Jane Hughes appointed Director of Communications

The Crick attracts the world's brightest, most creative scientists, and I'm really looking forward to working with them and helping to build the institute's international reputation.

Jane Hughes, former BBC Health Correspondent and communications lead at Rethink Mental Illness and the Royal College of Nursing, has been appointed Director of Communications at the Francis Crick Institute.

In two decades at the BBC, Jane spent six years as Health Correspondent covering medical breakthroughs. As Director of Communications at Rethink Mental Illness, she led work to raise awareness of mental illness, including the award-winning "Finding Mike" campaign, which trended globally. As Associate Director of Communications at the Royal College of Nursing, she led a successful campaign to lift the seven-year cap on nursing pay.

"We are delighted to be welcoming Jane," says Sam Barrell, Chief Operating Officer of the Crick. "She brings a wealth of experience from across the communications spectrum, with media experience at the highest level and a strong track record of leading successful communications teams at high-profile organisations."

As Director of Communications, Jane will help the Crick to achieve its strategy, 'Discovery without boundaries'. Key priorities include creating the science leaders of the future, collaborating creatively to advance UK science and innovation, and engaging and inspiring both young people and the wider public.

"I'm enormously excited to be joining the Francis Crick Institute," says Jane. "The Crick attracts the world's brightest, most creative scientists, and I'm really looking forward to working with them and helping to build the institute's international reputation. The institute's unique approach enables scientists from different disciplines to collaborate creatively, both within the building and with the wider research community, and one of my key priorities is to ensure that the Crick's internal communications and events support this mission. I will also be looking to support the Crick's fantastic public engagement programme and help the team to reach even wider audiences."

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