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OIRM Communications Committee

Applications now open – deadline November 30, 2017  We’re looking for representation in the following centres: Guelph, Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Toronto. Trainees not in these centres are also encouraged to apply!

OIRM Communications Committee

Objective: 
To expand and amplify OIRM communications, both with the public and within the research community, while helping develop the skill set of emerging researchers.
 

Goals:

  1. Increase visibility of OIRM on social media channels and at research-based workshops and conferences.
  2. Create links between OIRM and health-based events (i.e. Awareness Weeks, science events in Ontario cities)
  3. Generate more public excitement and understanding about stem cells and open communication between research nodes across Canada.
  4. Increase the skill set of emerging researchers in social media and public relations
  5. Provide means for grass-roots information sharing between the public and research communities and OIRM.

Committee Portfolio:

  • Develop content for OIRM’s Instagram profile. The profile will have month-long host chairs (#rocur) who can share their research, experiences and connect with the community. OIRM will have no corporate/staff presence on this account as is it meant to be a forum for trainees.
  • Act as OIRM “Ambassadors” that can serve as lead (reporting to Committee Chair/Vice-Chair) on initiatives – i.e. Tweeting at OIRM or other hosted events, attending and/or creating events for scientific or science communications programs at large (i.e. Stem Cells on the Street as part of SciCommTO; Awareness Weeks, etc.)
  • Planning role for Communications workshops led by OIRM
  • May be called upon by OIRM’s Education Committee for input into their programming.
  • Although most Committee activities are expected to be without costs or fees, should an event be identified as part of the portfolio for which costs may be required (travel, registration fees, etc.) these must be approved by the Committee Chair and/or OIRM staff in advance.
The OIRM Ambassador role:
As an OIRM Ambassador, your primary role is to share your love of stem cell science with the broader community, online and in person. We’re looking for enthusiastic, creative and savvy individuals who can act as leaders and connectors and can put a face on stem cell research in Ontario. We expect the roles and this Committee to develop and evolve over time, so we will actively encourage new, innovative ideas and strategies that align with the Committee’s goals and recognize the fluid nature of public communications. It’s a minimum of one year commitment, with approximately 5-20 hours of volunteer time monthly. As Ambassadors, you’ll be acting on behalf of OIRM and bound by a professional code of ethics as well as OIRM’s vision.

 

Structure:

  • Chair – OIRM communications lead
  • Vice-Chair – Training coordination and oversight
  • Social media Ambassadors – Instagram (roving)
  • Social media Ambassador – Twitter (ad hoc)
  • Events Ambassadors (3-5; in main cities)

Total number of Ambassadors: 6-8

 What OIRM Ambassadors will receive:

●      Mentorship in science communications, particularly social media

●      Ability to build skills and expand connections

●      Letter of reference from OIRM upon request

●      Free registration to OIRM-hosted events and workshops

●      Opportunity to have a profile article on OIRM website and/or blog

Process:
Interested individuals are asked to submit an application for an Ambassador position by November 30, 2017. Committee will be selected in December and commence January 1, 2018. Term is one year with possibility of renewal for up to three years. 

 Application: 
Please complete the application form by November 30, 2017.