Journalism & Communication

On Cities: a documentary project aiming to tackle many of the global challenges concerning overpopulation in cities

BA Communication and Media students have taken part in On Cities Global Virtual Gathering, a documentary project aiming to tackle a number of problems concerning the overpopulation of cities.

The project was hosted by the University of Miami and The Knight Center for International Media was simultaneously screened live at the Media School on Monday.

Bournemouth University was one of 30 partner universities worldwide to screen the four-part documentary. During the intermissions, a panel of experts discussed some of the solutions to problems arising from overpopulation.

Students and staff were invited to participate via Twitter using the #oncities hashtag.

A number of BACOM students took part in the project beforehand by taking photos of the biggest problems affecting the places where they lived.

This included: Alexander Geraghty, Sophie Clements, Olivia Cope, Alice Ryland, Daniel Beattie, Chelsey Groves Cooper, Jessica Gibson, Natalie Chungand and Jennifer Palmer.

These photos were used in the final slideshow and teaser trailer for the global research, along with selected photos from other partner institutions.

Dr Roman Gerodimos, framework leader for BACOM, said: “I’m delighted – and quite proud – to say that Bournemouth University has so far made one of the biggest contributions to this global conversation with photos and reflections from more than 50 students.

“This is obviously the first step. It’s a starting point on a global collaboration and a lot of different things are going to come out of it, in terms of initiatives, dialogues and research projects, competitions, different ways to engage, different ways to think and different ways to produce material.”

Gerodimos added: “It’s a really exciting format that can break down boundaries. I’m very excited for Bournemouth University and the fact we’re a part of this.”

Roseanne alongside wheelchair racer David Weir, who won four gold medals at this year’s Paralympic Games

A BA Communication and Media student has been shortlisted for volunteer of the year for her work at the London Youth Games.

Roseanne Blaze, a third-year student at the Media School, is one of three out of 400 volunteers up for the award.

Describing how it felt to be selected, Roseanne said, “Amazing. When I was first told about the nomination, I didn’t really realise how much of a big thing it was.

“It wasn’t until I was told it was out of 400 people that it hit me.”

Roseanne was a team leader of volunteers during finals week at Crystal Palace, also volunteering at three other London Youth Games competition days.

She played a leading role in co-ordinating village activities at finals weekend including borough liaison and ceremonies.

The BACOM student said she was grateful enough to have been given a chance to be a part of the volunteering team.

“I do a lot of volunteering and never expect – or want – any thanks or awards for doing it, so just being shortlisted to me means a lot.”

Dr Roman Gerodimos, framework leader for BA Communication and Media, said he was delighted for Roseanne.

“This is absolutely amazing. Our students are excelling nationally and internationally.

“It’s an amazing success given the size of this huge and national event.”

Three-times Olympic javelin medallist Steve Backley MBE will host the awards ceremony, which is to be attended by some of London 2012’s top athletes, high-profile politicians and representatives of sporting governing bodies.

The ceremony will take place tomorrow evening at Lord’s Cricket Ground, exactly one month on from the final day of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Roman Gerodimos, Senior lecturer in Global Current Affairs at Bournemouth University was interviewed live on BBC News on Sunday.

As Founder and Convenor of the Greek Politics Specialist Group – a network of Greek political experts, he provided commentary on the Greek debt crisis talks.

Gerodimos suggested that despite difficulties so far in the talks, an agreement will soon be reached by the Greek coalition government in order to secure the second bailout.

Watch the full interview: