Building collaborations across New Zealand's eResearch sector
Digital research infrastructure is essential for science today, whether it's modelling Covid-19 spread, predicting natural hazards, innovating in agritech, or gaining insights into human and taonga species genomics. Multiple organisations have a role to play in supporting the dissemination of this science and research impact. A collaborative effort is also needed to highlight the work of science and research organisations, to futureproof the sector, attract students into STEM subjects and retain early career researchers who will be taking on new challenges. Within the eResearch sector in the New Zealand there are opportunities for achieving collaborations on a larger scale.
In this talk, Jana Makar, Communications Manager, New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI), Hannah Edwards, Communications and Marketing Manager, REANNZ and Claire Grant, Communications Manager, Genomics Aotearoa will talk to their collaborative approach to working on shared communications and supporting activities that highlight the impactful research contributions of their users and members.
This talk will also explore:
- If there is a gap or the need for a collaborative forum of communications professionals that work in organisations like Crown Research Institutes (CRIs), universities and the wider eResearch community?
- Is there already a way for us to continue build connections and share communications opportunities?
- Can we facilitate these collaborations at events like the eResearch NZ conference and beyond to maintain them throughout the year?
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Jana Makar, Communications Manager, New Zealand eScience Infrastructure (NeSI)
Based at the University of Auckland, Jana coordinates engagement initiatives and external communications to raise the profile of NeSI’s activities, impacts, and collaborations. She has a degree in Communications from the University of Calgary and spent the early part of her career working as a journalist.
Hannah Edwards, Communications and Marketing Manager, REANNZ
Hannah develops the external marketing and communications for REANNZ, New Zealand’s national research and education network (NREN). She supports and coordinates engagement initiatives and activities with members and partners, spreading the word of how REANNZ members use the network and services to support the crucial work that they conduct. Hannah most values making connections within the research and education community in New Zealand, as well as collaborating with the international communications and marketing professionals who work together as a part of the NREN community.
Claire Grant, Communications Manager, Genomics Aotearoa
Claire Grant is the Communications Manager for Genomics Aotearoa, responsible for promoting its research activities and contributing to improving understanding of genomics in New Zealand. She has extensive experience in communications advisory and public relations in New Zealand, and is passionate about science communication.
