Public Outreach Core Committee (POCC)
Charge
- The POCC provides strategic advice and guidance on AAI’s public communications efforts.
- The committee provides input and insights to help shape the direction and effectiveness of AAI’s public awareness campaigns and events, digital communications, and related media relations work. The goal of this work is to elevate the visibility of the field of immunology, the impact of immunology research, and strengthen public trust in science.
- The POCC works in partnership with AAI staff to:
- Provide input on the strategy, content and direction of AAI’s public digital platforms and provide scientific expertise to ensure accuracy of content.
- Support media outreach by providing guidance on developing initiatives that aim to position AAI and its members as a trusted source on immunology- related issues.
- Contribute to the planning and promotion of outreach activities, such as public education campaigns and community engagement events, ensuring scientific integrity and public relevance.
- In addition to its advisory responsibilities, the committee may:
- Collaborate with other AAI Committees to amplify shared goals through coordinated messaging and outreach.
- Explore new platforms, tools, and trends in science communication to keep AAI’s public presence relevant and effective.
Composition
The committee consists of a maximum of 15 members, including the Chair, appointed by a process approved by the Council. Committee members serve three-year terms, staggered so that one third of the members are new each year.
Examples of Ongoing Work
- Contribute to the promotion of AAI’s ongoing public awareness campaign Immunology Explained through participation in video content development and/or establishing partnership opportunities with social media influencers.
- Assist in establishing a communications training and education program for members, including how to be an effective communicator and how to rebuild public trust in science.
- Assist AAI with developing an expert spokesperson database for the media.
- This committee embodies the principle that diverse voices enrich and advance science. The committee partners with BECC to ensure that the breadth of the immunology community is represented among event and program participants.
Expected Member Time Commitment
- Members are expected to take part in 2 to 3 one-hour virtual meetings per year, and an in-person meeting at the AAI Annual Meeting.
- Other commitments will vary depending on the type of engagement e.g. developing video content or reviewing copy; committee members will participate to the extent their interests align with the project(s) and their schedules permit. It is expected that all committee members will engage to some extent outside the scheduled, structured meetings.
Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
- Expertise with one or more channels for public communication and/or engagement is required (public talks, webinars, social media, website, media etc.).
- Experience working with the media is desirable.
- Experience developing impactful digital communications (social media, website etc.) is desirable.
- Excellent skills translating science for a lay audience and making the content accessible to broad audiences, including those with very little or no scientific acumen.