The virtual series is being driven by the University’s Institute for Health Research and will run from 2^nd February to 4^th March 2021. The ten lectures will each focus on a unique area of healthcare research, hosted by Beds and Bucks academics who are members of the BHSCA – a non-profit organisation set up in 2020 to enhance and complement the existing education, training and development of the region’s health and social care workforce.

Running for approximately 45 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings over five weeks, the lectures will focus on a set theme and will incorporate a Q&A section for the audience at the end. All of the lectures are free to register for on the BHSCA website.

Our first Lecture will be led by @chrispaps from @uniofbeds! This fascinating lecture subject looks into how Robots can be used to assist in elderly care. 02/02/21 #SaveTheDate. Follow the link to sign up https://t.co/GhKhUYhmHS pic.twitter.com/VNWcTNwbee

— Buckinghamshire Health & Social Care Academy (@BHSCA_) January 12, 2021

Dr Chris Papadopoulos, the University’s Principal Lecturer in Public Health and Director of Health Research, hosts the first lecture of the series on 2nd February. Dr Papadopoulos’ lecture will explore CARESSES, the largest ever global study of the use of culturally competent robots in future care of the elderly.

Dr Papadopoulos believes this lecture series offers a chance for academics to present and explain their research, and improve the chances of it being implemented into the ‘real world’. He said:

I believe the BHSCA lecture series is an excellent opportunity for academics to speak directly with Buckinghamshire’s health and social care workforce.

My lecture focusses on the impact of using culturally competent social robots with older adults in care settings. This is a particularly important issue, given the growing need for innovative technologies in the increasingly isolated world older adults now live in.

I am really looking forward to giving this lecture as I believe it is essential to highlight the current evidence about the potential impact on the health and wellbeing of this population that social robots can have, and to dispel and address some of the main myths and fears associated with the idea of robots being used in this way.

Dissemination activities such as these are vital if research findings are to have any chance at providing a real world impact.

In collaboration with the University of Bedfordshire, the Buckinghamshire NHS Trust and other partners, BHSCA works to optimise and develop the education of the health and social care workforce through events and training.

Juliet Anderson, the implementation Director of BHSCA, said:

Bucks Health and Social Care Academy is an enabling vehicle to help deliver the workforce for the Buckinghamshire health and social care sector. A vital part of the education and training of that workforce is an understanding of research-based evidence and the importance of knowledge transfer and adoption.

The Academy is delighted to be presenting the lecture series in collaboration with its two University partners.

To view a full lecture schedule and to register attendance, visit the BHSCA website.

For information on studying in the University of Bedfordshire’s School of Applied Social Studies, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/departments/appliedsocialstudies