A former communications director to the United States Senate and current Head of Public Affairs at Facebook will deliver the Royal Society of Edinburgh's signature event at the University of Aberdeen.
Dr Robert Traynham, is a highly respected political veteran and communications expert, who has designed and executed marketing and external relations campaigns for elected leaders including an incumbent United States president, political organisations, non-profits and Fortune 50 companies including Wal-Mart and Comcast.
He will speak on ‘The role of leadership in diversity and inclusion’.
Throughout his career Dr Traynham, who gained a PhD in history from the University in 2019, has focused on issues of diversity and inclusion. He is currently the global chair of Meta (Facebook’s) Diversity and Inclusion programme. He is also a member of the University of Aberdeen Court.
The event will be chaired by Neil Vargesson FRSE, Professor in Developmental Biology at the University, and will follow an in-conversation format. It will address questions including ‘What are the leadership qualities that we seek and need in this ever changing and emerging field?’ and ‘How does one lead?’.
Professor Vargesson FRSE said: “Dr Traynham is a highly respected international figure and an incredibly engaging speaker. I am thrilled to be chairing the lecture and excited to welcome Dr Traynham back to Aberdeen. His story is inspirational and I am hugely grateful that he is generously sharing his time with us. It promises to be a thought-provoking event and presents a great opportunity to hear from Dr Traynham. All are welcome to attend.”
Sir John Ball, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh said: “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Dr Traynham’s calibre delivering our signature event in Aberdeen and supporting our ambition of sharing knowledge to benefit society. Dr Traynham brings a truly global perspective to the important issues of diversity and inclusion, and will share his experience and insights into the impact effective leadership can have on making greater progress in these areas. This lecture will undoubtedly give us plenty of food for thought.”
The Royal Society of Edinburgh’s signature event - ‘The role of leadership in diversity and inclusion’ – will be held on Monday, 27 February, 6pm to 7pm at the Suttie Centre Lecture Theatre. More information on the lecture, which will be recorded, and booking details can be found here.