EVENT: What can science learn from the cutting edge of think tank communication?

A quick notice that WonkComms is on the road again – this time running a session at SpotOn London, an annual conference for anyone interested in how science is carried out and communicated online. Find out more or register to attend if you’re interested. Details on the WonkComms session below.

WATCH AGAIN: here

Event: SpotOn London 2013: What can science learn from the cutting edge of think tank communication?

Start: 8 November, 2013 12:00 pm

End: 8 November, 2013 1:00 pm

In an age of ‘information overload’, think tanks are having to work smarter to get their ideas heard. Communications teams are innovating and evolving to become ‘digital by default’. They’re making social media a core part of the way they work; they’re revising where and how they target the media; they’re running new forms of events to share research findings far and wide; they’re producing a range of new easy-to-digest outputs for increasingly busy audiences.

The challenges think tanks face in countering information overload are the same as those faced by any evidence-based organisation. But are the responses that think tanks are employing the right responses for scientific organisations? The panel at this event are the founders of the WonkComms initiative, which looks at the future of think tank communications. They will present the cutting edge of ‘wonkcomms’, and consider what lessons it may hold for science.

Richard Darlington, Head of News, Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
Leonora Merry, Head of Media and External Affairs, Social Market Foundation (SMF)
Nick Scott, Digital Manager, Overseas Development Institute (ODI)

Chair: Imran Khan, Chief Executive at British Science Association

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.