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4 July 2007 - For immediate releaseScience PR network announces new Chair
Stempra, the organisation that supports those working in science press and PR, has appointed the Head of Media of the UK's largest medical research charity as its new Chair. Katrina Nevin-Ridley, formerly Press and PR Manager at the University of Edinburgh and now Head of Media at the Wellcome Trust in London, takes over from Juliet Upton, who held the position for six years. Stempra (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine Public Relations Association) is a network set up to bring together people working in science communication and is the only organisation of its kind aimed at promoting informal networking and professional development for Press and PR professionals involved in science. Its members come from organisations as diverse as universities, research charities, museums and PR agencies. "Science is finally catching up on the communications front," says Ms Nevin-Ridley. "Up and down the country university press offices are expanding and with that extra support more scientists are feeling confident about engaging with journalists. "There are currently few professional development events for PR professionals in this field and limited opportunities to discuss the particular challenges around presenting science accurately in mainstream news. I believe that Stempra provides a unique forum for PR professionals involved in the science sector to share ideas and network." The need for press and PR professionals dedicated to promoting science was supported by one of Britain's leading scientists, Lord Robert Winston and BBC's Science Correspondent, Pallab Ghosh. Lord Winston, Emeritus Professor Of Fertility Studies, Imperial College, London, and well known TV presenter, including the recent BBC series, Child of Our Time, said, "Professional science press officers have radically changed the standard of science reporting for the better in the last few years and as a result there has been a massive improvement in the public recognition of the key role of science in every aspect of our lives". BBC's Science Correspondent, Pallab Ghosh, added, "Science is big news. The way in which it’s reported or even misreported has a huge impact on policy and ultimately how society develops. The role of Specialist Science Communicators and PR people has never been so important." Stempra regularly holds networking and professional development events for press and PR professionals. Previous events have focused on blogging, encouraging scientist to speak out and an 'idiot's guide' to networking. Stempra's next event is focused on maximising PR potential around events and takes place on Tuesday 17th July at the Wellcome Trust, 215 Euston Road. For details of this event and how to become a member of Stempra visit the website at: www.stempra.org.uk. Notes to Editors: For more information contact: Claire Bithell, Stempra committee member, tel 020 7670 2976, email cbithell@ri.ac.uk Katrina Nevin-Ridley, Stempra Chair, tel 07973 481485, email k.nevin-ridley@wellcome.ac.uk To attend an event or to become a member of Stempra visit www.stempra.org.uk
Join Stempra as we explore creative ways to promote your event, from spooky goings-on at the Science Museum's Dana Centre to science X Factor-style at the Cheltenham Science Festival. Find out how to make your events sell-out successes with the column inches to match from Lauren Gildersleve, former Press Officer for the Dana Centre, and Sallie Robins, PR-extraordinaire for Cheltenham Science Festival.
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