncovering children’s visions of their futures, fostering self-reflection, and amplifying their voices within the research community and more widely. The goal was to create an unfiltered platform for children to share their thoughts and experiences with both their peers, those in charge (like teachers and policy makers and researchers).

The second important message is about hope. Unravelling the intricate web of themes that emerged from the children’s narratives, we discovered a tapestry of diversity, intersectionality, and individuality, with themes expanding from the child and their immediate family to broader timescales. Children’s hopes for the future are both diverse and specific. Children have good ideas about the support that they need to achieve these hopes too. We discuss our results in detail in the new paper under 3 main themes. The identified themes encompassed various dimensions, including emotions (concerns and empathy), experiences (events, available resources, skills, and aspirations), and relationships, all of which were intricately linked to the children’s recent encounters with COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Throughout the forthcoming paper, we engage in critical reflection on the positionality of both the children and the researchers involved. We recognize the complexities inherent in designing research methods that prioritize children’s autonomy, agency, and authenticity. It is crucial to navigate these intricacies to ensure that children’s voices are genuinely heard and respected within the research process. By sharing our experiences and findings, we aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on child-centred research methodologies. We invite fellow researchers, educators, and practitioners to explore this innovative approach, adapt it to their contexts, and continue fostering children’s active participation and authentic engagement in research.

Children’s experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic were individual and unique. They deserve to be represented in their own words and listened to, with their contributions acted upon. Examining their hopes for the future can help us learn from experiences and has the potential to inform future planning for pandemics and other global-social emergencies.  Some of the principles and practices are transferable to supporting children through other social shocks, such as climate change.

All the resources and outputs from the project can be accessed on www.vip-clear.org.

The published article can be accessed via the online library.

UWE Bristol announce Knowledge Transfer Partnership with True to Nature

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We are pleased to announce that UWE Bristol and the award-winning independent TV production company True to Nature Limited have been awarded a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) by Innovate UK. 

True to Nature Limited was founded by Dr Wendy Darke, who had an outstanding 25-year career at the BBC Natural History Unit. The company specialises in producing premium and innovative natural history content and TV, including nature, animal character-led, adventure travel, and children’s TV. Wendy is committed to fostering high-performing teams within an organizational culture that values and supports colleagues to collaborate effectively. 

The KTP will be supervised by UWE Bristol academics Fabio D’Agnano, Dr Budi Chandra and Dr Jun Yao. Fabio D’Agnano is a member of the Centre for Print Research undertaking research into digital and smart manufacturing including 3D printing, artificial intelligence and robotics for Art. Fabio brings vital artistic expertise that can complement engineering expertise provided by Dr Budi Chandra and Dr Jun Yao who are both senior lecturers in Aerospace Engineering at UWE Bristol.  They teach subjects related to thermodynamics and fluid dynamics and will lead on exploration and development of technology that can effectively operate in the air and underwater and the embedding of these processes.  Physical testing will include design of parts testing functionality and materials using a water tunnel, high-speed camera and thermal camera for validating the computational prediction.

The KTP will establish True to Nature’s business as a provider of innovative filmmaking by embedding a research and development capability in-house. The project will focus on enhancing existing camera drone stock and creating new devices through 3D printing, software, radio communication, and electronic technology. This will enable the capture of remote, close-up footage of wildlife, providing new and immersive perspectives with the potential for unique air-to-underwater transition shots. 

“We are delighted to be working collaboratively with UWE Bristol academic colleagues from Arts and Technology to develop new cinematography equipment and techniques to help connect audiences with the natural world.” 

Dr Wendy Darke, CEO and Founder True to Nature Limited

We are now recruiting for a KTP associate. KTPs are challenging but hugely rewarding, offering a unique career opportunity to work in industry and academia at the same time. The associate will gain valuable research skills and
real-world experience in industry, helping to shape their future. The associate role allows a recent graduate the opportunity to be embedded within the organisation. We are offering a competitive salary of £30,000-£32,000 and the post will be primarily based in True to Nature’s Clifton office in Bristol.

If you would like an informal discussion about the project and this job opportunity, please contact Fabio D’Agnano email: Fabio.DAgnano@uwe.ac.uk

To access the job description and application form please search job reference R05879 at https://www.uwe.ac.uk/about/jobs 

Application closing date 09/06/2023

Spotlight on Research in the College of Health, Science and Society

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The College of Health, Science and Society (CHSS) brings together experts from all areas of Health, Science and Society.

The College is made up of four schools:

The College has a vibrant research culture organised primarily through research centres, groups and institutes.

Elderly man laughing with friend

Research Centres

Centre for Appearance Research

The Centre for Appearance Research is the world’s largest research group focusing on the role of appearance and body image in people’s lives.

Centre for Health and Clinical Research

Bringing together researchers working in the fields of long-term conditions, palliative and supportive care, and emergency care, to inform knowledge mobilisation across the lifespan.

Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing

Connecting experts from mental health sciences; children and young people; emergency and critical care; public health and wellbeing; health, ethics and society and evaluative research.

Centre for Research in Biosciences

Incorporating world-class research in the fields of biomedicine, plant science, bio-sensing technology and environmental science.

Science Communication Unit

The Science Communication Unit is internationally renowned for its diverse and innovative activities, designed to engage the public with science.

Research Groups

Education and Childhood Research Group

The Education and Childhood Research Group encompasses four strands of research Equity in education; Pedagogy; Childhood, children and young people; and Sustainability in education.

Psychological Sciences Research Group

The Psychological Sciences Research Group conducts applied research that has a positive influence on people and places; at home, in the workplace, and in the wider social environment.

Social Science in the City

The Social Science Research Group is a multidisciplinary, applied research grouping that is dedicated to facilitate a better understanding of the complex social world that we live in.

View of Bristol colourful houses

Institutes and more

Institute of Bio-Sensing Technology

Industry and academia working together to develop novel bio-sensing technologies.

Social Science in the City

Social Science in the City is a free public engagement event addresses important questions about how we might live and work in today’s society.

National Apprenticeship Week 2023: Higher and degree apprenticeships at UWE Bristol – Lauren

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Lauren is currently studying a higher and degree apprenticeship in Clinical Engineering at UWE Bristol.  Here’s what she had to say about higher and degree apprenticeships.

Find out more about our higher and degree apprenticeships.

Question 1: What motivated you to become a higher or degree apprentice?

I really wanted to study at a higher level and achieve a degree, but my circumstances made it difficult for me to afford full-time university study.             

Question 2: What skills have you gained during your apprenticeship which will benefit your career development?

From a workplace perspective, I’ve gained technical and professional skills that will support me as my engineering career progresses.

The University has supported me with scientific writing, presenting, networking, academic knowledge, reflective practice, and lab skills.        

Question 3: What are the top three things you would recommend to someone thinking about becoming a higher or degree apprentice?

A degree apprenticeship offers you a high standard of education and practical skills but it can be challenging to balance work/life/study so I would recommend you:

  • Consider whether your employer and the university are both a good fit for your needs.
  • Brush up on your time management skills and get to know how you learn best before you start your course so that you’re better prepared to manage the workload.

A degree apprenticeship will offer you a competitive edge against other candidates when competing for future vacancies.  You’ll be able to take advantage of the many opportunities presented by the University and professional bodies, and these will help you to decide what you want from your career, to network with others and make yourself more employable.

Question 4: What are your future goals after completing your apprenticeship?

Following my apprenticeship, I would like to further my career and study a master’s degree.

The University has exposed me to lots of potential career paths and I’m now considering pursuing a master’s in scientific communication, although, I’ve always had a deep-rooted interest in completing an MRES in cancer technologies. Which way I go is yet to be decided, but I know I would like to contribute to healthcare research in the future.

Question 5: Tell us a bit about your experience while doing your apprenticeship at UWE Bristol? (E.g. have you overcome any challenges?)

The University has always been very supportive, and I’ve really enjoyed the teaching and content.  I’ve faced some difficulties in my work environment, and I’ve really struggled to find a good balance between my work, study, and personal life, but my course leader and head of department at the university have been really helpful and offered me guidance whenever I’ve needed it.

Want to find out more?

Find out more about our higher and degree apprenticeships and explore the many higher and degree apprenticeship courses on offer with

National Apprenticeship Week 2023: Higher and degree apprenticeships at UWE Bristol

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Ryan from CMS Project Managers and Surveyors talks about the Chartered Surveyor (Quantity Surveyor) higher and degree apprenticeship from an employer’s perspective.  Here’s what he had to say.

Find out more about our higher and degree apprenticeships.

Question 1: What are the main benefits of the apprenticeship programme for your business and the learners?

The candidates get both a degree and chartered status at the end of the apprenticeship, which is important for them. Plus, the company gains a skilled workforce with the chartered status that’s recognised throughout the industry. It also enables the company to keep up to date with what’s taught about the subject academically. This then ensures that we implement this in the work we carry out for clients.”

Question 2: Do you have any advice to other employers considering this?

The five-year duration allows for a cycle to be created. We have one apprentice, who will be sitting his APC in spring next year, and another in the middle of their course. We’ll also be looking for another school leaver soon to enrol on the course to ensure the cycle is maintained. Given the difficulties in attracting and retaining quantity surveying talent, this apprenticeship scheme offers us a fantastic opportunity to generate high-quality, homegrown talent.

Question 3: What led you to sign up for the apprenticeship programme with UWE Bristol and were there any barriers for you as an employer in doing this?

Several of our staff studied at UWE Bristol and the apprenticeship programme offers a fantastic way for students to not only get a degree but also chartered status.   

Question 4: How will apprenticeships shape the future of your business?

They are already shaping the future of our business by progressing into senior roles within the company. This is allowing us to grow as they’re familiar with our systems and processes and have the qualifications to reassure our clients of the high standards we work to.

Want to find out more?

Find out more about our higher and degree apprenticeships and explore the many higher and degree apprenticeship courses on offer with us.

UWE Bristol research project receives award from Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland

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The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has recently awarded a Technical Innovation Award for technology developed by a consortium led by Soil Essentials Ltd, which included the UWE Centre for Machine Vision (CMV).

The awards recognise, showcase and reward the innovations and developments made by the manufacturers, distributers, providers and inventors of the agricultural sector.

Soil Essentials won a Silver award for their SKAi smart camera, which uses artificial intelligence to detect and target the spot spraying of individual weed species. The SKAi camera uses the cloud-based platform (KORE) to transform data, as well as working in conjunction with existing GPS and sprayer systems. It is claimed that the solution can vastly reduce agri-chemical usage up to 90%, increase efficiencies, and reduce costly inputs, alongside its environmental benefits.

“The detection and management of weeds in crops has long been a challenge” said Gregor Welsh of SoilEssentials. “The artificial intelligence we have developed with SKAi means that the detection and targeted spot spraying of individual weed species has now become a viable option”

Director of the Centre for Machine Vision, Professor Melvyn Smith commented: “CMV has been working with Soil Essentials since 2016 on computer vision and machine learning techniques for identifying weeds”. “It is highly rewarding to see this technology starting to have a real impact.”

Online Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing for complex trauma: A feasibility trial of EMDR and AI-EMDR for attachment-informed complexity

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Image: Christine Ramsey-Wade and Beverly Coghlan, Research Officer from EMDR UK, on the left, after a recent site visit.

Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology Christine Ramsey-Wade will be collaborating with EMDR UK to run a pilot feasibility trial, comparing the delivery of two different versions of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) online for people who have complex trauma histories.

EMDR is a well-established psychotherapy which aims to support clients to process adverse or traumatic life experiences, so that they can re-build their lives.

The aim of the study is to test the feasibility of a research study design for a future randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of online Attachment-Informed EMDR and online standard EMDR for clients with attachment-informed complexity.

The primary research question is whether the proposed RCT design would be feasible for a full trial, seeking to test whether an explicitly attachment-informed approach to EMDR is at least as effective as the Standard Protocol in reducing and reprocessing stories of complex trauma. 

The original or Standard Protocol for EMDR set out eight treatment phases: history-taking, preparation, assessment (including exploring cognitions, beliefs and schemas around the event), desensitisation to the trauma, installation of processing, body scan, closure and re-assessment.  Shapiro (2018) set out the 8-phase treatment model clearly in her original EMDR protocol, which will be used for the active control arm of the RCT design under study in this feasibility trial.

As shame can be a barrier to accessing trauma-focused psychotherapy (Cummings and Baumann, 2021), it is important to continue to research trauma-focused therapies that rely less on verbal accounts of traumatic experiences and the cognitions around this to make services as accessible and effective as possible, which is what this feasibility trial sets out to do.

Christine commented:

“I am delighted to be collaborating with EMDR UK, and in particular the East Anglia branch, on this exciting new research project – the first collaboration between UWE Bristol and EMDR UK.  While the evidence base around EMDR is relatively strong, there is a need for further research on online EMDR and on EMDR for complex trauma.  We also need to show that any variations on the standard protocol are at least as effective as the original.  This project will explore how best to research these areas. ”

More information about Christine Ramsey-Wade.

Inaugural “This is Essential Work” exhibition launched

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Picture by Aline Brune, one of the profiled artists from the exhibition.

The “This is Essential Work” project is an online open-access intersectional feminist exhibition initiated by academic mothers and creators, Michal Nahman (UWE Bristol) and Susan Newman (Open University) in response to their experiences and interdisciplinary research on the commodification of breastmilk and forms of exploitation of women’s bodies and labour. The project received over 700 submissions and the online exhibition was recently launched

The exhibition saw work submitted from several countries including the UK, Brazil, Germany, the USA, China, Nigeria, India and more.

The exhibition emerged from research funded by a UWE Vice Chancellor’s Award for Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research conducted just before the Covid-19 pandemic, in Bengaluru, India, into mother’s provision of “excess” breastmilk to a private company that was processing it and selling it at a profit.

The volume of work was both moving and invigorating.

The judging team commented:

“For this exhibition, the art conveys how work and bodies get devalued. This feminist exhibition is about showcasing this gendered work: to acknowledge, to grieve, and importantly, to connect with one another.

We are showcasing mother/artists who question the value that society puts on their work, including all kinds of labour. The list of our Essential Work is endless and it holds up the world.”

View the online exhibition.

UWE Bristol researchers develop new method to detect date rape drug in drinks

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UWE Bristol Researchers have developed a smartphone-based sensor for the determination of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB); a popular recreational drug. Its strong sedative and amnesic effects have led to drug-facilitated sexual assaults, poisonings, overdose, and even death, something widely reported in the news amidst a recent rise in cases of drink spiking incidents.

As a result, legislation has restricted its availability, leading to GHB consumers switching to its pro-drug, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). A pro-drug is a medication or compound that, after administration, is metabolised into a pharmacologically active drug. There is a growing need for methods capable of determining GBL in complex samples such as beverages. It was shown possible to quantify both, GBL and GHB, using the camera of a smartphone to record images of the purple colour developed following simple chemistry.

A downloadable free App available from the Apple App Store (Color picker and helper, version 1.1.6) was used to extract the numerical values of the Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) colour components of the purple colour.  Using these values, it was possible to determine the concentration of the drugs present in fortified lager samples; indicating the method holds promise for the determination of both GBL and GHB in such drinks.

The findings were recently published in a paper:  Procida, A., & Honeychurch, K. C. (2022). Smartphone-based colorimetric determination of gamma-butyrolactone and gamma-hydroxybutyrate in alcoholic beverage samples. Journal of Forensic Sciences.

Copies are available via the UWE Repository at: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9282890

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