Electronic Precinct - February 1999

New Research Publicity Initiative

The University has launched a new initiative, designed to raise its national and international research profile.This initiative comes from the Research Performance Group (RPG) and results from the many departmental visits undertaken by Pro-Vice-Chancellor David Williams in his role as chairman of t he RPG.Says Professor Williams: 'In the course of my discussions with departments, it was obvious that research of the highest quality is being performed across the University. I kept hearing about exciting and significant research results and innovative applications of new knowledge to solve probl ems experienced by individual companies, industry, commerce and government.

'The University has a lot to celebrate on the research front., but all too frequently we have focussed upon our research inputs- such as large externally funded awards or prestigious appointments. The RPG was very keen to identify and publicise more of our research outputs, where there have been si gnificant medical, scientific, sociological or scholarly advances'.

Accordingly, the University has agreed to trial a new approach to publicising research outputs. Throughout the course of 1999, the Office of Research Support & Industrial Liaison (ORSIL) will complement the current work of the Public Relations Office in publicising research.

Staff with interesting research results should contact Dr Kerron Harvey, who, prior to joining the University, spent 12 years as a journalist specialising in medicine, science and technology. Dr Harvey is located in the Foresight Centre and can be contacted on extension 8343, or at respub@liv.ac.uk .

Staff seeking help with other research publicity should contact David Bamber, the University's Public Relations Officer, on extension 2248 or at pro@liv.ac.uk.