Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, 14-15 March 2003 Communication activities European Commission, DG Research Stéphane Hogan Press officer (for life sciences)

Milan, 14-15 March 2003Sciencegeneration symposium

Communication activitiesEuropean Commission, DG Research

Stéphane HoganPress officer (for life sciences)


European Commission, DG Research

1. Motivation

2. Activities promoted or funded

3. Own activities and experiences


DG Research communication activities

Mission: - To promote EC research policy and activities

Critical issues: - Public understanding of research & new technology

- interest in research (careers, funding, policy)


Policies initiatives from DG Research:

• “Life sciences and biotechnology: a strategic vision”

the action plan promotes dialogue with the public.

• Science and society action plan

and implementation through framework programme

• European Group on Life Sciences (EGLS)

promoting informed debate, eg. on “stem cells” and on

“sustainable agriculture in developing countries”.


Activities supported by DG Research:

• Eurobarometer and other surveys and studies:

to understand what people know / believe.

• Studies, projects, workshops and courses

(eg: Sciencegeneration, EFB working group on public perception):

to understand what we could / should do

and to promote and disseminate best practice.

• Prizes and awards (eg: Young scientist, Descartes Prize)

to promote and encourage.


DG Research activities

The Activities of the Information and Communication unit

target 3 major audiences.

• Informing “customers” participating in research

programmes;

• Informing the general public;

• Communicating with the media.


DG Research information and communication activities

• Informing “customers”

In 2002, our main actions were:

• to organise the FP6 launch conference (Brussels, 11-13 November)

8,500 participants, 200 speakers, 300 journalists;

• to publish documents on FP6 (in print & online): guide for

participants, two special issues of RTD info magazine (FP6 and EU

enlargement) and a brochure on the European Research Area;

• about 40 FP6 presentations have been made by Unit's staff in

Brussels and throughout Europe.



• Informing the general public


• to publish RTD info, which is DG Research's flagship publication

(print run of 84,000 copies) in 4 languages;

• to produce leaflets "European research in action” on topical

research issues, eg. antibiotic resistance;

• to develop the research web site on Europa towards a genuine

"portal" intended to provide general information on European

research (http://europa.eu.int/comm/research).



• Communicating with the media.


• to publish about 40 press releases in several languages;

concerning mostly research results and policy developments

• to organise of about 15 press briefings and press trips during the

year plus another 15 or so during the FP-6 launch event in Nov.;

• responding to queries from press, arranging visits and interviews.



Learning points based on our experience with the media:

• deliver clear messages and concrete results

• technical briefings are appreciated

• need for multi-lingual communication to reach each country

• emphasise national/regional/local interest

• seek third-party endorsement

• emphasise human interest

• getting researchers to speak clearly (“skills and will”)

Documents

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, 14-15 March 2003 Communication activities European Commission, DG Research Stéphane Hogan Press officer (for life sciences)