Introduction to ‘Future-proofing communication at the academy-societal interface: learning from research that examines societal interfaces’

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on academia has been profound and universities and researchers have responded the best way we can to maintain our teaching and research during this difficult time. Travel and social distancing restrictions have hindered how we communicate and disseminate our research with other, especially in the global context. In July 2020, the Australian and New Zealand Communication Association had to postpone the annual conference.

This special section is based on the papers presented at the 70th Annual International Communication Association (ICA) Conference (21–25 May 2020) in an ANZCA panel titled ‘Future-proofing communication at the academy-societal interface: Learning from research that examines societal interfaces’. The ICA conference was originally scheduled to be held in Gold Coast, Australia. However, due to COVID-19, the conference was converted to a virtual conference. In line with these changes, the panel presentation and discussion were held online during the conference period. The presentations were videotaped and uploaded online for conference attendees. The lead presenters were all long standing ANZCA members but at the time of presentation they were located all around the world; Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.