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Progress Report 2026

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026 The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) are a blueprint for creating a more sustainable future, addressing the greatest challenges facing humanity and our environment. We are proud to have ranked 101-200th in the world out of 1,603 universities, and 17th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026. This achievement is a recognition of our commitment and efforts to drive action for the UN SDGs across our institution, though we know there is so much more to be done. This is our fourth annual report which aims to summarise some of the work and actions we have undertaken prior to April 2026 towards the UN SDGs. Any data given in this report is for the academic year 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025. The percentage alignment of programmes to the SDGs is reported for the teaching delivered in 25/26 academic year. Organised into four sections: education, research, public engagement, and operations, this report is a celebration of the hard work of our students, staff, and community, and we hope it will inspire further commitment, collaboration, and action so that together we can even faster realise the blueprint of the UN SDGs.

The images of our students and staff on the next page proudly celebrating SDG Flag Day serve as clear evidence of our collective commitment at BU to driving positive change and advancing sustainability on campus and beyond.

The approach we take At BU, we understand that sustainability is all about collaboration, which is why we are trying to bring together our research, education and professional practice. By pulling together people, ideas, knowledge, and resources from across the entire BU community, we are establishing ourselves as an innovative university with a different approach to solving the challenges of the modern world. It is understandable then, that the UN Sustainable Development Goals align with the values and beliefs that BU has held for many years. Our work is helping people to live better for longer. We help to protect and preserve a sustainable environment. This report is a demonstration of how we have aligned our work to the UN SDGs across the university, so you can see that we are serious about delivering on our values and using our unique position in society for driving positive change.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

End poverty in all its forms everywhere Education MSc Disaster Management

Social Work

This MSc Disaster Management course provides students with an understanding of how to develop disaster management plans and frameworks, manage both natural and man-made disasters and support humanitarian operations. It provides awareness and knowledge of the public health and economic implications, including increased poverty, disasters and how to mitigate these.

The BA (Hons) Social Work and MA Social Work courses provide students with both an academic qualification, and a professional qualification. Students explore the nature and impact of possible causes of social exclusion and discrimination, relevant law and social policy, and the meaning of social justice in relation to the role of social workers working in complex and diverse contexts.

Led by BU’s Disaster Management Centre (BUDMC), it helps communities to build resilience, especially of those in vulnerable situations, and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.

Crucially, people with lived experience are actively and meaningfully involved in all aspects of these courses through the Public Involvement in Education and Research (PIER) partnership.

This course is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB business accreditation demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching, research, curriculum development, and learner success.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

53%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

9TH

in the UK

80.0

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Our Public Involvement in Education and Research (PIER) partnership

Understanding social work through global conversations

The PIER partnership is a collaboration between people with lived experience, community partners, academics and students at BU, working together to ensure that those most affected by health and social inequalities are at the forefront of shaping responses and improving outcomes.

Sharing best practice around community and inclusive research is part of how PIER are working to enhance their approach to social work.

During 2024/25, PIER collaborated with 66 external partners, 78 community members with lived experience, and 1,437 students to deliver a range of activities such as co-delivering workshops, creating digital resources, and writing research funding applications. This year, £2,076,111.39 of research income was generated through the PIER partnership. Read more in the PIER Annual Report 2024/25.

Throughout 2024/25, PIER Officer Pete Atkins established and supported a collaboration between the BU PIER and the equivalent at Western Norway University of Applied Science to explore how social work and welfare systems work from an international perspective. This collaboration will help our students to reflect on cultural differences and build confidence in communication when faced with different life experiences.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Student Financial Support BU offer various types of financial support funding to our students, in addition to a range of bursaries, undergraduate scholarships and postgraduate scholarships. These include:

Maintenance Bursaries

2,139

students supported in 2024/25

We continue to provide financial awareness and education to students with the help of external partners. We support students to access their funding from Student Finance and maximise their financial entitlement. We also help students with travel needs who do not have funds, to ensure they can get onto campus or placement, either by bus or through fuel vouchers.

£2,424,409

provided to students as financial support

BU Laptop Support Fund

152

students supported in 2024/25 BU Financial Support Fund Awards

494

students supported in 2024/25 BU Care Leavers Bursary

students supported in 2024/25 Placement Opportunity Fund

students supported in 2024/25 Food vouchers

students supported in 2024/25 International Emergency Fund

students supported in 2024/25

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

SUBU Advice The Students Union Advice Centre is a confidential service where students can go to understand their rights, options, and next steps to resolve their issues, including financial advice. Through SUBU Advice, students can access small emergency grants, food parcels, budgeting and money management tips, and other forms of financial support. More than 1,680 students were supported by SUBU Advice this year. One client said, “SUBU Advice made a difficult time much less overwhelming with the support and advice available. They are a credit to Bournemouth University”.

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Supporting local homelessness initiatives BU is supporting Homewards, a five-year Royal Foundation project launched by Prince William in 2023 to end homelessness across six UK locations, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP). The work in BCP focuses on youth homelessness and reshaping public perceptions. Led by Professor Mel Hughes, BU academics are also working with Homewards, Shelter, and local school Bourne Academy to evaluate school-based homelessness interventions. Head of External Engagement, Ian Jones, said, “As one of the largest organisations in BCP, we have a responsibility to support our region in any way we can. We are delighted to be partnering with Homewards and local organisations to put our own resources and expertise behind this important national initiative to end homelessness.”

Collaborating with people and communities The BU PIER partnership are well positioned to influence and enhance public and community involvement across the region. Multiple high-impact projects continued to run throughout 2024/25. For example, Age Friendly Communities is a framework built on the evidence of what supports health and active ageing in a place. The Wessex Sharing Practice for Involvement in Research and Engagement (SPIRE) project provides a supportive and confidential space for professionals to share best practice. The Dorset Engagement Leads Network brings together the voices of people and communities to inform research innovation and service development.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

End hunger, achieve food security and promote sustainable agriculture

Education MSc Nutrition & Behaviour

MSc Public Health

Accredited by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), the MSc Nutrition & Behaviour course is the first of its kind in the UK to explore the bi-directional impact of nutrition on behaviour and the brain, and the impact of behaviour on diet.

Our MSc Public Health course reflects on local, national and international public health agendas, focusing on community development, environment, health promotion, and reducing inequalities.

This course enables students to discover the role of nutrition in topics such as food promotion, prevention of diet-related disease, and the role of diet in normal ageing and agerelated conditions. Students also have the opportunity to put learning into a professional context within the healthcare, community, or private sector.

Students learn about epidemiology and critical evaluation techniques to identify what influences the health of national and international populations, and to formulate their own health solutions. This course also attracts students from across the world, allowing students to share experiences and gain perspectives.

BU MSc Nutrition & Behaviour student Sara Dzwonowska said “This course has helped me develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between nutrition, the brain, and behaviour. Relocating to a new city to study such a unique course has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I hope to continue working in research and public health, promoting healthy brain ageing and long-term well-being”.

BU MSc Public Health graduate, Chiebere Ogbuneke, said “My degree increased my knowledge in the fields of health promotion and partnership building, as well as giving me practical public health experience. This equipped me with the skills to open an NGO (the Dolphin Family Foundation) in Nigeria”.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

43%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

8TH

in the UK

85.2

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Sustainable Communities to Transform the UK Food System Dr Stephen Axon, Lecturer in Sustainability, and BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation graduate Jessi Candau conducted a series of interviews with local organisers of sustainable community practices in Bournemouth to assess how these practices can contribute to a localised sustainable food system. They found that community initiatives are effective in fostering unity, shared responsibility, and social cohesion within communities. This places priority on environmental conservation and building local resilience, thus presenting a viable model for greening the UK food system while reducing carbon emissions. They conclude with a recommendation for greater collaboration and coordination among stakeholders involved in sustainable community initiatives, including local councils, governmental bodies, non-profit organisations, and community members.

Operations Bean Week In support of the global campaign ‘World Pulses Day’, BU students joined forces with academics with expertise in psychology, nutrition and consumer behaviour, the Sustainability Team, and our catering provider Chartwells to run BU’s first ever ‘Bean Week’ to promote the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating beans. Throughout the week, students studying MSc Nutrition & Behaviour, BSc Nutrition and BSc Psychology handed out free samples of bean dishes for our students and staff to try while running a social media campaign highlighting students’ favourite bean dishes from across the world. The Bean Week also featured a special bean menu in our main catering outlet, which provided an opportunity to conduct research into eating behaviours. BU student, Miranda Gutierrez, said “Co-creating the Bean Week social media campaign was such a joy! A little bean powered positivity can go a long way in inspiring healthier, more sustainable choices.”

Read the full article here.

Watercress BU academics have been working with the Watercress Company, based in Dorchester in Dorset, to develop accessible and affordable food prototypes of watercress pesto and watercress soup, with the aim of future commercialisation. These products will contribute to reducing food waste produced on the farm, and help to distribute this nutrient-dense, versatile and sustainable vegetable to a wider population. Dr Sumanto Haldar, BU Lecturer in Nutrition Science, said “This is a model that can be rolled out in farms across UK and the globe to valorise surplus farm produce to improve food security and produce high value, minimally processed foods and nutritional ingredients”.

25.67

tonnes of food waste was sent for anaerobic digestion in 2024/25

1.63

tonnes of food waste was composted on campus using our rotating composter

507

meals saved through the food sharing scheme Too Good To Go

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Student-led meal planning workshops

The SUBU Community Garden continues to grow

BU students from the SUBU Nutrition Society have teamed up with the SUBU Advice team to deliver a series of peer-topeer workshops for students looking to build practical skills in meal planning and nutrition.

Our Students’ Union Community Garden has developed into a vibrant hub for students to come together to volunteer, learn new green skills, and spend time outdoors connecting with nature.

These interactive sessions give students the opportunity to learn about what makes a balanced meal, nutrition facts, and how to plan meals and manage budgets; empowering them to develop sustainable, long-term healthy habits.

In 2024/25, they harvested a total of 130kg of fresh, chemical-free fruit and vegetables over the spring and summer period; all of which was used to supply the SUBU Community Kitchen. This year, student volunteers at the garden have started using the compost we generate on-site in our rotating composter, to enrich the soil in the garden with nutrients. This is a fantastic circular example of how we are transforming the food waste produced through catering operations into a valuable resource. Read more about how to get involved in the Community Garden here.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Education School of Allied Health & Exercise Sciences

School of Health & Care

Our School of Allied Health & Exercise Sciences aims to empower BU graduates to shape the future of sustainable healthcare, rehabilitation, nutrition, and performance.

BU’s School of Health & Care integrates education, research, and professional practice across Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, and Public Health to effectively prepare our graduates to be compassionate, capable professionals, ready to respond to the changing landscape of health and social care.

The learning experience is grounded in real-world application and enriched by exciting placement opportunities, with high-quality support from BU staff with expertise spanning across teaching, research, entrepreneurship and innovation, with specialisms in Medical Imaging, Occupational Therapy, Orthopaedics, Operating Department Practice, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Exercise, and Sport.

Within this School we offer Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) approved degree programmes in Midwifery and Nursing (Adult, Children & Young People’s, and Mental Health), alongside Social Work programmes supported by the National Centre for Cross Disciplinary Social Work. Our strong partnerships with healthcare providers, local authorities, and service users help us to ensure our activities are informed by current practice and shaped by our local communities.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

82%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

7TH

in the UK

81.6

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research BU research informs Government’s new Women’s Health Strategy Bringing together experts in midwifery, social care, and digital technologies, BU’s Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health have made a series of contributions to the Government’s new Women’s Health Strategy, which sets out a plan for improving women’s healthcare over the next 10 years. BU are a founding member of the NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium, which aims to improve pregnancy care for marginalised communities, and BU research was used to inform the Squeezy app, which helps women to manage pelvic floor dysfunction. The centre has also collaborated with Dorset Women CIC to develop the Dorset Women’s Health Programme website, enhancing health literacy among women across the region. Read more about how BU are supporting women’s health on our website.

Walking and social programme launched for people recovering from joint replacements BU’s Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI) have collaborated with BH Live to launch the Joint Steps initiative, a free exercise and social programme for individuals who have recently had a hip or knee joint replacement. With over 100 hip and knee replacements taking place each month in the BCP region, this initiative offers a simple and accessible approach to supporting physical and mental wellbeing, improving balance and general mobility, as well as being a fun and social activity. Professor Tom Wainwright at ORI said, “I’ve seen firsthand how regular physical activity and group-based exercise can improve recovery after joint replacement surgery. Walking groups like this can provide a safe and supportive environment to build confidence and mobility which are key factors in long-term recovery.”

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public engagement and outreach Working in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) Our long-standing partnership with the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust - recognised by the Trusts’ university status - benefits both organisations through research collaboration, placement support, and recruitment and training opportunities. BU students from across healthcare disciplines undertake placements at hospitals in our region, giving them the chance to put their learning into practice with support and guidance from a mentor or practice supervisor.

Shifting care from hospitals to communities BU Professor of Social Work, Mel Hughes was invited to take part in a panel discussion in parliament alongside other experts to discuss strategies for the Government’s ten-year health plan to deliver more high-quality health and social care at the community level. Professor Hughes highlighted the need to involve communities who are most affected by health inequalities in creating solutions. You can read more about BU’s work to advance health and social care practices in the BU PIER Annual Report 2024/25.

Practice: Operations Health, sexual health, and well-being support Our physical and mental health support services on campus are available to all BU students and staff. These include the Student Wellbeing Service, the Medical Centre, ResLifeBU, Faith & Reflection, and an A-Z list on well-being resources. BU staff have access to a free and confidential support service via the Employee Assistance Programme. Sexual and reproductive healthcare services are available to all students free via the NHS. We also support teams on campus from the Student Medical Centre and Student Wellbeing to SUBU Advice. The Dorset Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service (STARS) run weekly drop-in sessions.

BU awarded first place for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support The Whatuni Student Choice Awards are annual UK university awards judged entirely by students. This win recognises BU’s ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive and health-focused environment for our students, and the immense impact of The University Retreat on Talbot Campus, run in collaboration with Bournemouth Churches Housing Association. Listen to what the judges had to say in this Whatuni video. Andy Squire, CEO at the Students’ Union (SUBU) and SUBU President, Esther Isaiah, said: “What makes this recognition even more special is that it has come directly from student feedback. We are so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts on SUBU.”

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Sport for health and wellbeing SportBU offer a huge variety of activities to get involved in to support student and staff well-being, including our on-campus gym, fitness classes, and sports clubs. Our sports site, Chapel Gate, is a 65-acre sports facility and home to a variety of sports including American football, rugby, hockey, cricket, football, squash, table tennis, archery and rifle shooting. This space also includes a nature connection area, which offers a space for users to build resilience, teamwork and a further understanding of the natural world.

In 2024/25, for performance sport

519

matches were played Equivalent to

1243

hours of site usage. For campus sport

316

matches were played Equivalent to

499

hours of site usage

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Education Accelerated two-year degrees

PG Certificate in Education Practice

Our new fast-track courses are designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who want to gain their qualifications more quickly and enter the workforce sooner. This degree programme is being offered on two courses; BA (Hons) Communication and Media and BA (Hons) Business & Management. Watch this video to learn more about our accelerated degrees.

This one-year course is designed for those who already teach to develop the knowledge, skills and professional values to enhance their practice as an educator within an ever-changing Higher Education (HE) environment.

Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alison Honour said, “Our new accelerated degrees reflect our commitment to offering flexible, innovative pathways that meet the evolving needs of today’s students. By enabling learners to complete their studies more quickly and enter the workforce sooner, we’re not only enhancing their employability but also responding to the demands of a fast-moving, competitive job market.”

Those enrolled study entirely online, working flexibly with high quality resources and support from expert tutors, and engage with other HE professionals from a range of different disciplines. Heidi Banks, Educator working from the NHS, said “This programme has given me a valuable opportunity to reflect deeply on my work, and has allowed me to live the experience of my own students and sample, first-hand, the huge variety of innovative teaching methods that now feature in our postpandemic world.”

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

83%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

301-400TH in the world

6TH

in the UK

77.9

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Supporting our students to embed sustainability into research practice

Immersive metaverse technologies for education and training in tourism and hospitality

The Sustainability and Postgraduate Research Network (SPROUT) is a growing cross-university initiative in collaboration between Cardiff University and Durham University, led by BU and supported by the Research Culture and Community Grant.

Metaverse learning is an immersive educational approach that combines virtual and physical realities through immersive digital platforms.

SPROUT aims to support postgraduate researchers and early career researchers to embed sustainability into research practices. They focus on identifying practical, real-world decisions researchers make, from research design and travel to food choices and daily research practices. If you would like to join the SPROUT network, contact sprout@bournemouth.ac.uk

BU researchers from the BU Business School have been investigating the perceptions, benefits and challenges of using immersive metaverse learning to enhance tourism and hospitality education and training. They found that while senior academics often show concern over complexity and cost, younger students and early-career academics tend to embrace its experiential benefits. They conclude that metaverse technologies offer opportunities to provide access to high-quality, immersive education, particularly in under-resourced or remote regions, thereby enhancing employability and workforce resilience. Read the full article here.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Academic Skills Hub

Our new Learning Design Team

The Academic Skills Hub is available to all students through our Brightspace VLE to support them to complete their coursework efficiently and with confidence.

The BU Learning Design Team is a community of learning designers, learning technologists and widening participation specialists with a core mission to enhance the learning experience at BU.

The hub offers a variety of digital resources, live workshops, and support for academic writing, critical thinking and analysis, research, referencing, data and statistical skills, presentations, time management, and using AI effectively in coursework.

Together, they aim to drive pedagogical innovation and creativity to support and inspire academics in designing inclusive learning experiences that empower all students and staff to thrive.

Students can also earn digital badges by completing self-access modules on the hub, which can be added to LinkedIn.

The team offer specific advice and guidance on BU’s digital learning and teaching platforms, provide insights and reports to effectively utilise learning analytics, and design and deliver workshops, such as artificial intelligence for learning and teaching, and the use of immersive technologies in teaching.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Partnering with local schools to inspire lifelong learning Our School Liaison team work with students and teachers across primary and secondary schools to deliver a series of events and workshops that showcase the opportunities and benefits of choosing to study at university. The team focus their outreach activity on those living in low participation neighbourhoods, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, young people in care and students with special educational needs. If you would like to arrange a school visit to our BU campus, or for BU to come to visit your school, please contact schoolsliaison@bournemouth.ac.uk.

BU hosts evidence session on health education and training BU hosted an evidence session for a national inquiry into health education and training, led by the Higher Education Commission and the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group. This inquiry is focussing on how UK education systems can better support NHS workforce recruitment, retention and development in line with the NHS 10-year workforce plans. The session brought together experts from healthcare, education and policy to discuss regional delivery, partnerships, and improving access to NHS careers. Key themes included tackling inequalities, strengthening collaboration between education and healthcare, and adopting regional approaches to workforce challenges. Read more about what was discussed on our website. Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at BU, who chaired this session, said “I was so proud of our students who actively engaged and shared their own experiences of education and some of the issues they have faced. We want to work alongside our regional healthcare partners to deliver for this region, and I am pleased that our staff and students, alongside partners and health organisations, have been able to contribute to this valuable discussion.”

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls Education BSc Midwifery

BA Sociology

Accredited by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, our BSc Midwifery places strong emphasis on women-centred care. Offering an equal balance of theory and practice, delivered by experienced and knowledgeable registered midwives and other healthcare practitioners, this course is designed to empower students to support women as they bring new life into the world.

Sociology has become incredibly relevant in our contemporary world and, as a result, the number and range of possible job opportunities has increased significantly.

Our new Portsmouth Midwifery Campus is equipped with the latest equipment and facilities, including skills rooms and midwifery training equipment, to support and enhance the student experience and give students all they need to succeed in their future careers.

In their final year of study, students explore gender as a socially constructed and historically variable aspect of societies, past and present.

Our BA Sociology course offers students the opportunity to learn about global perspectives and societies from across the world, from experts in sociology, anthropology and criminology.

Find out more about what it’s like to study midwifery at BU with this free taster course.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

83%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

17TH

in the world

9TH

in the UK

84.6

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Gender Pay Gap

Athena SWAN

BU is committed to providing equal pay for work of equal value for all our employees.

BU are proud to have held the Athena SWAN Bronze Award since 2015. This award is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring a fair, inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff.

To achieve this aim and support development, progression and achievement for all, we continue to implement our Gender Pay Gap Action Plan. This includes taking action to attract female talent and mitigating bias in the hiring process, targeting investment in women’s career development, fostering a working environment where women can thrive, and championing gender equality at a department/faculty level. Our gender pay gap report measures differences between the average earnings of men and women who work at BU. In 2025, the gender pay gap was at the lowest level since we started reporting in 2017, showing steady progress. You explore further gender pay gap statistics on our website.

Using the Athena Swan Charter, the Athena Swan Principles, and our own data, we have developed a comprehensive action plan that identifies local gender equality priorities. Our goal moving forward is for all departments across BU to achieve the Award. This work is overseen by our Athena Swan Steering Committee, departmental leads, and our Athena Swan Forum, which is open to all interested in gender equality at BU.

Mean gender pay gap

12.2% 13.4% 14.9% in 2025

in 2024

in 2023

Median gender pay gap

10.8% 13.7% 15.8% in 2025

in 2024

in 2023

Research Advancing Gender Equality in Higher Education Dr Anthony Ezenwa, Lecturer in Business and Management at BU, has collaborated with academics from the University of Port Harcourt (UPH) in Nigeria to address gender disparities in higher education institutions (HEIs). This project is funded by the British Council’s Gender Equality Partnerships Grant. This work will focus on the development of a Gender Equality Policy for UPH, which aims to address challenges in leadership representation, gender-based violence, student enrolment, work-life balance, and access to opportunities. Dr Ezenwa said, “The findings will not only benefit UPH but also serve as a model for ensuring gender equality and inclusivity are integrated into HEIs in other developing societies, particularly in the Global South”.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Women’s Academic Network The BU Women’s Academic Network (WAN) is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that champions the success and well-being of women in academia. The network aims to empower women through connection, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, while advocating for gender equity across all areas of academic life.

Advance HE Aurora Programme The Aurora Programme is a leadership development initiative for women, designed to support and empower women in higher education with their career development. This opportunity is open to all women at BU in professional services or academic roles, in grades 4 up to grade 8 who are looking to advance their career. It is especially suitable for those with little or no experience in management and leadership. A total of 45 women at BU have been supported through the Aurora programme over the past two academic years. One Aurora 2024/25 Alumni said, “A high-quality programme. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have benefited in tangible ways within my role”.

Join the Womxn in Business Society The Students’ Union Womxn in Business Society is a student-led society for ambitious women at BU, who are thinking of stepping into the world of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, or professional spaces during or after university. Placing inclusion and empowerment at the heart of everything they do, the society run a series of events throughout the year designed to support women’s professional development, including career panels, CV and LinkedIn workshops, networking evenings, and social events.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Celebrating International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, and a call to accelerate gender equality. Each March, BU marks the occasion by celebrating women’s achievements across the university and promoting the importance of listening, challenging bias, and supporting one another. This year, staff were encouraged to take part by completing our new micro-learning module, Gender Equality at Work, and attending the online event Playing Big in Work and Life: Reclaiming Space, Voice and Impact, which explored strategies for balancing professional demands with personal priorities.

Breaking down the taboo around women’s health Dr Malika Felton, BU Senior Lecturer in Health and Exercise Physiology, has featured in a new episode of the Bristol Girls Can podcast, ‘The Health Gap’, which explores the barriers facing women and girls to becoming and staying active. Dr Felton shared her expert insights on topics that are often treated as taboo, such as periods, pelvic floor health, menopause, exercising during pregnancy, and body changes. By opening up dialogue around these issues, this podcast episode encourages greater confidence, knowledge, and support for women at every stage of life to be physically active. You can listen and watch via Spotify or You Tube. Malika said, “I’ve always believed that everyone can enjoy being physically active and movement - you just have to find your thing.”

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

Education BSc Environmental Science

BSc Geography

Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), our BSc Environmental Science course equips students with the key professional skills such as data analysis and remote sensing, while building a strong foundation in environmental management and sustainability. Watch this video to learn more about the course.

Accredited by the Royal Geography Society, our BSc Geography course examines the natural, social, economic, and political factors that influence our ever-changing world, and supports students to understand ways of managing our environment sustainably and deal with social and environmental conflicts affecting our world.

The final year Freshwater Resource Management unit of this course covers the conservation and management of freshwater resources, sustainable development, and planning policy.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a variety of fieldwork opportunities in stimulating environments, including the World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast, East Devon World Heritage Coast, and the New Forest, and overseas. Dr Phillipa Gillingham, Associate Professor of Biogeography, said “We have a strong emphasis on practical work, and we make the most of our location near the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site”.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

46%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

8TH

in the UK

75.0

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Assessing water quality at Poole Harbour Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan is often contacted by local residents who are concerned about the water quality for swimming in Poole. In response, Duncan-Jordan reached out to Dr Daniel Franklin and Magda Barrow at BU for expert advice about assessing and monitoring the quality of water, and how to test water for pollutants using our labs on our Talbot Campus. Key markers the team are looking for include bacteria or nitrates, which could be signs of waste in the water, or agricultural run-off from surrounding land, all of which could affect the quality of the water. Dr Daniel Franklin said, “We hope that ongoing work in this area will continue to shine a light on the issues and thereby lead to better management and a cleaner and safer harbour.”

Identifying new psychoactive substances in wastewater New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) mimic the effects of the more common illicit drugs like cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis. Being unregulated, these synthetic compounds are often consumed and excreted, or improperly discarded, allowing them to enter aquatic environments through wastewater and sewage. Chair In Bioanalytical Chemistry, Professor Richard Paul from the Faculty of Health, Environmental and Medical Sciences has worked with his team to employ wastewater monitoring systems using high resolution mass spectrometry, to understand population level trends in drug consumption. Read more about the findings from this research.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Our Refill Campus journey: from pledge to practice

Rainwater Harvesting

In 2024, BU became the first certified Refill Campus, committing to reduce single-use plastic across all campus buildings. As part of this commitment, we coated the 45 water refill stations across our campuses with vibrant, eye-catching branding, making them easier for students and staff to spot a refill point and use their reusable water bottles.

Our rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) installed in our Fusion Building, Poole Gateway Building, and Bournemouth Gateway Building are used to supply the toilets instead of treated drinking water. This saves energy whilst also reducing the potential for flooding on campus.

This year, we have built on this campaign by introducing matching Refill Campus signage alongside points of sale for bottled water in our catering outlets. By placing refill messaging at the point of purchase, we aim to encourage students and staff to pause and consider reusable alternatives before buying a plastic water bottle.

To raise awareness of these systems we have on campus, we produced stickers and posters to display in toilet areas to show our students and staff how we are taking action to reduce water usage. In 2024/25, our RWHS’s collected a total of 946,737 litres of rainwater, supplying around 2% of the water used across the whole of BU.

Poole Gateway Building

196,840

litres of rainwater used in 2024/25 Fusion Building

381,397

litres of rainwater used in 2024/25 Bournemouth Gateway Building

368,500

litres of rainwater used in 2024/25

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Environmenstrual Collective The SUBU Environmenstrual Collective is a campaign created by the VP Welfare & Community to promote sustainable sanitary products, contribute to student welfare, and advance gender equality at BU. Free sanitary product stations are now available in toilet areas across Talbot and Lansdowne campuses and our new campus at Portsmouth. Our products are sourced from TOTM, who are B-Corp certified.

BU student contributes to House of Commons report on menstrual health To coincide with International Women’s Day 2026, the Parliamentary Women and Equalities Committee published a report titled Menstrual health of girls and young women to investigate and combat the dismissal of young women’s pain, address systemic failures in healthcare, and shift menstrual health policy. The report included a submission by BU student Susara Blunden, who is currently conducting her MRes research on endometriosis, a condition which affects more women than many people realise.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy Education Sustainability and Renewable Energy Transitions

Engineering Principles

The need to phase out the use of fossil fuels and the development and implementation of green technology has become a major political priority.

‘Engineering Principles’ is a foundational Level 4 unit taught across all our Design & Engineering courses.

This short online course examines the environmental and social impacts of different technologies, to evaluate critically which approaches might truly be considered ‘green’. Key topics covered include motivations for using green technologies, Life Cycle Analysis and Environmental Impact Assessment, energy efficiency of buildings, carbon capture and engineering, and more. Similar short online courses available at BU include Frontiers of Sustainability Science, and Sustainable Development in Practice.

This unit examines the application of core engineering principles for designing components and structures, and strategies for developing reliable solutions. It explores the design principles of solar panels and alternative energies under its two main themes, solid mechanics and thermofluids, covering energy efficiencies and cost benefit ratios through conversion and heat transfer. Industry accreditation underpins many of our Design & Engineering programmes, with strong links with employers, ensuring opportunities for placements and collaboration on real-world challenges.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

54%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

201-300TH in the world

15TH in the UK

78.8

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research OcenGen: pioneering green hydrogen production A team of forward-thinking researchers from BU are breaking new ground in the sustainable energy sector. Founded by PhD researcher Shadeepa Karunarathne, OcenGen focuses on developing next-generation low-cost high-performance electrocatalysts, designed to work under mildly alkaline and seawater conditions, to support green hydrogen production. This approach provides a clear pathway for offshore and coastal applications. Shadeepa said “Our catalyst technology has the potential to revolutionise the green hydrogen sector by reducing material costs and enabling large-scale, sustainable hydrogen generation”.

Exploring the potential for new tidal energy station in Poole Harbour BU’s NanoCorr, Energy and Modelling (NCEM) Research Group have joined forces with LUSH Cosmetics Limited, a British cosmetics retailer headquartered in Poole, to investigate the feasibility of harnessing tidal energy from Poole Harbour. LUSH are co-funding a three-year PhD Studentship for a BU student, which began in January 2025. Over those three years, the student has been tasked with identifying a suitable site within Poole Harbour, gathering the required support and permissions from local authorities, demonstrating that renewable electricity does not need to be an eyesore, and delivering a robust, scalable technological solution that can be replicated at additional sites.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Increasing our output of renewable energy from solar energy We now have 11 arrays which gives us an installed peak capacity of 788kW, with a total of 2152 solar panels across Talbot and Lansdowne campuses. This year, we were able to generate 8% of our total electricity from these solar panels, which is a 1% increase from last year. The amount of electricity we produced on site increased from 629.2 MWh in 2023/24 to 702.7 MWh in 2024/25. It was a sunnier spring and summer which helped us to generate more electricity. You can explore the amount of electricity we are generating with our solar panels in real time on our website.

Our new Air Source Heat Pumps are performing well In 2024, we delivered our first existing building heat decarbonisation project. We replaced 3 end of life gas boilers in Dorset House on our Talbot Campus with 9 Air Source Heat Pumps, which transfer heat energy from the air outside to water storage tanks. This water is then used in the existing heating systems in the building. This project was part funded by the University and part through the UK Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS). Watch this video to find out more. We have been monitoring the systems performance over the 2024/25 heating season, and found the system has resulted in a total reduction of 29.53 tCO₂e. This is inclusive of the electric and solar PV generation for the building. The emissions saved from the removal of gas alone was 61.79 tCO₂e.

Sustainable IT Our Sustainable IT Group meet quarterly to address sustainable IT issues, maximise opportunities and support the delivery of the Sustainable IT Policy. Current data suggests that metered BU data centres and comms rooms are responsible for 10% of our total electricity use. Our goal is to achieve a 15% reduction in power consumption of IT equipment in data centres each year to 2025/26. Data for 2024/25 shows that we are making progress towards this target. Our data centre in Jurassic House consumed 9.7% less electricity than the previous year, and Studland House consumed 1.2% less. This positive result is down to technological improvements and consolidation of equipment by our IT services team.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach BU joined the Coastal Energy Partnership The Coastal Energy Partnership has launched in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with the aim of working together to attract new funding, reduce emissions, and promote the region as an area of opportunity for energy and sustainability projects. BU’s Head of Sustainability & Workplace, Lois Betts signed the Charter on behalf of BU and said, “We are proud to stand alongside colleagues in our region to do more to make a positive contribution to our local environment. We are so lucky to be surrounded by the coastal and natural beauty around us, and it is good to be working together to present a stronger opportunity for the investment which our region needs”.

Our ‘My Climate Action’ webinar series At BU, we want to educate and empower our staff to take action for climate change in their personal lives, as well as on campus. Our new ‘My Climate Action’ webinar series are informal meetings open to all BU staff, where experts within BU share knowledge, guidance, and their own experiences on a specific sustainability topic. Our first event covered energy management at home, which was led by Lois Betts, Dave Archer and Carey Hamilton from the Estates & Facilities team at BU. They spoke about their experiences with solar panels, heat pumps, and top tips on how to save energy at home, as well as the challenges and barriers they faced along the way.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Education Master of Business Administration (MBA)

BA Accounting and Finance

Our MBA course challenges students to develop a global business mindset by building the skills, leadership credentials, and networks needed to lead in our complex, and evolving global economy.

This multi-accredited course is designed to empower students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and practices, equipping them with the analytical skills needed to thrive in the dynamic world of accounting.

In addition to a Master’s degree, MBA graduates benefit from receiving a variety of industry-relevant certifications, including the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) L7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, the Institute of Data & Marketing (IDM) Certificate in Digital and Data-Driven Marketing, and membership with the Business Graduates Association.

In their final year, students have the opportunity to learn how to account and report on environmental topics, with emphasis on both the regulatory and reporting framework needed to account for environmental issues.

BU academic staff are also authorised to deliver Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Certified Training Courses to MBA students, enabling them to gain a competitive advantage by developing expertise in sustainability reporting.

Dr Phyllis Alexander, an Associate Professor in Accounting and Taxation, said “It is gratifying to see sparks of passion in students debating current and proposed environmental tax policies.”

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

82%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

9TH

in the UK

86.0

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Global supply chains from a historical perspective Dr Patrick Neveling, Senior Lecturer in Social Science at BU, centres his research on global supply chains drawing on historical influences, with a focus on the textile and garment industries, the sugar commodity chain, and labour regimes.

One recent example of Patrick’s research is the Historical Materialist Anthropology and The World of Sugar: CrossDisciplinary Research Agendas. This research analyses culture and society by examining the material and economic conditions in which people live. You can access this research here.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations We are a 3-star Fairtrade University Fairtrade is a global movement and certification system that strives to make trade fairer for producers in developing countries. We support this mission at BU, which is why we have been a Fairtrade University since 2006. In 2026, we once again achieved 3-stars in the Fairtrade University and College Award, delivered by the Fairtrade Foundation and SOS-UK. This achievement is a reflection of our continued commitment and progress to stocking Fairtrade products across our campuses, promoting the inclusion of Fairtrade into our procurement, embedding Fairtrade into our education and research, and co-ordinating a series of Fairtrade events throughout the year. The Fairtrade Steering Group lead on this work, with support from our Fairtrade Student Representatives. Find out more in our Fairtrade Report. This year, students studying MSc Marketing Management took part in a live Q&A with Nancy Githaiga, a Kenyan Fairtrade tea farmer and factory manager, to learn firsthand how choosing Fairtradecertified tea can truly transform lives.

BU in the top 5% of apprenticeship providers nationally BU has been recognised as one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers. We achieved 4th highest ranking university, and 51st out of 1,111 providers across the UK in the latest figures published by the Department for Education. We currently offer eleven degree apprenticeship courses in the areas of healthcare, law and engineering, delivered in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College. More than 91% of BU’s apprentices successfully completed their programmes, which is significantly above the national average of 65%. Find out more about BU apprenticeships on our website. Ceri Geary, Apprenticeships Compliance Manager at BU said, “Increasingly, employers and learners are looking for a more flexible approach to professional development. Our degree apprenticeships combine strong academic learning with hands-on experience in the workplace to give students a great opportunity to build their careers.”

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Help to Grow: Management Course The Bournemouth University Business School have been delivering the government-backed Help to Grow: Management course for Dorset businesses for more than 5 years.

Employability Skills Programme The Employability Skills Programme is a free extracurricular employability programme that gives students access to a variety of industry-led masterclasses, industry insight days, online learning resources, and extra-curricular opportunities. The programme is managed by CareersBU and delivered in collaboration with industry partners including Lush, Mazars, Marriott, IBM, 3 Sided Cube, University Hospitals Dorset and BCP Council. Explore our student stories and read about the highlights of their experience on the Employability Skills Programme.

This 12-week course is 90% subsidised by the government, therefore costing only £750, and is aimed at senior leaders of small and medium businesses. Those who complete the course benefit from 50 hours of in-depth training, 1:1 business mentoring, and the opportunity to grow their business rapidly.

Boosting local growth by empowering NEET youth The SPEED You UP project was a social innovation programme co-delivered between 13 project partners from France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK, to support at-risk young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) by improving their employability opportunities through a co-created entrepreneurship programme. In June 2025, BU leader of SPEED You Up, Dr Carly Stewart, and other BU researchers shared the successes of the project to Government ministers and civil servants at a seminar hosted by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Dr Carly Stewart said, “SPEED-You-Up supports the current Government’s goals to kickstart economic growth, break down barriers to opportunity and promote local regeneration through civic partnerships”.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

Education Hacking 4 Sustainability Hacking for Sustainability (H4S) is an entrepreneurial module available to all studying Business and Management, that challenges our students to generate solutions to real sustainability challenges for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Focussing on innovation, professionalism, and purpose, this practical module provides students with a distinct career advantage. Unit Leader for the H4S module, Dr Mili Shrivastava said, “For students, it’s more than a unit - it’s a hands-on experience that builds real employability. For partners, it’s a chance to collaborate with the next generation of strategic thinkers and innovators”.

MSc Sport Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship This unique course supports our students to advance their knowledge of innovative practices, managerial processes and entrepreneurial behaviours that contribute to the growth of sport as a global industry. Students learn from a team of research-active academics who have strong links with both the sport industry and the wider business community. This course is ideal for those looking for a career in sport innovation management, sport marketing and sport business.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

83%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

401-600TH in the world

18TH in the UK

65.0

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Modelling innovation adoption In collaboration with the University of Exeter, Dr. Wei Koong Chai and other BU researchers have developed an innovation adoption diffusion model. This model considers the role of network structures in dictating the spread of adoption, and how an individual’s characteristics and attitudes towards innovation can influence the path of diffusion. You can access the full article to explore their findings.

Nanocoatings to Bionanocomposites: Sustainable Solutions Coating Innovation for Tough Environments At Bournemouth University, Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team at the NanoCorr, Energy & Modelling (NCEM) research group have long been developing innovative nanocoating technologies. These ultra-thin coatings are designed to protect materials from damage caused by high temperatures, pressure, corrosion, and wear. Their work is especially relevant to industries like energy, transport, and manufacturing—where equipment is pushed to the limit every day. By improving the durability and energy efficiency of such systems, these coatings can reduce costs and environmental impact. A recent publication by the team, featured on PubMed Central, explores how carefully designed nanocomposite coatings can provide long-term protection while remaining environmentally responsible. The research highlights the team’s expertise in tribology (the science of wear and friction), materials science, and surface engineering. A New Frontier: Fighting Superbugs with Nanoscience This strong foundation in coatings and materials research has supported Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team in addressing one of the biggest global health challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance. In a separate study published on PubMed, the team introduced a novel copper oxide (CuO) bionanocomposite that shows powerful antibacterial properties. What makes this research stand out is its simple, green production method—using CuO nanoparticles derived from bitter melon (Momordica charantia), combined with natural egg yolk phospholipids and glycerol. This eco-friendly approach avoids the need for toxic chemicals or expensive metals like silver. The result is a stable, affordable, and highly effective material that can kill drug-resistant bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus, at very low doses (minimum inhibitory concentration of just 62.5 µg/mL).

Recognised on a Global Stage The fact that this work is published on PubMed—a leading platform hosted by the US National Library of Medicine— shows the international relevance and scientific quality of the research. Only peer-reviewed studies of high standard are included on PubMed, meaning this work by Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team has been recognised as a significant contribution to global health. Their findings come at a time when antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s one of the top 10 public health risks facing humanity. What’s Next? This research opens the door to real-world applications— such as antimicrobial coatings for medical devices, tools for agriculture, or water purification systems. However, further work is needed to identify some of the unknown compounds in the material and to confirm long-term safety in living systems. From Machines to Medicine Whether protecting a turbine from corrosion or tackling bacteria that no longer respond to antibiotics, the work of Professor Zulfiqar Khan and his team combines advanced engineering with environmental and public health awareness. Their approach shows how expertise in nanocoatings and materials science can be applied to solve very different—but equally important—global challenges.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Boost regional and national cyber security

Festival of Design and Engineering

In 2025, BU were awarded with nearly £2.3 million by the Office for Students to develop a new Cyber Competence Centre that will address regional and national cyber skills gaps.

The Festival of Design and Engineering (FODE) is an annual celebration of our student’s creativity, ingenuity, and ability to develop technologies that address real world problems.

As well as upgrading the university’s existing facilities, this investment will be used to launch a new, AIpowered, Security Operations Centre of the Future for students to learn how to detect and respond to realistic cyber threats. This centre will also give students from our Cyber Security courses the chance to work with industry partners such as Battle Lab, ESET and JP Morgan. Professor Nan Jiang, Head of BU’s School of Computing and Engineering, said “This new facility will play a particularly vital role in upskilling the workforce in our local community and support regional and national economic growth strategies.”

From health and well-being to environmental challenges, student projects encompass everything from market need, to function and aesthetics, to sustainability. Students have the opportunity to showcase their designs and prototypes to industry, commerce, friends, family and the public.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Dream Big: The Start Up Lab Today’s career landscape is diverse. To support our students to develop the capabilities to thrive in all paths, CareersBU have launched a new Dream Big: The Start Up Lab initiative to empower students to think creatively, act entrepreneurially, and develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. This initiative takes the form of a series of workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities, delivered in collaboration with industry partners and employers. This connection ensures students are both learning and developing world-ready skills that employers actively seek.

Our Inclusive Entrepreneurship Series: Explore, Create, Connect Supported by Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF), our new Inclusive Entrepreneurship Series is designed to help attendees explore their strengths, connect with others and take ideas forward. The series is open to all BU students, postgraduate researchers, staff and interested external participants. Workshops cover topics ranging from mentoring, to storytelling, to developing innovation skills.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Reduce inequality within and among countries Education MSc Public Health Our MSc Public Health course reflects on local, national and international public health agendas, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities, climate change, and lived experience. Students learn about epidemiology and critical evaluation techniques to identify what influences the health of national and international populations, and to formulate their own health solutions. This course also attracts students from across the world, allowing students to share experiences and gain international perspectives.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

82%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

33RD in the UK

91.6

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Eurovision Song Contest - a sense of belonging for all The Eurovision Song Contest has long been seen as an international symbol of gay and transgender visibility, representation and diversity. But what is it that draws people from these communities to Eurovision and what are their experiences like? Bournemouth University research, funded by the British Academy, has explored LGBTQI+ representation at Eurovision and to what extent other elements of identity – such as nationality, dis/ability and ethnicity are represented. Dr Jane Healy, Principal Academic in Criminology at BU, led the project, which consisted of a survey and interviews with fans, Eurovision podcasters, academics, media, and artists and officials from Eurovision delegations. “The contest gives fans ‘a sense of belonging for all’ by bringing together history, longevity, inclusivity and diversity, music and culture, and feeding into a sense of safety and shared identity,” said Dr Healy. Find out more about the Eurovision research project at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/eurovision

Suicide prevention for people with autism Suicide in autistic people originates in the inequalities they face across their lives, starting in childhood, and spanning education to employment, and health and social care, a new study by a team at Cambridge and Bournemouth Universities has found.

The researchers call for a radical change in the way society understands suicide and mental illness in autistic people, who are three to five times more likely to die by suicide. The study, published today in eClinicalMedicine, involved over 2,500 autistic people and allies/ supporters of autistic people. It is part of the biggest ever survey on suicide among autistic adults. Dr Rachel Moseley, lead author of the new study and principal academic at Bournemouth University, said: “Our suicidal autistic participants expressed desperation waiting for health and social care that never arrives. But they didn’t reach that point of desperation overnight. Rather, they got there through a lifetime of inequalities in a society that fails to protect and support autistic people. There will never be enough crisis support to save every suicidal autistic person if we don’t disrupt the suicidal trajectory.” Read more about this research here.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Autism research highlighted in Parliament The research, led by the University of Cambridge in collaboration with BU and charity Autism Action, showed that autistic people identify loneliness, hopelessness and feelings of worthlessness and failure as key factors underpinning their suicidal feelings. It also showed that autistic women and gender minorities were disproportionately over-represented among those who struggled to access support, with difficulties accessing help linked to increased risk of suicide. The research was initiated and supported by Autism Action, whose number one priority is to reduce the number of autistic people who think about, attempt or die by suicide. Speaking in the House of Commons on 11 September, Peter Swallow, Labour MP for Bracknell, highlighted the research, stating, “Suicide is one of the biggest killers in this country, behind every statistic is a friend, a mum, a cousin, a husband, each one loved by friends and family. “There is more to do to make sure recognition translates into practical action. An updated suicide prevention strategy should specifically address the needs of autistic people.” The full exchange can be watched on Parliament.tv. In the House of Lords, the research was referenced by Baroness Browning in a debate on suicide reduction on 8 September 2025. Baroness Browning, a former Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton, was speaking to Baroness Merron and said, “I know that the Minister has an interest in this. Would she please find time to read the report, published last week jointly by Cambridge and Bournemouth universities, on suicide and autism? Among all the neurodivergent conditions, autism has by far the highest suicide rate. It is not rocket science why; it is preventable, and I know the Minister will do all she can to help get that figure down.” In response, Baroness Merron, Parliamentary UnderSecretary for the Department of Health and Social Care, and a former Labour MP for Lincoln, responded, “The noble Baroness is quite right to speak as she has done. The suicide prevention strategy and the seven priority groups it identifies does include autistic people. As the noble Baroness will know, I think that is particularly key and I will certainly be pleased to look out for the report to which she refers”. Read more about this research here.

Practice: Operations Student-led networks and societies Our six Liberation Networks at BU, all led by students, are a space for marginalised communities to gather, create communities and promote intersectionality. These include the Black Students Network, the LGBTQ+ Network, the Asian, Arab & Ethnic Minorities Network, the Disabilities, Accessibility and Neurodiverse Network, the Trans, Non-Binary, Intersex and Gender Identity Network, and the Women’s Network. The Liberation Networks are open to all BU students, providing a place for meeting like-minded people and support with campaigning for change.

Equality Commitments at BU Inclusivity is a core value that underpins our institutional strategy. Our commitment to meaningful change has been recognised externally, with BU ranked No. 2 in the inaugural Higher Education (HE) Honordex report evaluating EDI practices across UK universities. This year, we launched new staff networks; enhancing our recruitment processes to further foster inclusivity and equitable opportunities; signing up to Hidden Disabilities sunflower scheme; hosting a vibrant ongoing calendar of EDI events, attracting over 400 attendees; introducing new bitesize EDI learning to engage a wider audience; continued investment in diverse leadership talent pipelines through the Inclusive Coaching pilot and Aurora cohort; supporting over 3,000 student visits to our Mental Health Retreat; and strengthening inclusive leadership by embedding psychological safety into our Change Leadership workshops, attended by 90% of managers. We are proud to be signatories of several national equality schemes, including the Mindful Employer Charter; University Mental Health Charter; Athena SWAN; the Race Equality Charter; achieving Disability Confident Manager status; being a Stonewall Diversity Champion; and member of the Business Disability Forum.

Diversity monitoring

14.06%

of staff from an ethnic background

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Social sustainability and EDI at festivals and events Dr Mary Beth Gouthro, Senior Lecturer In Events Management, is the leader of the Association for Event Management Education (AEME) Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG). This group meet quarterly to share best practice, research, cross-institution collaboration and supportive discussion around sustainability. In 2025, Mary sat on the panel at the Green Events & Innovations Conference to speak to an international audience of live event practitioners about the importance of social sustainability and her research on making leisure more accessible to marginalised communities, on low incomes, by way of festival provision.

Celebrating Pride at Bourne Free Bourne Free is a Bournemouthbased charity that run an annual LGBTQ+ pride event in Bournemouth town centre.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Education BA Tourism Management

MSc Safe Sport

This multi-accredited course explores the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the visitor economy on destinations and communities.

This contemporary course examines the practice, management and realisation of safer sporting environments and communities.

Core units include The Visitor Economy, Sustainable Tourism Destinations, and Understanding the Tourist. Throughout the course, students have access to leading industry speakers, consultancy projects, live scenarios and exciting field trips to tourism hotspots. They also have the opportunity to study abroad with one of our many partner institutions across the world.

Taught by research-active academics who have strong links with both the sport industry, core units include Inclusive Practices in Sport, Mental Health in Sport, and a ‘real-life’ project to resolve a societal problem within a sport organisation. The MSc Safe Sport course is ideal for those looking to pursue a career working for national sporting governing bodies, sports consultancy enterprises, schools and specialist sports colleges, community groups and charitable sporting organisations.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

74%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

15TH in the UK

81.3

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Enhancing disaster management in Sierra Leone Led by Professor Lee Miles, our Disaster Management Centre continues its Driving African Capacity Building in Disaster Management (AFRICAB) project based in West Africa, which aims to meet the urgent needs of African disaster managers and stakeholders. This includes the ability to detect and understand deficiencies in their disaster management systems. The AFRICAB Report included 27 key recommendations for national policymakers, and has been highly utilised by stakeholders including Freetown City Council (FCC) in the development of various procedures and Freetown’s first ever Climate Action Strategy. Building upon the co-operation of AFRICAB, the Evaluating Local Disaster Management in Sierra Leone (EVALDIS) provides an evaluation of the existing state of disaster management within provinces, districts, wards, and local communities, which helps to inform and shape the direction of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). In 2025, BU supported the NDMA in constructing three Service Delivery Charter signposts and one billboard to ensure that citizens understand NDMA’s role in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts. Professor Miles also shared his expertise in disaster management at the NDMA monthly Coordination Meeting in Freetown headquarters, emphasizing the critical role of NDMA’s 14 pillars that coordinate disaster risk management.

Preventing children from drowning in Bangladesh Led by BU Professor Edwin van Teijlingen, Sonamoni is a global research project tackling one of the most serious but least recognised threats to young children in rural Bangladesh; drowning. Using human-centred design techniques, the project team are working to reduce drowning deaths among young children under two years, by working closely with rural communities in Bangladesh. The project is in its final year, testing the feasibility and acceptability of physical interventions for households (e.g. playpens), educational programmes, and community strategies, such as making existing creche facilities suitable for very young children. The Sonamoni project is a collaboration between BU and the University of the West of England, the University of Southampton, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Design Without Border (DWB) in Uganda and the Centre for Injury Prevention & Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), with funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Our Cycle Hub To support our students, staff and the local community to make more sustainable travel choices, we have built a Cycle Hub behind Dorset House on our Talbot Campus. The Cycle Hub has space for 194 bikes, including space for adapted bikes, cargo bikes, and charging stations for e-bikes. There are tools and pumps available for everyone to use, a covered visitor cycle storage area, and CCTV for improved security. There is even a green roof on top of the compound to support nature. You can watch a short video about our new Cycle Hub here.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Supporting active travel We continue to host a variety of events and campaigns to encourage our community to choose active modes of travel, including the ‘Be Safe/Be Seen’ and ‘6 reasons to cycle’ campaign. Our Big Bike Fair in March was supported by our Cycle to Work scheme provider Cycle Solutions, the Bournemouth Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, Synchgo, and our Bike Doctor. Members of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council also came along to share their new Virtual Reality (VR) Immersive Cycle Training technology with our students. This year, we offered free cycle training to our students, staff and members of the public to support them to feel safer and more confident riding a bike. This training was funded by Active Travel England as part of the Big Bike Revival by Cycling UK, and delivered by local cycling instructor from CycleWise, Dilys Gartside. BU student Sara Ale Yassin, who completed the cycle training said, “This session was a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded people who value their health, finances and environmental impact”.

200 BIKES

serviced by our free Bike Doctor service.

£30,380.80

spent on cycling equipment through our Cycle to Work scheme, used by 19 staff.

The Seaside Heritage Network The Seaside Heritage Network is a non-profit organisation that promotes awareness of the unique heritage of seaside towns by connecting organisations, public bodies, and other stakeholders. Led by Dr Anya Chapman and Dr Duncan Light from the BU Business School, the network has grown to over 3,000 members. In the past year, the network delivered a range of events, including a ‘Big Day Out’ in Weston-super-Mare, an Art Deco walking tour in Bournemouth, and a tour of Weymouth. It also partnered with Historic Buildings and Places to host its first Seaside Symposium in June 2025, attracting over 100 heritage and conservation professionals. Through sharing ideas, research, and resources on the reuse and regeneration of seaside heritage, the network is helping to raise national awareness and inform policy through meetings with All Party Parliamentary Groups, MPs, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Education MA Marketing Communications

BA Events Management

Our MA Marketing Communications course is designed for students looking to become strategic, entrepreneurial marketing communications practitioners. Students have the opportunity to explore the integration of advertising, public relations, branding and digital media in order to deliver relevant, clear, and consistent messages to a variety of audiences.

This multi-accredited course provides the knowledge and skillset needed to create and manage diverse events from product launches to mega-events. Students learn the principles of safe and sustainable events, event marketing, and project planning, and benefit from organising live events, visiting event venues, and hearing from industry guest lecturers.

As part of the Digital Media Strategies unit, students are given an applied creative assignment to communicate zero waste concepts through video, infographics, podcasts, or social media content. You can view some examples of past projects on our website.

As part of the first-year unit ‘Marketing the Experience’, students are tasked with designing an experiential marketing campaign that aligns with the UN SDGs. Through this, they learn to combine creativity, digital storytelling, and strategic thinking while reflecting on the role of experiential marketing in promoting positive social change. Past student projects have focused on areas such as the circular economy, sustainable farming, and reducing gender inequality.

Dr Nick Gray, said, “I want students to recognise their influence as communicators in promoting more sustainable behaviours. It is rewarding to see them turn complex ideas like zero waste into engaging, audience-focused content.”

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

80%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

19TH

in the world

13TH in the UK

85.9

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Improving recycling accuracy using technology for citizen engagement BU BSc Software Engineering graduate, Chloe Greenstreet, and other BU researchers have employed User-Centered Design (UCD) principles to investigate the desirable features of a smartphone application that aims to provide useful recycling guidance to citizens. They identified a preference for conversation-style communication (e.g. ‘I have a battery to recycle, what do I do?’, rather than organising information

by categories like ‘hazardous waste’), and a need for location-specific guidance, visual sorting aids, and materialspecific information. Overall, this research demonstrates that a smartphone application can measurably reduce ‘wishcycling’ and improve the quality of household recycling within inconsistent local authority systems.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Preventing waste on campus Preventing waste is our top priority at BU, as recycling alone is not enough to address the global waste challenges we face. Our goal is to produce less than 20kg of waste per FTE per year. We continue to implement a variety of campaigns and initiatives to encourage our community to stop creating waste and recycle correctly, including Refill Campus branding on our 45 refill points, redistributing unwanted food through the Too Good To Go app, and BU’s very own Cup Exchange Scheme, which offers a convenient, returnable alternative to a disposable cup. We also ran our ‘No Disposable Cups Week’ campaign three times throughout the year. Our café teams refuse the sale of disposable cups where possible to nudge customers to consider more sustainable cup options available on campus.

Old library books are collected for reuse or recycling through AnyBook, IT equipment is refurbished and redistributed by Converge Technology Solutions, and we have donated unwanted furniture to local organisations and schools. Mixed recycling, food waste, and general waste bins are available across our campuses, in addition to specialist recycling bins for stationery, crisp packets, batteries, and single-use vapes

371.1

15.1kg 62.2%

70kg

6.21

12.9

tonnes of waste produced

of waste recycling produced per rate FTE per year (excluding construction)

of books sold for re-use through AnyBook

tonnes of furniture donated to local school and organisations

tonnes of IT equipment redistributed for re-use

cycle hoops donated to a local school

Our total waste produced on campus, in our Student Village, and from construction activities was 371.1 tonnes. This is a 28.5% decrease from last year (518.7 tonnes in 2023/24), primarily due to a reduction in construction activity. Our recycling rate was 62.2%. To break this down, our waste produced on-campus was 288.5 tonnes and we recycled 60% of it. In our Student Village, we produced 41.9 tonnes and recycled 50.5% of it. For our construction activities, we produced 40.7 tonnes and recycled 93.7% of it. In 2024/25, we achieved 15.1kg waste per FTE/year which is below our target of 20kg/FTE. Compared with last year this is a small increase (14.6kg FTE/year in 2023/24).

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Carbon Labelling This year, our catering partner, Chartwells, have introduced a new Carbon Labelling system to help our community to make more informed choices about the food they consume. The carbon footprint values are calculated by Foodsteps using publicly available data and information from industry and academia. A-E ratings and traffic light colours indicate the carbon intensity of a food item, which aligns with the global carbon budget set by the EAT-Lancet Commission.

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach The Big Give The Big Give is an annual sustainability campaign run by the SUBU Student Opportunities Team, which encourages students to clear out their houses and halls accommodation before they leave Bournemouth for the summer. Large purple bins are positioned in strategic locations for students to drop-off their unwanted items. These items are then donated to the British Heart Foundation and Prama Charity Shops. Unwanted, unopened, non-perishable food items were also donated to the SUBU Community Kitchen, an on-campus foodbank especially for students.

4,590

bags collected and donated Thrifty Tuesdays Every Tuesday in our student union we are proud to welcome pop up traders to help our students grab a pre loved bargain. Traders include local charities like LewisManning Hospice Care and a local affordable streetwear clothing retailer called Public Fashion. www.tiktok.com/@publicfashionco.

£21,469 raised for charity

Source: www.subu.org.uk/biggive

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Education MSc Green Economy Accredited by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), this unique distance learning course provides the scientific foundations of climate change and other sustainability topics, and an insight into the challenges of transitioning towards a green economy. MSc Green Economy students have the opportunity to explore real world-environmental issues, develop their understanding of sustainability frameworks and tools, and engage with fellow students from across the world, providing valuable insights and different global perspectives.

BAFTA albert Education Partnership BAFTA albert is the leading screen industry organisation for environmental sustainability. BU partnered with BAFTA Albert in 2019 to help our students from the Media School to develop the skills needed to shape the future of sustainable practices in the media industry. Through the albert Climate Action Blueprint, students learn techniques for minimising consumption, reducing emissions, and maximising positive societal impact through film making practices. BU Film graduate, Horace Tang said, “With this certificate, it shows we are equipped to work in a sustainable way, a valuable mission led by Albert. It is my responsibility to bring this knowledge to the crews I work with, encouraging sustainable practices whilst on set.”

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

75%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

36TH

in the world

6TH

in the UK

81.1

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Commitment to Climate Education Within our Climate and Ecological Crisis Action Plan (CECAP) we have committed to embedding climate education within every level of every programme across BU in order to provide our students with the skills, knowledge and values to contribute to and lead the transition to a low carbon society. BU’s Sustainability Academic Network (SAN) lead on this work, coming together regularly to share best practice around the integration of climate action into teaching. The SAN also have access to a ‘Climate Action’ area on our Brightspace VLE, which provides a guide for academics and useful resources.

64.2%

of programmes included the climate and ecological crisis at every level of study in 2025/26.

Research Breakthrough in clean energy storage As the world moves away from fossil fuels, the ability to capture and store energy efficiently poses a significant challenge. The NanoCorr, Energy & Modelling (NCEM) Research Group led by Professor Zulfiqar Khan have made huge advancements in the field of thermal energy storage. Their research focusses on the conductivity, stability, and compatibility of the materials used for energy storage to make them more efficient, stable, and commercially viable. Their findings have been featured on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) website - an influential global body under the United Nations that work to promote the peaceful use of nuclear and clean energy technologies. This research exemplifies how innovative materials science and engineering can contribute meaningfully towards battling climate change.

Supporting the Decarbonisation Plan for the Port of Poole BU academics from the Business School have contributed research and strategic expertise towards the development of a Decarbonisation Plan for the Port of Poole. This plan sets out a roadmap to achieving net zero by 2050, focusing on innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and collaboration with key stakeholders. Baseline emissions/calculations revealed that marine vessel emissions contributed to approximately 70% of total emissions, followed by buildings, road traffic, and port operations. Therefore key actions include the adoption of alternative fuels, electrification of port operations, and improvements in energy efficiency. Dr Mili Shrivastava, Deputy Head of the Centre for Sustainable Business Transformations at BU, said “This project at the Port of Poole showcases the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to decarbonisation”.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Carbon Literate Educator BU have been accredited as a Bronze Carbon Literate Educator, highlighting our commitment to embedding climate education and action into our institution. To date, we have trained more than 100 members of staff and more than 150 students in house and paid for their certification as Carbon Literate. We have continued to deliver the new Carbon Literacy for Healthcare toolkit to our BSc Operating Department Practice students, and staff from the Faculty of Health, Environmental & Medical Sciences. Designed specifically for those entering the healthcare sector, this course explores the critical link between climate change and healthcare, and how staff can contribute to shaping a low carbon NHS that delivers exceptional care while safeguarding the health of future generations.

50% emissions reduction by 2030/31 In February 2021, BU launched its Climate and Ecological Crisis Action Plan (CECAP). In the CECAP, we pledge to achieve a 50% emissions reduction across all three scopes by the 2030/31 academic year. So far, we have reduced emissions by 34% which is a significant step in our journey to net zero emissions. You can read more in our latest CECAP Annual Report. Our carbon emissions reduction target is delivered by our staff and students through our Environment and Energy Management System which is certified to both ISO14001 and ISO50001.

Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice Bournemouth University has signed a national commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its research activities. The Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice sets out a shared ambition for delivering research in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. Developed by universities, research institutes, funders and sector bodies, it calls on signatories to recognise the urgent need to change how research and innovation are conducted, to reduce and eliminate negative environmental impacts and emissions. In signing the concordat, BU: — Recognises the need to transform research and innovation practices, while promoting broader solutions to environmental challenges — Commits to taking shared action to support more sustainable research practices — Commits to being transparent about the environmental impact of its research.

BU’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Alison Honour, signed the commitment on behalf of the university, stating: “We fully support the priority areas outlined in the concordat. Our commitment builds on extensive sustainability work already underway at BU, from senior leadership through to our academic networks, researchers and students. “Our environmental reporting is well developed and aligned to climate and ecology science, and we are committed to taking action that enriches society for the benefit of both people and planet. We look forward to working collectively with the sector to design and practice research and innovation in ways that deliver positive, environmentally sustainable impact.” BU’s signing of the agreement builds on its existing strengths in sustainability. This includes being ranked as a top-10 UK university for delivering against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025); and being sixth out of 147 institutions in the People & Planet University League, which assesses environmental and ethical performance. Examples of research which are already promoting solutions to environmental challenges include the use of artificial rock pools to improve coastal ecosystems in urban ports and harbours, supporting climate resilience in disaster management internationally and local monitoring of heathland ecosystems. BU joins a growing group of universities and organisations committed to sector‑wide action on sustainability and to supporting the UK’s transition toward environmentally responsible research and innovation practices.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Partnerships for Local Climate Action BU collaborate locally with public and private sector organisations to drive our region towards net zero. We continue to support Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council as a stakeholder in their Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), and to be a part of the Dorset Public Sector Decarbonisation and Ecology Group. This group has a public sector focus and as part of this group we are exploring collating a joint carbon footprint to see the joined-up impact of our activities and identify how we can work together for improvements. Several BU staff and academics support the local organisation Zero Carbon Dorset who have created a vision for what Dorset should look like in 2030 Dorset in 2030.

The People Vs Climate Change As part of Climate Action Month, we hosted a public film screening of the BBC-broadcast documentary The People Vs Climate Change as part of our Sustainability Screenings series. This film follows the UK’s first-ever Citizens’ Assembly on climate change and the personal journeys of everyday people as they grapple with climate science and transform from disengaged citizens into passionate ‘net zero heroes’.

We used the theme of this film to bring together our local community to explore what climate action looks like right here in Dorset. Following the film, we hosted an expert panel discussion and Q&A, including Steve Smith, Executive Producer of the film, Councillor Andy Hadley, Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, Dr Annie East, Principal Academic in the Media School at Bournemouth University, Stuart Lane, Sustainability and Carbon Manager at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust and Artie Herbert, MSc Green Economy student at BU.

BU Student Sustainability Council Our BU Student Sustainability Council act as sustainability champions at BU. They meet regularly to discuss ideas, take part in beach and forest cleans, and complete our Carbon Literacy and Climate Fresk training. Importantly, they provide a consistent stream of feedback through our termly Climate Assemblies on how we can better manage and improve our approach to sustainability at BU. Members of the council have the opportunity to use their voice to create positive change on campus, develop valuable green skills, and enhance their employability. If you are a BU student and interested in joining, please email sustainability@bournemouth.ac.uk

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

Education Marine Conservation teaching This is a popular final year unit on several degree programmes including BSc Marine Ecology & Conservation, BSc Biological Sciences, and BSc Ecology & Wildlife Conservation. Drawing on biology and ecology, but also on law, policy, geography and social science, this unit focusses on key issues facing the marine environment at the present time, including marine protected areas, fishing, offshore energy and blue carbon; both in the UK and in locations around the world. Students learn about a variety of environments and approaches to conserving them, but also that conservation is actively evolving and there may be many different solutions to a problem.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

46%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

12TH in the UK

69.3

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Saving the iconic hump-backed mahseer from extinction

Species, which has had considerable impact on policy and the protection of remaining populations. Find out more here.

Since 2012, Dr Adrian Pinder, director of BU’s Global Environmental Solutions, has been working with Indian scientists and stakeholders to save the giant humpbacked mahseer fish from extinction.

In 2026, Dr Pinder travelled to Kerala, India to meet with BU partners Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kerala Biodiversity Board, and Kerala Forest Department, to develop a conservation action plan for the hump-backed mahseer in Kerala.

Dr Pinder has been able to demonstrate the humpedbacked mahseer had been pushed to the edge of extinction, and has developed the research required to afford this fish with a valid scientific name. This has enabled the species to be assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Student beach cleans

Microponds on campus

The Community Wardens support students with settling into living in the community. This scheme is run by SUBU, BU and AUB and supported by Bournemouth Borough Council.

This year, we added two additional microponds on our Talbot Campus to provide refuge and a source of water to support local biodiversity.

The Community Wardens run regular beach (and forest) cleans throughout the year to give students the opportunity to de-stress from exams and contribute to keeping our beaches and the local environment clean.

Our Nature Positive Student Ambassadors and volunteers from The Sanctuary Heritage, Craft and Wellbeing Hub worked together to fill the ponds, while spending time in nature. We hope these microponds will turn into biodiversityrich habitats over time, and provide an environment for our students to use to gather data and conduct research.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach The Grand Swim Bournemouth is home to one of the UK’s most beautiful coastlines, however Bournemouth beach still sees the impact of plastic pollution and sewage daily. This year, we hosted a public film screening of ‘The Grand Swim’ as part of our Sustainability Screenings series to raise awareness of plastic pollution and sewage, and support our community to learn how they can get involved with protecting our local beaches. This film tells the incredible story of local Dorset swimmer; Oly Rush, and his extraordinary world-record attempt to swim non-stop around Grand Cayman in the name of ocean advocacy. The film was followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Oly Rush himself, Professor Rick Stafford, BU Professor of Marine Biology and Conservation, Emma Teasdale, Litter Free Dorset Coordinator, and Dr Malika Felton, BU Senior Lecturer in Health and Exercise Physiology. Local MP Jessica Toale also sent through a specially recorded message sharing her own personal drive to protect our oceans, and an update on the introduction of a new Circular Economy strategy and the High Seas Treaty.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss

Education MSc Biodiversity Conservation

BSc Archaeology

This course enables students to develop their knowledge of ecology, geography, social science, psychology, technology, and conservation science, to develop their fieldwork skills, and to take part in active conservation research in the local area.

There’s been a huge surge in demand for archaeologists in the UK following a sharp rise in infrastructure projects.

Units include Frontiers in Biodiversity, Field Ecology Skills, Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services, International Law of the Environment, and Behavioural Ecology and Conservation, among others. Upon completing the course, students have both the knowledge and the skills to make a difference to biodiversity conservation, and will be prepared to undertake roles such as ecological consultant, environmental consultant, or environmental conservation manager.

This course combines academic study with practical experience, covering key concepts and themes of archaeology and social anthropology, landscape surveying, remote sensing using GIS, excavation and recording. Students also have the opportunity to attend BU’s Field School, a large scale real site excavation where students have previously discovered significant finds that have changed the way we view the past, and to participate in BU’s renowned Durotriges Big Dig.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

52%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

76TH

in the world

17TH in the UK

81.1

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research Squirrels resilient to climate change

AI technology to track baby barn owls

A new study by scientists at Bournemouth University (BU) in collaboration with the Wight Squirrel Project has confirmed that red squirrel populations across Europe are resilient to the effects of climate change.

PhD student Kavisha Jayathunge has been working alongside Brian Cresswell, a biologist-turned electronics engineer, to develop an AI model to monitor the breeding success of barn owls in Dorset.

Red squirrels’ diet is mainly made up of tree seeds, supplemented with insects, fungi and birds’ eggs. They live in coniferous forests and deciduous wood across Europe from Spain, Italy, northern Greece, Scandinavia and into parts of western Russia. Their broad distribution means they can live in a range of climates.

The model calculates the number of owls in the vicinity by distinguishing between their individual calls. The distinctions in sounds cannot be heard by the human ear, however the technology is able to pick out the differences in frequency and indicate the number of birds, as well as each individual bird’s identity.

Alyson Buchanan, conservation biologist and ecological researcher at BU used climate models to help assess the ability of the species to survive when faced with different climate change predictions. The study investigated how well the population coped with temperature changes and low rainfall.

The long-term aim of the project is to develop the technology so that volunteers and conservationists can take their audio recorders out into nature to capture the sounds of hissing owlets at their nests.

It revealed that temperature changes and lack of rainfall do not have a direct influence on the survivability of red squirrels. It supports their natural ability to adapt to a range of climatic conditions where food sources might be limited and confirms that the species should be resilient to changes in these conditions. This is good news for the scientists at BU who have spent the last year modelling the effects of climate on populations across Europe and the UK. Alyson said: “We can see that red squirrel populations are not directly affected by current climate patterns in the models. Other factors such as habitat, food availability, disease and competing species appear to matter more and underline the need to maintain positive conservation efforts for this well-loved species. In the south of the UK, the Isle of Wight, is an especially important haven for the species, as isolation from the mainland protects red squirrels from grey squirrels which were introduced from the United States and have replaced the native species in much of the UK.”

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations Nature Positive University

The BU Bioblitz

We are excited to have taken the next step in our journey to support nature by pledging to be a Nature Positive University (NPU), alongside 500 other educational institutions across the world.

We have had our campus mapped by the Campus Biodiversity Network, which means that any plant and animal species spotted on our Talbot, Lansdowne and Chapel Gate campuses can be recorded on a map and identified using the iNaturalist app.

This means we have pledged to prevent harm, protect and restore species and ecosystems that are affected by BU and its activities. We want to further develop our actions and work together with other institutions to promote nature on our campuses, in our supply chains and within our local community. We have been taking action to support biodiversity across our estate for many years through initiatives such as tree and wildflower planting, green roofs, taking part in #NoMowMay, and installing bird and bat boxes as part of our Biodiversity Policy. This year, we planted 5 new Rowan trees on our Talbot Campus. Find out more about how we support nature on our website.

This year, we ran our first BU BioBlitz event to encourage our students and staff to record as many species on our campus as possible within a set period of time using iNaturalist. Academic experts from the School of Life Environmental Sciences coordinated a series of wildlife surveys to uncover a broader variety of species, and help our students to learn new fieldwork techniques. Anyone can download the iNaturalist app and contribute to this living record of our campus biodiversity. You can learn about the different species found on our campuses by visiting our BU iNaturalist Project page.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach Bringing science to the community A Bournemouth University lecturer has won an award for her volunteering work to bring science to local communities. Professor Genoveva Esteban was announced as a winner of “Recognising Excellence in Volunteering in South West England” by STEM Learning. The award is presented in recognition of her outstanding contributions to outreach and public engagement within local schools and community events. Professor Esteban is also a co-organiser of the annual Dorchester Science Festival which was announced as a winner at the same awards. “I’m passionate about outreach because it makes science accessible to everyone—regardless of age or background,” she said. “People are naturally curious, and these events ignite that curiosity, promote critical thinking, and demonstrate how science is deeply connected to everyday life.” Events organised by Professor Esteban over the last year include Wild Wednesday at Sculpture by the Lakes, Dipping into Pond Life with TV presenter Dr George McGavin and the Dorset Wildlife Trust, and the popular Family Science Day at Dorset Museum in Dorchester, which attracts around 800 visitors annually. The events give people of all ages hands-on experience of the fascinating world of the organisms that live in freshwater and marine environments all around us – including microorganisms, the smallest forms of life on the planet. The activities provide an insight into their vital role in sustaining the health and balance of the planet’s ecosystems. Announcing her award, the judging panel said, Genoveva Esteban is recognised for her exceptional STEM outreach and creative programming. Genoveva’s approach to outreach has empowered academics and undergraduate students at Bournemouth University to participate in outreach activities, working to engage their local schools, communities, families, and fellow scientists alike.” Two students and a young girl at a table with microscopes on it at an event As well as colleagues from her own area of environmental science, Professor Esteban has been joined at her events by students from several of BU’s science courses. Students and staff from Psychology, as well as from the National Centre of Computer Animation, have also contributed, presenting their work and engaging with the public. Explaining why she feels it is important for universities to reach out to children at an early age, Professor Esteban said, “Working with schools adds another dimension, enriching pupils’ understanding of STEM subjects beyond the classroom. For universities, engaging with communities in this way is vital: it builds trust, inspires future generations, and reinforces the essential role of science in shaping a better, more informed world.”

The volunteering awards for Professor Esteban and Dorchester Science Festival were announced by STEM Learning’s “STEM Ambassador programme” which supports thousands of volunteers to bring examples of STEM careers into schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. The programme is funded by UK Research and Innovation.

ImpactWILD Dr Reina-Marie Loader, Principal Academic in Film Production, uses docudrama and documentary storytelling to support conservation and human rights. She is part of ImpactWILD, which works with the screen industry to drive positive environmental change. She advised on Sky’s ‘Moon: Nature’s Secret Force’, helping shape its impact approach. She also developed a strategy to support Tanzanian communities affected by human–elephant conflict. This includes a 20-minute film used in workshops promoting beehive fences, which can reduce conflict by up to 91%. The fences protect crops and support women-led honey production, helping communities earn income and live alongside wildlife. Reina has also worked closely with BAFTA albert to develop an industry-facing guide, ‘Putting Nature in the Picture’, to support screen professionals to foreground nature into their projects more.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Education Environmental Law & Social Justice

BA Criminology

Environmental policy and law decisions have implications for the environment and the people that rely upon and reside within it.

Taught by leading experts with backgrounds working in the criminal justice system and police force, this course covers a variety of national and international criminological issues including policing, punishment, victimology, terrorism, human trafficking and organised crime.

The Environmental Law and Social Justice short course explores the legal and policy dynamics and the factors that influence environmental and social justice outcomes in environmental policy debates. It also identifies how social justice considerations can be incorporated more effectively into environmental policy. This course enables students to explore global issues they care about themselves, and to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental law and social justice in the context of these issues.

Students can go on to study our MA Criminology & Criminal Justice course, which supports students to develop knowledge and understanding of criminological theory and criminal justice processes and outcomes, informed by current practice and research.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

62%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

101-200TH in the world

17TH in the UK

92.5

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Research World’s first open-source digital map of mass graves Mass graves exist across the world, containing essential evidence to the realisation of justice and accountability for victims, affected communities, and the international community. However, there are no global records for mass graves, nor is there a universal framework to govern mass graves. In response, Professor Melanie Klinkner and Dr Emily Smith have produced MaGPIE – the world’s first global open-source mass graves digital map, which will serve as a form of memorialisation, especially in areas where political and ethnic tensions continue to run high. The team have also produced a protocol of international standards on how mass grave protection and investigation should be approached. In 2025, the MaGPIE team were invited to the Palace of Westminster to take part in a session on “From Mass Graves to Courtroom – Preserving and Using Evidence from Mass Graves”, to discuss how evidence from mass graves can be used in legal proceedings addressing atrocity crimes.

Practice: Operations University policies We are committed to ethical standards of business conduct and adopt a zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption in all jurisdictions through our Anti-Bribery Policy and Procedures. Our Code of Practice on Freedom of Speech ensures we can explore academic and challenging topics in a safe environment. Our Ethical Investment Policy has this year been updated to include Banking. It now defines our standards for sustainable, responsible investments and highlights our work to encourage improvements in the sustainability of the banks we use. We acknowledge the challenges with the environmental sustainability of day-to-day banking and express our aim to move to greener banking products as they become available.

Financial information We produce a detailed financial statements annually along with a one-page breakdown of our income and expenditure to ensure transparency and accountability.

Professor Klinkner emphasised the need for rigorous, rights-based approaches, and said, “Our work is about ensuring that mass graves are treated not just as sites of loss and suffering, but as crime scenes that require protection and investigation for truth and justice processes.”

Indigenous cinema Dr Carolina Machado Oliveira from the BU Media School has developed long-term collaborative partnerships with 46 Indigenous communities across Rondônia and the Xingu Indigenous Territory in the Brazilian Amazon, supporting Indigenous-led filmmaking, digital storytelling, and communication initiatives that address critical socioenvironmental challenges. In 2025, Carolina and Dr Reina Marie Loader attended the Sheffield Doc/Fest where they produced a panel completely consisting of indigenous speakers and filmmakers. This was the first of its kind in the festival’s 25-year history.

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach SUBU Summit The SUBU Summit is made up of elected representatives from across the Students’ Union who discuss and debate student ideas, hold the Full-Time Officers to account, and oversee the work of the Union. All students are invited to attend to support their peers or speak up on an issue that matters to them. If you are a BU student and you have an idea for how to make the Union or University a better place for students, submit your idea here.

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Education Professional work placements

MSc International Management

Undertaking a placement while studying at BU is important for developing your CV, your career, your networking opportunities and your skillset. Every undergraduate student has the opportunity to complete one, regardless of what course you are studying.

Accredited by the Business Graduates Association, this course is designed to empower our students to become strong, agile business leaders, ready for the challenges of global business.

Fortunately, BU have formed strong partnerships with several local small and medium employers as well as multinational companies – from IBM to Mercedes-Benz – and work closely with employers who take students for work placements.

Students studying MSc International Management will learn the fundamentals of leadership, how to manage people, marketing strategies, innovation management, and how to evaluate global markets. Additionally, students explore methods for managing international and interorganisational relationships.

Each course has a dedicated Placement Coordinator who can advise on how you can find the right kind of placement, with supplementary support from the CareersBU team. Find out more about BU placements here.

THE Impact Rankings 2026 results

63%

of programmes aligned to this UN Sustainable Development Goal

301-400TH in the world

39TH in the UK

84.6

research score out of 100

Bournemouth University Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2026

Practice: Operations University partnerships At BU, we collaborate with partners around the world to deliver impact on global challenges through our education, research and practice. BU is currently involved with multiple partnerships in the UK including further education colleges Bournemouth and Poole College, Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College, and Wiltshire College. We also have a number of international partners which enable student exchanges, research collaborations, Erasmus+ activity and recognition arrangements. In 2018, we signed the SDG Accord to recognise the role education has in, and commit to supporting, the delivery of the UN SDGs, and is committed to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). Our civic partnerships include working with BCP Council on planning and the environment, our agreement with University Hospitals Dorset promoting research collaboration and placement support. BU also works in partnership for climate action with both BCP and Dorset Councils and other regional stakeholders from the public and private sectors. Our Business School joins less than 5% of business schools globally to attain the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation and is a full member of The European Foundation for Management Development.

Research The need for collaboration for student progression Universities and industry have different priorities and obligations; however, both have a vested interest in creating a healthy and relevant talent pipeline. Dr Richard Wallis and Dr Christa van Raalte from the Faculty of Media and Communication have produced research that explores the barriers to effective partnership between the UK’s screen industries and its Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). They identified six myths that undermine progress in this area, including ‘the screen industries do not require a graduate workforce’, and go on to deconstruct them to demonstrate misunderstandings. They concluded that meaningful partnerships between screen industries and HEIs require a recognition that while employers bring industry insight and expertise, universities are leaders in education – a field in which industry is both a contributor and a beneficiary.

Practice: Public Engagement and Outreach SUNRISE – supporting sustainability research and student mobility Funded by the British Council, the Supporting University Network for Research in Sustainability Engagement (SUNRISE) project is a collaborative initiative between BU and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), which celebrates student participation, crosscultural learning, and the power of sustainability research to connect people, places, and purpose. Since the launch of the SUNRISE project, a rich programme of events have been held for students and staff at both BU and USM, with sustainability and digital mobility at their core. The attendees came together to share research, exchange ideas, and explore new ways of thinking about global challenges. You can read the full story of the SUNRISE project in this report, which showcases some of the impressive work produced along the way.

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