Public Affairs (Communications)

The Public Affairs Team promotes the research and expertise of the University to the political, policy and civic audiences. We develop and facilitate interactions with elected members of national and local governments (Scotland, UK, Europe), and senior policy makers within those governments. At a local level, the team supports relations with the local authorities and community.

Our Team supports the work of the University in:

  • Communicating with policy makers and influencers at Holyrood and Westminster and elsewhere;
  • Monitoring parliamentary and government activities at a devolved, UK and European level, from debating chamber through to the various committees and groups, for extant and potential interactions with the University;
  • Supporting ministerial and VIP visits to the University;
  • Co-ordinating biannual briefing sessions for local MSPs, MPs and MEPs;
  • Issuing the ‘Aberdeen Bulletin’ to MPs, MSPs and MEPs on Aberdeen’s teaching, research and other policy influencing activity;
  • Providing advice and training for University staff seeking to engage with policy and policy makers.

The Communications Office is staffed Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. For urgent enquiries outwith office hours please call 01224-273231 to speak to a member of the Public Affairs Team. (Please note - media enquiries should be directed to 01224-272014.) 

Public Affairs’ lead officers are Dr Sue Bird and Godfrey Brown. Support officers include Laura Young and Laura McCombie (Press Office).

Dr Sue Bird
Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0)1224-438668
Email: sue.bird@abdn.ac.uk 

Godfrey Brown
Public Affairs Officer
Tel: +44 (0)1224-273231
Email: a.g.brown@abdn.ac.uk

Laura Young
Public Affairs Project Assistant
Tel: +44 (0)1224-438784
Email: laura.young@abdn.ac.uk