The Warwick Commission, an international panel of experts established by the University of Warwick to tackle issues of global importance, has taken gold at the CIPR Pride awards 2008.  

The Commission was given first place in the new Public Affairs category at the Midlands awards last night, organised by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. The award recognises campaigns that have been designed to inform the public policy agenda or influence the legislative process.   

The University of Warwick’s Communications Office was praised for its campaign to promote the Commission and raise the international profile of the University.  Warwick Commission brings together leading researchers and policy makers to discuss some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Established in 2007, the first Commission focused on the Multilateral Trade Regime and was chaired by former Canadian Minister for Trade, the Hon Pierre S Pettigrew, PC.  The Commission was directed by the University’s specialist on trade governance issues, Professor Richard Higgott.  

A panel of 16 experts and policy makers from across the globe were selected to participate in the enquiry which took place over four meetings held in Warwick, Toronto, Delhi and Geneva.  The Commission’s final report and proposals were launched at the World Trade Organisation in Geneva and Commissioners have reported back to key policy makers and politicians across the globe on the Commission’s findings.  

University of Warwick Director of Communications Ian Rowley said: “We are delighted to receive this award. It recognises the strong partnership at Warwick between the communications team and world class academics; it particularly recognises the hard work of our Senior Web Editor, Eleanor Lovell and Project Manager, Dr Andrew Roadnight. The Commission is the perfect example of Warwick’s innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.” 

A CBI conference is being held in London next week to present the findings of this first Warwick Commission. 

Notes to editors

For more information, contact Kelly Parkes-Harrison, 02476 150483, 07824 540863, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk