"Reputation Matters: Designing an effective strategic communications function", Mr. Terry O'Connor

Abstract

Creating and maintaining a global reputation for excellence in any field requires effective leadership, vision and hard work -- and a rigorous focus on strategic engagement with stakeholders. This talk will focus on the design and operation of an effective strategic communications function, including case studies of best practice, and will include an exploration of research into the latest trends in how people engage with news and information globally and in Japan.

Biography

Terry O’Connor is Communications Director for the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council, one of Europe’s largest multi-disciplinary research organisations. He came to science communications after a career in TV and wire service journalism, culminating in appointment as Chief Political Correspondent, followed by senior media and policy roles with a federal Minister, and public sector executive positions with Australian and British government agencies. Terry’s particular passion is engaging new and diverse audiences with science and technology. He is an elected Board member of the UK’s national Association of Science and Discovery Centres representing 60 centres with combined 20+ million visitors per year, a Trustee of the Royal Observatory Edinburgh Trust, and is the UK representative on several international science communications partnerships. Terry also leads on international communications planning and delivery for the UK’s new single research and innovation agency UK Research & Innovation.