CNDS communication plan

Transcription

1 CNDS communication plan CNDS - Who we are The Centre of Natural Hazards and Disaster Science (CNDS) is an interdisciplinary research centre in Sweden that brings together early career scientists and leading researchers from engineering, social and earth sciences to work together on collaborative projects on natural hazards, socio-technological vulnerabilities, and societal security. CNDS was formed in 2010 when the Swedish Government marked natural hazards and disaster science as a strategic research area and is today a virtual centre comprised of ten departments from three universities (Uppsala University, Swedish Defence University, and Karlstad University). Our vision CNDS works to understand coupled socio-natural systems and reciprocal feedback mechanisms between natural hazards and socio-technical vulnerability. Mission CNDS s mission is to advance disaster risk reduction and contribute to enhancing society s ability to prevent and cope with natural hazard risks in the national and international context. Approach Since the challenges facing society are complex, insight and possible solutions for addressing them need to apply an interdisciplinary approach. Consequently, CNDS brings together engineering, social and earth sciences and seeks meaningful cooperation with key societal stakeholders to improve knowledge and deepen understanding for how society can improve and enhance its ability to prevent and cope with natural hazards and disaster risks. Being situated in Sweden, CNDS has unique insight about the Swedish context and perspective which can be used to contribute to international efforts. Strategic goals With focus on interdisciplinary research and graduate education, our strategic goals are to: Produce relevant research and contribute actively to scholarly conversations on natural hazards and disaster management Publish relevant research that has a high impact Forge meaningful partnerships with universities, industry and commerce, public policy institutions, governmental agencies, humanitarian agencies, and community groups Educate and enrich the political and public discourse on issues related to natural hazards and disaster management PAGE 1 (6)

2 CNDS identity In efforts to strengthen the CNDS identity, we need to improve internal communication as well as to inform about ongoing research activities. Likewise, there should be consistency in the use of certain concepts, keywords, CNDS graphic design and templates. All units of CNDS should have similar descriptions of CNDS on their respective websites. In addition, a general presentation of CNDS should be drafted and circulated to all CNDS fellows. Other key source documents (e.g., research plan, communication plan, protocol of board meetings) should be made available. The CNDS Annual Assemblies provide good opportunities for discussing our identity and ways we can strengthen it. Key words within CNDS research Although CNDS consists of several different disciplines, there are a few keywords and concepts that can link our research efforts. They include but are not restricted to the following: crisis preparedness and management, disaster risk reduction, prevention, climate adaptation, (unintended) consequences, dynamics of and negative impacts of natural hazards, adverse effects, societal vulnerability, sustainable development, adaptation strategies, interdependency, Sendai framework, stakeholder oriented research, resilience, interconnectivity, early warning systems CNDS fellows In order to enhance research collaboration and increase the exchange of knowledge and ideas, CNDS has established a network of fellows with leading researchers and early career scientists from engineering, social and earth sciences, who together strive to advance Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). CNDS fellows are encouraged to actively participate in CNDS activities. In addition, CNDS fellows should indicate their CNDS affiliation in their publications and signature as well as contribute to the CNDS website, CNDS News Flash and its social networking groups (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube). PhD students that are funded by CNDS are required to write out their CNDS affiliation in their publications and signature. Communication team and resources Communication activities within CNDS are crucial for facilitating internal and external communication and collaboration, making the research produced at CNDS available to key stakeholders, and raising awareness. Although the planning, coordination and implementation of communication activities is the responsibility of the communication team, active participation and involvement is required from all CNDS fellows. The communication team shall consist of representatives from the three universities and at least one early career scientist. When deemed necessary, specifically designated working groups should be established to plan and manage special events or issues (e.g., Forum, Annual Assembly, website). PAGE 2 (6)

3 Communication team Stephanie Young, Coordinator at Swedish Defence University Emelie Hindersson, Centre Coordinator at Centre for Climate and Safety, Karlstad University Johanna Mård, Project Coordinator, CNDS, Uppsala University Frederike Albrecht, Researcher, Uppsala University Communication strategy In order to communicate more effectively, efforts should be targeted and certain activities prioritized. In addition, the information and content should be presented in relation to CNDS context; that is, explanations of how specific research, event or activity is linked to CNDS. The content of CNDS communication should: Share knowledge of natural hazards, disasters, and disaster risk reduction to increase awareness and understanding of these issues. Highlight benefits of applying an interdisciplinary approach to disaster risk reduction. Present the novelty of the research results from CNDS researchers. Demonstrate the practical relevance of CNDS research in order to draw the attention and interest of stakeholders. Provide relevant and updated information about CNDS and its activities. Facilitate collaboration and networking. Provide internal information in order to increase awareness about the research conducted by CNDS fellows and to facilitate internal cooperation. Be communicated in English, which is the working language within CNDS. Depending on the purpose of the event and activity, materials should also be available in Swedish. Be tailored to the target groups (see below). Actively nurture professional contacts and the CNDS network by keeping an updated list of current international, national and local contacts as well as actively and strategically building contacts with key stakeholders Target groups The research conducted within CNDS is most relevant for those who are working with issues concerning natural hazards, disasters, and disaster risk reduction, in particular: Academics - CNDS fellows, researchers and early career scientists Policy makers, decision makers, and government officials Public administrations on the international, national, regional and local level Private companies and businesses NGOs, community groups and volunteer organizations Research councils (i.e. Formas, VR, ERC etc.) PAGE 3 (6)

4 Communication and information sharing channels CNDS website (, see also separate section) Peer-reviewed scientific publications Popular science and debate articles Scientific conferences, workshops, meetings, and courses CNDS Seminars monthly events CNDS Annual Assembly annual event CNDS Forum for Natural Hazards and Disasters biennial event CNDS reference group Social media - such as LinkedIn, Twitter, video broadcasts on CNDS YouTube channel Personal contacts and networks Exchange of staff members and students Printed matters (mailing lists), including CNDS news flash University communication channels Recurring activities and working groups CNDS website Target group - Wide, but focus on reaching academics, practitioners and policy makers. Purpose - Showcasing our publications and activities, as well as opportunities within CNDS (e.g., open positions, summer school). Sharing knowledge. Stimulating awareness and cooperation. Timeline - Ongoing but periodic sprints. Available resources - Webmaster and 2 editor(s). Investment and technical costs, ca per year Challenges - Keeping it relevant and updated. Giving a comprehensive and well-rounded view of CNDS. Collecting input from CNDS fellows. Opportunities - Source of information for internal and external target groups. Information materials, templates and promotional products Target group - Wide, but focus on reaching academics, practitioners and policy makers. Purpose - Marketing CNDS. Timeline - Recurrent sprints when need arises. Available resources - ca per year. Challenges - Keeping them relevant and updated. Giving a comprehensive and well-rounded view of CNDS. Opportunities - Make available digitally so materials can be easily accessed and adapted for various needs. Put together a conference package and checklist for CNDS fellows (business card, CNDS ppt, templates, printed materials, promotional items). PAGE 4 (6)

5 CNDS social networking sites, including LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube Target group - Those already actively using these sites. Purpose - More direct and informal way to reach target group. Strengthen internal communication efforts. Timeline - ongoing Available resources - CNDS fellows can independently engage in these activities. Challenges - Keeping them updated and complete. Integrity issues. Opportunities - Good way to reach and engage practitioners. CNDS forum Frequency - Every other year in Sweden. One to two-day event. Target group - Academics, practitioners and policy makers. Purpose - Sharing knowledge. Networking. Stimulating awareness and cooperation. Identifying and strengthening our ties to key stakeholders and including them in our dialogues. Planning timeline - Start-up in January. Available resources - Conference costs, ca sek. Travel costs. Past collaborators - Active participation from CNDS PhD students, MSB, SMHI, Swedish National Platform for DRR, UCL IRDR, The Swedish Transport Administration. Potential collaborators - Stockholm Resilience Center, RCR (MittU), Lucram (LundU) Challenges - Identifying interesting and relevant themes. Attracting good speakers and the right target groups. Opportunities - Highlight themes and issues that draw upon CNDS research. Networking. Annual Assembly Frequency - Annually in autumn. One to two-day event. Target group - Primarily internal event for CNDS fellows Purpose Networking and knowledge sharing. Available resources - Conference and travel costs, ca sek. Planning timeline - Spring and summer. Challenges - Attendance and active participation. Opportunities - Get acquainted with other CNDS fellows and learn more about their research activities. Discuss and plan upcoming events. CNDS Seminar Series Frequency Monthly to bi-monthly events. Target group - Primarily internal event for CNDS fellows. Purpose - Seminar where early career scientists and senior researchers can present their research and get interdisciplinary feedback Planning timeline Ad hoc, with different CNDS Fellows taking the lead. Challenges - Contributions from researchers. Opportunities - Forum for discussing concrete interdisciplinary research efforts. PAGE 5 (6)

6 Appendix - Template for planning communication activities Identify the purpose, target group, and potential collaborators. Create a timeline for planning and implementing the activity. Define what resources are available Determine how the activity should be communicated and to whom Discuss the challenges and opportunities. PAGE 6 (6)