Bournemouth University students have brought TEDx back to campus for the first time in more than a decade, hosting a sold-out TEDx Bournemouth University event that showcased student talent, research, and ideas for a global stage.
Led by students and supported by Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU) and university staff, the independently organised TEDx event welcomed 100 attendees from across the university and local community, with talks livestream covered by a student-run production team.
The event was organised by Jeffery Ononiwu, Vice President of the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University and official TEDx licence holder, who said the initiative was driven by a simple goal: “to put BU students on the map.”
According to Jeffery who is a student at the Media school, Bournemouth University is a home for exceptional talents, and ideas, and “TEDx is a global platform for ideas worth spreading”. “We wanted Bournemouth University students to have a globally recognised stage and visibility as speakers anywhere in the world and to prove what our students are capable of when given the opportunity.”
More than 65 students volunteered across event management, communications, design and live production, with many from the university’s Media School running the full livestream and technical coverage. Students also took to the stage as speakers, sharing research, lived experiences and creative ideas.
The sold-out event featured speakers selected from more than one hundred applicants and explored the theme ‘Disconnected in a Connected World’, with talks ranging from artificial intelligence and storytelling to indigenous knowledge, climate adaptation, loneliness, architecture and the power of action.
Speakers included Bournemouth University students, lecturers, researchers, and external professionals, reflecting the breadth of talent across the institution and beyond.
The President of SUBU, Esther Isaiah, said, “Supporting the TEDx Bournemouth University event perfectly reflects our commitment to empowering students beyond the classroom.”
Organisers, and student attendees hope the event will now become a regular fixture, creating ongoing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while amplifying Bournemouth University’s voice on a global stage.
