The first event this semester in the BNBU Academic Drinks series was held on Thursday, 13 March 2025, with a lively gathering aimed at strengthening interdisciplinary connections among faculty members. Held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in CC-323, the event provided an informal platform for both new and longstanding staff to network, exchange teaching insights, and discuss research endeavours, with the active participation of over 30 teaching staff, half of whom come from intercultural backgrounds.

Various teachers discuss topics of their interest

The event featured two insightful presentations highlighting diverse academic pursuits. Dr. Youssef El Haoussine from the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM) opened the presentations by exploring innovative pedagogical methods in his talk, “Empowering Students to Write and Publish Business Case Studies”. He highlighted effective frameworks for fostering student-led case studies, emphasising how such initiatives equip learners with practical skills to tackle real-world economic challenges.

Dr. Haoussine shares his experience

Dr. Xiaoshan Li, an Assistant Professor from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science (FHSS) then shifted focus to societal dynamics with her presentation, “Risk at the Centre: Exploring Public Reactions to Health Crises”. Drawing from her ongoing research into health information behaviours, she introduced how risk perception and institutional trust shape public responses during health crises.

Dr. Li shares her experience

Participants listen to the talk attentively

Approximately 30 faculty members and students from across faculties attended, fostering a convivial atmosphere enriched by animated discussions. Colleagues enthusiastically exchanged ideas during Q&A sessions and informal dialogues following the presentations, with many praising the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary synergies.

Group photo with Prof. Tze-ki HON, Dean of the FHSS

Group Photos during the Academic Drinking Event

In the future, the BNBU Academic Drinks Series will be held on a regular basis to provide an invaluable platform for teachers from cross-disciplinary backgrounds to better network, communicate and exchange.