Crisis management - Foot and Mouth disease outbreak

When news broke that there was a foot and mouth outbreak at a farm in Surrey, scientists at the Institute for Animal Health (IAH) at Pirbright were involved in testing samples, and informing politicians, the public and the media about possible outcomes.

However, in a dramatic and unexpected twist of events the Institute hit the news as a potential source of the outbreak. As a result the BBSRC, the funding body behind the IAH, found themselves inundated with calls from the world's media. Matt Goode, from the BBSRC press office, had to deal with these calls and found himself at the centre of such a high profile, negative science story.

Following the success of a Stempra event in London, where Matt provided insight into what went on behind the scenes to handle the media, Matt is giving an informal talk in Edinburgh.

Come along to hear how this story played out in the news, how the crisis was managed from the media perspective and for tips and advice for those who may find themselves in a crisis situation in the future.

The free event is designed to be informal, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions as well as to meet others working with communication roles in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and medicine.

Date: Tuesday 18 November 2008

Time: 18:00

Venue: The Cumberland Bar, 1-3 Cumberland Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6RT

Cost: Free

To register: please email events@stempra.org.uk

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