History
The Public Relations Department of the Centre was established in 2005. Since its inception, the department has been pivotal in managing and enhancing the Centre’s communication activities. Utilizing contemporary communication research, strategic planning, and thorough evaluation, the department aims to achieve maximum impact in all its initiatives.
- Strategic Communication Planning: Developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to promote the Centre’s objectives and research findings.
- Media Relations: Building and maintaining strong relationships with media outlets to ensure accurate and positive coverage of the Centre’s activities.
- Internal and External Communications: Ensuring effective communication within the Centre and with external audiences through various channels, including newsletters, press releases, and social media.
- Event Management: Organizing and coordinating events such as conferences, seminars, and public lectures to increase awareness and engagement with the Centre’s work.
- Digital Media Management: Overseeing the Centre’s online presence, including website content and social media platforms, to ensure consistent and engaging communication.
- Crisis Communication: Developing and implementing crisis communication plans to protect and enhance the Centre’s reputation during times of crisis.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and the general public.
The Public Relations Department at the Centre is tasked with creating, maintaining, and protecting the Centre’s reputation, enhancing its prestige, and generating goodwill. The department fulfills a variety of critical roles, including:
- Advisory: Providing management with strategic advice on issues that impact the Centre’s relationship with its diverse publics.
- Research: Conducting media and social research to gain a deeper understanding of the Centre’s audiences and stakeholders.
- Media Relations: Acting as the official spokesperson for the Centre, managing media liaison activities such as press releases, rejoinders, and other media interactions.
- Internal Communications: Recognizing that employees are the Centre’s most important stakeholders, the department ensures a consistent flow of information both vertically and horizontally within the organization.
- Community Relations/CSR: Upholding the Centre’s policy of “good neighborliness” by fostering good relationships with local traditional authorities and communities, as well as maintaining connections with other organizations in the area.
The Public Relations Department is dedicated to fostering a positive image and broad awareness of the Centre’s mission, achievements, and ongoing projects. Through innovative and effective communication strategies, the department supports the Centre in its goal of advancing plant medicine research and its applications.