We’re proud of how our research and collaborations make a societal impact and help inform our understanding of events past and present.
This ranges from prominent archaeological projects to wildlife-preserving environmental research and the renowned work of the students and academics in our Faculty of Media & Communication.
Archaeology and environmental research
An example of our work in this area can be found in the groundbreaking BU research published in Science, which resulted in the use of new techniques to confirm the presence of Neanderthals at archaeological sites even when no bones are present. Meanwhile, our involvement in research and course projects such as Building Roman Britain and the Big Dig has unveiled a plethora of valuable discoveries.
In the past year, BU has also been noted for the role played by our archaeologists in the excavation or recovery of artefacts from the 17th century Swash Channel wreck and the original HMS Invincible, which sank in 1758.
Further afield, in collaboration with Bournemouth Natural Sciences Society and Malagasy conservationists, researchers from BU are working to preserve Madagascar’s plants and wildlife. This includes a visit to the island nation to look into the effects of invasive species, working alongside local botanists.
In a similar vein but very different context, fish ecologist Professor Robert Britton recently made invasive species the focus of his inaugural lecture, Aquatic invaders: the truth is out there.
Television and film production
Situated within our Faculty of Media and Communication, the media production company RedBalloon regularly scoops awards for its work in television and video production. And with our facilities, expertise and courses providing a fine grounding, millions worldwide have enjoyed the work of BU alumni in Oscar-winning films such as Ex Machina, as well as Gravity and Interstellar.
Media, journalism and research
Our School of Journalism, English & Communication is the home of the only Centre for Excellence in Media Practice (CEMP) in the UK. Alumni include broadcasters and journalists working across some of the UK’s most renowned media organisations.
An important factor behind this success is the collaboration between BU journalism students, researchers, and other institutions. This includes our work with universities in Nepal and India, which helped the people of Nepal tell their stories as they rebuilt their lives following the earthquake of 2015. Find out more about the Aftershock Nepal project.
