BU and UHD Strengthen Dorset’s Healthcare Research Capacity with Innovative Collaboration

Driving Positive Change in Healthcare: BU and UHD’s Commitment to Collaborative Research

The annual BU-UHD Research Conference brought together academics and healthcare professionals to discuss and advance collaborative efforts in research and innovation. Held under the formal partnership between Bournemouth University (BU) and University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (UHD), the conference emphasised the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in achieving excellence in healthcare.

The event featured contributions from Dorset County Hospitals NHS Trust (DCH) and Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust (DHUT), and it was further supported by prominent organisations such as the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network and Wessex Health Partners. Speakers like Kyla Thomas highlighted the indispensable role of partnership in driving research forward, while Professor Alison Richardson shed light on the benchmarks of research excellence within the healthcare domain.

To illustrate the region's innovative health research, the conference showcased a series of presentations that captured the breadth of ongoing studies. These sessions served as an impetus for healthcare professionals to network and collaborate, ultimately aimed at strengthening Dorset’s research capacity, enhancing public health, and improving the quality of life in the community.

Professor Lois Farquharson, Executive Dean of Bournemouth University’s Business School and Chair of the BU-UHD Partnership Steering Group, elaborated on the university’s commitment to leveraging its research capabilities and resources for the betterment of local communities. She described the conference as an inspiring event that fostered meaningful discussions, showcased pioneering research, and encouraged deeper exploration of critical healthcare challenges. Expressing her gratitude, she commended the active participation of all attendees who contributed to the day’s success.

Adding further perspective, Amrish Sinha, Founder and CEO of UNext Learning, acknowledged the significant enrollment in BU's online programs and emphasised the event's role in creating a strong sense of community among learners. The conference, which featured a blend of cultural performances and interactive sessions, reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in the academic and healthcare sectors. The BU-UHD Research Conference exemplified the power of partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges, facilitating groundbreaking research, and improving patient outcomes, leaving a lasting impact on the academic and healthcare communities involved.

Editor’s Note:

Bournemouth University (BU) and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) NHS Foundation Trust are dedicated to advancing healthcare research, fostering innovation, and enhancing academic engagement to address pressing healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes. The BU-UHD Research Conference provides a dynamic platform for tackling critical healthcare issues and driving positive change in patient care by bringing together academics, healthcare professionals, and esteemed organisations. This collaboration not only strengthens Dorset’s research capacity but also encourages meaningful interactions that lead to groundbreaking studies. Bournemouth University’s ongoing commitment to community benefit and research excellence is evident in such initiatives, reaffirming its vital role in advancing the healthcare sector. 

As noted by Skoobuzz, this collaboration reflects the growing need for partnerships in today’s world, where healthcare solutions are more essential than ever.