University of Cambridge
When it comes to schools or universities that are considered "fancy" or "prestigious", in the United Kingdom, the first university to likely pop into the average person's head is the University of Cambridge. And it should not come as a shock, seeing as the university's media outreach is incredibly active and diverse. From well-known scientists, such as David Attenborough and Stephen Hawking, both of whom are alumni for the University of Cambridge, to simple radio shows and television advertisements, Cambridge has made a strong name for itself as one of the top, if not THE top, University to attend.
The University of Cambridge does two things very well when it comes to working with the media. The first is their use of social media platforms. The website contains various links to their different social media platforms. There is their YouTube channel, where you can watch various videos, including student life at Cambridge. They have their own Twitter and Facebook accounts, each containing various pictures, videos, and GIFs attempting to encourage future generations of students. They also have an account on Flickr. While I have never heard of this site before, it seems very similar to Instagram or Facebook as a means of showing off various pictures and/or videos. Cambridge's account seems to show off various photographs of student life on campus. A LinkedIn account is also provided, showing off any job opportunities, as well as over 13,000 staff members already employed.
The University of Cambridge publishes their own research magazine, which anyone has access to via a downloadable PDF file format for each issue. Titled Horizons, the magazine currently has 39 issues, each covering a different area of research and study. Topics include, but are not limited to, Neuroscience, China, Energy & Environment, Public Health, Migration, Africa, Children, and Sustainable Earth.
The second thing that the University of Cambridge has done well is the news that they put out on their website. It seems that they update the website daily, if possible, and publish news stories that not only involve Cambridge, but also involve anything researchers are working with, such as stories of biodiversity changes or partnership renewals with other research companies.
As stated previously, Cambridge has had well-known alumni throughout its running history, some of which help to build up its repertoire. As with any country, including the United States, people always look up to actors, politicians, scientists, or anyone else who would be considered to have a high social ranking. The same is true with the university, as it has had many of these types of people, both past and present, that encourage others to enroll at Cambridge, all of which are alumni. These include David Attenborough, Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Fry, Bertrand Russell, Ernest Rutherford, Charles, Prince of Wales, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Ian McKellen, Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Tilda Swinton, and John Oliver.
Cambridge has made itself widely known on an international standpoint. Some of their alumni are famous on almost every country in the world, for one reason or another. Their works on various scientific research has made breakthroughs in the scientific community all over the globe. Cambridge is committed to achieving excellence in research and scholarship, and to ensuring that the research contributes to the well-being of society. They seek to provide a creative and supportive environment in which ideas are generated and can flourish. The university strives for excellence in their various fields of research across the Schools of Arts & Humanities, Humanities & Social Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Technology, Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences, meaning that in addition to their achievements in fundamental research, they are also well-positioned to make significant contributions to the global innovation agenda and, by conveying the implications of their combined research, to contribute to the formulation of international policy.
Finally, the University of Cambridge also presents students with an idea for partnerships around the world, helping to further Cambridge's studies and outreach programs. These are called Strategic Research Initiatives. According to the Cambridge website, the portfolio of initiatives includes the following:
Connecting world-leading academic and industry expertise to drive therapeutic development and support the education and training of the next generation of world-leading researchers.
Global Challenges
Enhancing the contribution of University of Cambridge research towards addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through cross-disciplinary research and innovation programs, founded on a properly localized understanding of the needs and contexts where impact is sought.
Public Policy
Connecting research across the University to illuminate and improve public policy making through a cross-cutting program of research on the policy process and support for policy development in key thematic areas.
Reproduction
Facilitating cross-disciplinary research to offer fresh perspectives on a broad range of issues relating to reproduction from global policies to those which affect individuals, families and population.
Trust & Technologies
Setting the strategic agenda on issues of trust and technology; driving the creation of new technologies and applications; and assessing and influencing the societal, economic and policy implications and directions.
