Leading media and communications professionals join Cardiff University as visiting fellows

Media and strategic communications professionals Rod Cartwright and Alex Aiken have been appointed as visiting fellows by the Centre for Journalism and Public Communication, Cardiff University’s centre of excellence for media practice.

Executive Director for Government Communication, Alex Aiken, and internationally renowned crisis communications expert, Rod Cartwright, will join the University as fellows for the next three years to support the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC) as it prepares to launch its new strategic vision, JOMEC2025.

Both fellows will contribute their expertise in data driven communications, behavioural insight and combatting misinformation to help shape the next generation of journalists and communicators at the school.

Mr Aiken, a former Government Communication Service (GCS) Head of Profession who currently focuses on security and international communication, said he was looking forward to working closely with students: “What I love about the Centre for Journalism and Public Communication is the energy, ambition and diversity of the students and commitment of the teaching staff.

“I’m delighted to become a visiting fellow of Cardiff University and look forward to supporting students and showing how modern data driven digital communication can help inform people, enabling them to make the right choices and counter fake news and disinformation.”

Mr Cartwright, who will be the School’s Advisory Panel Chair for International Public Relations and Global Communications (MA), said he was delighted to be able to help shape the future of communications education.

“Cardiff University has always stood out for finding and fostering some of the brightest and best in the international PR industry. So, it is a privilege to serve as a visiting fellow to the Centre for Journalism and Public Communication for the next three years and a true honour to be asked to Chair the Centre’s Expert Advisors’ Panel.”

Welcoming the appointments, Head of School Matt Walsh said: “I am really pleased to welcome Alex and Rod as visiting fellows to the school. This is a key moment for the development of communications teaching and research at Cardiff University. Their wealth of experience and strategic insights will play a crucial role in the years ahead.”

The Centre for Journalism and Public Communication promotes collaboration between multi-award winning practice and scholarship staff, world-class researchers and an extensive network of industry partners in the media and communications sector.

It is supported by alumni and practitioners around the world who contribute to the school’s industry-leading media training programmes by advising on curriculum development, delivering guest lectures on their specialist areas and mentoring students through their studies and early career development.