Plenary 9 “Discoveries Need Dollars: Protect research”: A case study of a successful science advocacy campaign

Initiated by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in March 2011, the “Discoveries Need Dollars” campaign was a response to the threat of budget cuts by the Federal Government. The campaign’s aim was to protect health and medical research funding in Australia.

The grassroots campaign made extensive use of social media, and developed a strong presence on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to reach, inform and motivate supporters.

The panel will discuss the design and implementation of the campaign, the communications strategies used and ways to continue the dialogue between science, society and policy decision makers.

Krystal Evans (session producer & panellist), Senior Postdoctoral Fellow, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research 

Will Grant (facilitator), Lecturer and Researcher, Australian National University 

Ms Penny Fannin (panellist), Strategic Communications and Marketing Manager, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research    

Dr Rachael Dunlop (panellist), Research and Communications Officer, The Heart Research Institute

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