WonkComms event in London – Research in the digital age: wonk or comms?

Following our successful launch event last April, WonkComms are bringing you the first in a series of events on think tank communications.We are delighted to have a top line-up of speakers for our first event of the summer: Research in the digital age: wonk or comms?

Wednesday 7 August 2013
11.30am-1.30pm

JRF London Office, 89 Albert Embankment
Refreshments will be provided
Register to attend

Speakers:

• Liz Carlile, Director of Communications, IIED (@lizcarlile)
• David Skelton  (@DJSkelton)
• Jamie Bartlett, Head of the Violence and Extremism Programme and the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, Demos (@JamieJBartlett)

 Chair:

• Katie Schmuecker, Programme Manager, JRF (@KatieSchmuecker)

In a fast-moving digital world, the traditional think tank research output is changing. It is no longer adequate for think tanks to rely solely on the impact of a single research publication to inspire and motivate their audience. Tools like as infographics, multimedia presentations, blogs, podcasts and videos are increasingly becoming the norm for think tank research.

But with think tanks vying for attention in a crowded and busy online world, is there a danger that the communications tail wags the research dog? Is there value in preserving the traditional think tank publication? Should communications be seen as a means to an end or as an end in itself? And is the nature of research changing because of the rapidly changing communications environment?

Register to attend

About Nick Scott

I am Digital Manager at UNISON. My core area of interest is in digital tools and content strategy. As Digital Manager at the Overseas Development Institute, I developed a digital strategy awarded Online Strategy of the Year at the Digital Communications Awards 2012. I have written extensively on digital strategy and monitoring and evaluation, primarily on how they can support research communications with impact. I am also a founder of WonkComms, a popular community of practice for think tank communications staff. In this capacity, I am a member of the blog editorial board, commissioning and editing blogs and regularly formulate, speak at and chair events held at various UK think tank HQs in London and more widely.