Raising the Public Profile of University Research

Abstract:

A great university is a huge asset to its community, its city, its nation and the world. The impact of its work should be understood, debated and celebrated – and not just within academia. The transformative effects of research and knowledge exchange in particular can capture the imagination of the public, either directly or via the mainstream media. But how do you go about engaging a broad and varied audience in the university’s story? What does a proactive strategy to reach out to the media and the public look like? This session will be an opportunity to discuss these questions and identify some answers.

About the Speaker:

Barry Taylor was educated at the universities of Sussex, Oxford and Exeter.

He taught English literature for two years before spending a decade in the management and marketing of cultural events, projects and venues.

For the next 14 years he was Head of Corporate Communications for Bristol City Council. He also worked on projects to strengthen local democracy in Bristol and its twin city in Africa.

From 2000 to 2010, Barry was Director of Communications and Marketing for the University of Bristol. He led on communications strategy and branding; public relations (media liaison, publications, web and new media development, public affairs); public engagement (dialogue between academics and the public); events, including public lectures and graduation ceremonies; and communications support for the Vice-Chancellor. He also served on the board of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in Washington DC.

Barry is currently writing a novel.