Emotion Research Institute Ltd
This year focused on three main themes, HR, Brand Strategy and Governance. In terms of HR, the first person required is a Board Director who has the knowledge, experience, and skills to invite potential investors to support research into emotion that is both important and high impact. This role is suited to a director who is highly networked and can see the value in probono activity. The second role considered is a Senior Researcher who will be required to design and conduct research for the Foundation. This role is a salaried position and requires a highly experienced researcher at the level of a post doctorate who is interested in the foundation s research. This role will be suitable for a high performer who is interested in working in a private research institute who demonstrates the Foundation s values including being brave, Integrity, growth, compassion, and vitality. The third role considered is a brand and marketing professional who has expertise in technology who can design and manage podcasts, videos, lectures, Ted talks with the aim of raising the profile of the foundation. This role will be a salaried position and requires a professional who is highly motivated, energetic and wants to contribute to something bigger than themselves. In terms of brand strategy, the Board and the broader team engaged in discussions about a name change over the last few years. This idea has developed momentum this year and the proposed name is New Perspectives on Emotion Research so the community can understand what the Foundation is about more readily. The name change will be implemented when the Foundation has the staff onboard to facilitate the process. In terms of governance, the Foundation focused on: 1. synthesis and reporting of outcomes from the first education study, 2. approach to achieving short and longterm impact through research and dissemination, 3. governance and funding health, 4. ability to attract and retain talent, 5. longevity beyond the Founding Chairperson. The outcomes from these focus areas include reaffirming its vision and mission, making progress towards submission of research from its first education study, gaining clarity on and initiating recruiting for its next research position to continue its research agenda, initiating a search for a new third board director, capability development of the Foundations leadership team, initiating a rebranding exercise with a new name for the foundation that is expected to generate wider appeal and a more attractive brand for research and management talent and therefore a stronger basis for the longevity of the Foundation beyond the Founding Chair, and maintaining a healthy cash position for upcoming research projects. Many of these activities are anticipated to be completed in 2024, providing a strong base for the Foundation to build on its early progress.