Workshop: Political Advocacy for Brain Research
Organised by DNNI (Dementia and Neurodegeneration Network Ireland)
Wednesday 17th April, 13:40 - 15:30, CCD
Cost: FREE with Festival registration
Registration: You will be given the option to attend this satellite meeting as part of the registration process for the Festival.
Dementia and Neurodegeneration Network Ireland (DNNI), in partnership with the Irish Brain Council, are hosting a workshop on Political Advocacy for Brain Research. In an environment of limited research funding and competing demands from other research areas, it is vital that researchers have the knowledge and skills to be able to engage in effective political advocacy, in order to maximise funding for their area of research. This workshop will help researchers to develop the relevant skills for engagement with the political system in Ireland.
Workshop Aim: To enhance researchers’ knowledge and skills in the area of political advocacy so that they can effectively advocate for resources/funding for research.
Facilitated By: Dr. Haung Yu, Assistant Professor, Taub Institute for Alzheimer's Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York. Dr. Yu is a past member of the Government and Public Affairs Committee, Society for Neuroscience and founder of braiNY, Greater NYC SfN Chapter
For part of the workshop Dr. Yu will be joined by Ruairí de Búrca, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ruairí will provide an insight into effective political advocacy and some of the pitfalls to avoid.
Outline Programme
- Introduction to Science Advocacy – what it is and what it isn’t
- Telling your story – Elevator pitch; relating your research to the bigger picture
- Engaging with public officials – mechanics of meeting with government; what to prepare
- Goals of meeting with public officials and expectations
- Construction of a meeting
- Gauging impact of meeting and follow-up
- Engaging the community as partners
- Elevator pitch and other role-playing exercises
