We're sharing the best of BU through a series of free online public lectures.
Our 2022-23 series explored sustainability in a cost of living crisis, innovative orthopaedic research, the historical role of women in journalism and the story of Stonehenge.
Our 2021-22 lectures covered everything from ageing well to the Great British seaside, the wildlife of Poole Harbour, supporting LGBTQ+ communities, the future of our region, and how our ancient ancestors responded to environmental change. You can watch the recordings of these events below.
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Catch up on previous events in the series
Secrets of Stonehenge
Thursday 18 May
It had long been thought that the famous site of Stonehenge served as an ancient calendar, given its alignment with the solstices. Now, research has identified how it may have worked.
New finds about the stone circle’s history, along with analysis of other ancient calendar systems, prompted Bournemouth University prehistorian Professor Timothy Darvill to take a fresh look at Stonehenge. He identified a solar calendar in their layout, suggesting they served as a physical representation of the year that helped the ancient inhabitants of Wiltshire keep track of the days, weeks, and months.
Watch the recording:
Pioneering women at the BBC
Thursday 23 March
For more than a century, the BBC has been a fixture of British cultural life. Few people are aware, however, of the key role played by women in its earliest days.
From pioneering female producers through to the engineers, broadcasters and managers who carried the BBC through the Second World War and beyond, we explore how women rose with difficulty to the very top of this male-dominated corporation.
Dr Kate Terkanian and Dr Kate Murphy shared stories uncovered by their research into women in the BBC, from the 1920s up to the 1950s.
Watch the recording:
Improving recovery from surgery
24 January 2023
Over 200,000 knee and hip replacements are undertaken every year in the UK. With an aging population and an NHS backlog, it’s more important than ever to ensure these elective surgeries are done as safely and effectively as possible.
In this event, we heard from physiotherapist Professor Tom Wainwright and practising surgeon Professor Rob Middleton, from Bournemouth’s Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI) who have been exploring ways to better prepare people for surgery and enhance their recovery.
Their techniques have been adopted by healthcare organisations across the world, and have reduced the amount of time patients spend in hospital , as well as reducing complications and readmissions, particularly in older patients.
The team are now turning their attention to the surgery itself to get the best possible outcomes, including pioneering the use of robotic surgery in hip and knee replacements, as well as ways to ensure patients can return to normal life.
Watch the recording:
Sustainability in a cost of living crisis
21 November 2022
The current cost of living crisis has seen many people cut back on sustainable practices and products, opting for cheaper, less sustainable alternatives.
Alongside this, non-renewable energy production methods such as fracking are being revisited as a means to provide energy security. Are these sensible short-term measures or major steps backwards?
What does it actually mean for a business to be ‘sustainable’ and is it a practical goal in today’s economic climate?
Dr Mili Shrivastava, co-founder of the Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations at BU and Professor Rick Stafford, Professor of Marine Biology and Conservation, explored these and other questions, as we looked at whether we need to balance economic prosperity against protecting our environment, or if the two can develop together.
Watch the recording:
Catch up on last year's events
Building back better: what next for Dorset?
Thursday 7 July 2022
Professor Nigel Jump and Dr Shelley Thompson were joined by representatives from Poole Business Improvement District and Dorset Chamber to discuss the key issues facing our region in a panel discussion, covering topics including skills and employment, post-pandemic recovery and the future of the high street.
Watch the recording of the event:
Listening to seldom heard voices
Wednesday 1 June
This event took place during Pride month to share how Bournemouth University is challenging marginalisation and working with communities who are often under-represented.
At this event, Dr Christopher Pullen and Dr Ieuan Franklin spoke about their work understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ refugees and how best to support them.
Dr Jayne Caudwell shared her project looking into the challenges and benefits of swimming sessions for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming participants.
Watch the recording of the event:
Learning from the past: how humans have adapted to crisis
Thursday 12 May 2022
Climate change, species extinction, flooding - humanity was facing all these threats to survival thousands of years ago.
Discover the powerful messages from the past being revealed by BU's archaeology and palaeontology researchers - and what they might tell us about how to deal with the crises of the 21st century.
Principal Academic Dr Sally Reynolds spoke about her work exploring fossil footprints in White Sands National Park and what they can tell us about human migration and the hunting of megafauna, such as giant sloth.
Lecturer in Archaeological & Palaeoenvironmental Modelling Dr Philip Riris discussed how ancient humans adapted to changes in their climate and environment.
Watch the recording of the event:
The Secret Life of Poole Harbour
Tuesday 26 April 2022
The second largest natural harbour in the world, Poole plays host to a fascinating array of wildlife. This event explored how Bournemouth University is helping to protect these creatures and their habitats, both above and below the water.
Professor Roger Herbert spoke about using artificial reefs and rockpools to provide habitats for marine life and increase biodiversity, and Professor Richard Stillman discussed his work balancing coastal bird conservation with human development.
Watch the recording of the event:
Beside the seaside: the past, present and future of the Great British seaside
Thursday 24 March 2022
'Staycations' are more popular than ever, with restrictions on foreign travel throughout the Covid-19 pandemic meaning more holidaymakers chose to stay in the country and visit British resorts.
But what does the future hold for the Great British seaside, and how have seaside resorts adapted over the years?
Dr Anya Chapman, Dr Duncan Light, Dr Tim Gale and Dr Sam Goodman explored the heritage of British resorts, their heyday and decline, regeneration and the changing uses of our seaside spaces.
Watch the recording of the event:
Living better for longer
Thursday 17 February 2022
As we get older, it becomes more important than ever that we find ways to keep our minds and bodies fit and well, whether that be through exercise, good nutrition or learning new skills.
Professor Jane Murphy, Dr Sophia Amenyah, Dr Samuel Nyman and Professor Ann Hemingway shared some of the ways in which Bournemouth University is supporting people to live better, healthier lives, and age well.
The event also featured a live Tai Chi demonstration by qualified instructor Michael Acton.
Watch the recording of the event: