PR EXPERTS are set to gather for debates at the University of Stirling next week.

People from the field of public relations will descend on the university as it marks 30 years of teaching and researching the subject.

The special symposium is being organised by Dr Alenka Jelen-Sanchez and colleagues and will be held on Wednesday, October 17.

Dr Jelen-Sanchez said: “The University was the first in the UK – and one of the first in Europe – to introduce a public relations degree programme.

“It’s therefore fitting we celebrate our 30th anniversary with an event designed to critically reflect on public relations’ past, present and future directions.

“Stirling, in particular, had a significant influence on public relations education and research in the UK and beyond.

“The university is known as the ‘cradle’ of critical public relations scholarship and has, through the years, hosted and brought together world-leading academics, playing a central role in pursuing new directions and shaping the public relations education and research agenda.”

Speakers at the event include Queen Margaret University’s Professor Jacquie L’Etang and Dr Magda Pieczka; Dr Lee Edwards, London School of Economics and Political Science; Professor Danny Moss, University of Chester; Professor Tom Watson, Bournemouth University; Professor Jordi Xifra, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona; and Stirling’s Drs Will Dinan, Derek Hodge and Alenka Jelen-Sanchez.

The event is free with tickets available on Eventbrite, email alenka.jelen@stir.ac.uk for more information.