Public relations in spotlight at anniversary event

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Experts from the field of UK public relations will gather for debates at the University of Stirling – as the institution marks 30 years of teaching and researching the subject area.

To celebrate three decades of public relations scholarship at Stirling, the University’s Dr Alenka Jelen and colleagues have organised a special symposium.

The ’30 Years of PR @ Stirling’ event will include panel and roundtable discussions with leading scholars who have played a key role in shaping academic research and teaching of public relations education and research, both at Stirling and beyond.

Dr Jelen said: “The University was the first in the UK – and one of the first in Europe – to introduce a public relations degree programme. It’s therefore fitting we celebrate our 30th anniversary with an event designed to critically reflect on public relations’ past, present and future directions.

Dr Alenka Jelen
Dr Alenka Jelen
Senior Lecturer
The University was the first in the UK – and one of the first in Europe – to introduce a public relations degree programme.

“Stirling, in particular, had a significant influence on public relations education and research in the UK and beyond. The University is known as the ‘cradle’ of critical public relations scholarship and has, through the years, hosted and brought together world-leading academics, playing a central role in pursuing new directions and shaping the public relations education and research agenda.”

Speakers at the event include: Queen Margaret University’s Professor Jacquie L’Etang and Dr Magda Pieczka; Dr Lee Edwards, London School of Economics and Political Science; Professor Danny Moss, University of Chester; Professor Tom Watson, Bournemouth University; Professor Jordi Xifra, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona; and Stirling’s Drs Will Dinan, Derek Hodge and Alenka Jelen.

The speakers will address the history of public relations and its place in contemporary societies, from its role in post-truth politics to the film industry. Speakers will also touch upon the evolution of public relations at Stirling and how its expertise in this area became famous worldwide.

The event will finish with a roundtable discussion on how public relations will either thrive or survive in the future.

To attend the free event, at 11.30am on 17 October, book your place on Eventbrite. For enquiries, please email alenka.jelen@stir.ac.uk

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