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Autumn 2008
From the Chair
New members
Sci Comm news
Eurochat
Feature: Handbags and
test tubes
Feature: Stories that matter to a changing
world
Event Report: Silly season stories
Event Report: Are press conferences old news?
Interview: Jane Gizbert, NICE
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Stempra newsletter
From the Chair
We’re all still here. The world hasn’t ended. We haven’t disappeared into a black hole (though at times it may feel like it). What a day for science and the media with the switching on of the Large Hadron Collider at Cern. What unprecedented coverage. With the likes of Andrew Marr being brought in to front the live broadcast for the Today programme, it was surely the day that particle physicists came into their own and their subject was suddenly deemed the sexiest subject in town.
Were they pleased with the way it was presented? Were the general public any the wiser after tuning in? Did it matter that the LHC was switched off again a fortnight later (and did anyone really notice)?
This brings me to the matter of the Stempra Christmas party. As Christmas merchandise is already filling the shelves so the Stempra committee is stewing over the mulled wine and canapé options for our festive do. The bets are on as to whether anyone will dare to put out yet another mathematical formula this year as to the best way to cook a turkey.
I am absolutely delighted to announce we have the Head of Communications from Cern, James Gillies, and the wonderful Professor Brian Cox to give our Christmas talk on the evening of 16th December. So, come and find out what really went on behind the scenes to make the biggest science story of the year happen. Find out just how many media calls the Cern press office handled – what went well, and of course, what every press officer wants to know – what didn’t!
As if that’s not enough we have thrown down the gauntlet to Ben Goldacre to come and talk to Stempra and face a roomful of science communicators. Details are on the website and there’s been a lot of interest so do register your interest soon.
As ever there have been some highs and lows over the last few months in science and the media. The same week that saw the BA Festival of Science and the LHC switch on also saw Michael Reiss stepping down from his post as Head of Education at the Royal Society amid a media row over creationism. And then later that month, the Daily Telegraph waved good-bye to the science journalist's science journalist, Roger Highfield - we shall be eagerly watching for the magic ‘Highfield’ touch on New Scientist.
With plenty to celebrate, commiserate or generally ponder over, what better place can I recommend than the rather lovely surroundings of the new Royal Institution bar, which I visited recently (in true PR fashion) whilst taking a look at the newly refurbished RI. Definitely worth a visit and worth checking their new events programme: www.rigb.org
An updated annual programme of Stempra events is available on the website. As ever, all suggestions welcome. Our press officer guidelines will be published in time for the Christmas party and we look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Katrina Nevin-Ridley
Chair of Stempra
chair@stempra.org.uk |
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