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

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 European Commission, DG Research 1. Motivation 2. Activities promoted or funded 3. Own activities and experiences

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 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)

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 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”.

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 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.

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 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.

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 DG Research information and communication activities Informing “customers” In 2002, our main actions were: to organise the FP6 launch conference (Brussels, 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.

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 DG Research information and communication activities Informing the general public In 2002, our main actions were: 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 (

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 DG Research information and communication activities Communicating with the media. In 2002, our main actions were: 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.

Sciencegeneration symposium Milan, March 2003 DG Research information and communication activities L earning 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”)