Elisa Montserrat Rull

Museo Universidad de Navarra (MUN)

ICOM No. 62992

Nominators: Mercedes Jover Hernando (Spain), Santiago Bruno Olmo García (Spain)

Biographical note

I am a professional in Corporate Reputation Management, Strategic Communications, Digital Communications, Marketing, and Sales, with experience in various sectors (media, consulting, healthcare, etc.) and have been active for almost thirty years. For the last fifteen years, I have specialized in higher education and museums. And I remain there because they are two worlds that I am passionate about.

To date, my main contributions have been the launch of a contemporary art museum on the University of Navarra campus in Pamplona, from the moment the idea arose at the rector’s office, to the definition of the architectural project, fundraising efforts, and the inauguration, right up to this year, when we celebrate its tenth anniversary.

Also notable is my contribution to the strategic definition, fundraising, and communication and marketing plan for the future natural sciences museum of the University of Navarra, to promote knowledge and dissemination of biodiversity and the environment.

A follower of UMAC since 2012, I have participated in various conferences and courses sponsored by the international association. I believe the role UMAC plays in promoting university museums around the world and establishing connections between the professionals who work in them is very important. Furthermore, UMAC offers specialized training, facilitates networking, promotes collaborative projects, and, most importantly, facilitates the fulfillment of our primary mission, which is to engage all the sciences in dialogue and bring knowledge closer to university students and society as a whole.

It is especially important for young people to come into contact with museums during their university studies, as they find there a space to develop critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and soft skills, such as teamwork and communication skills—essential aptitudes for future professionals who will move the world. Today, when inattention, misinformation, and youth disenchantment prevail, the role of museums becomes more important, and they can rescue society. Therefore, I am presenting my candidacy to highlight the role of university museums in their mission to generate transformative learning for students and as spaces that facilitate teaching and research innovation among our university professors. Communicating well their work and the activities they promote will facilitate these audiences’ approach to museums, a development that can only have positive consequences for our society. Link to CV.

Qualifications for the position

Main goals of candidacy

If elected as an Ordinary Fellow in Communication and Media, I would like to help redefine and enhance the mission of university museums in today’s society. Through study and active listening, I would design a communications and marketing strategy so that campus museums become the ideal place for dialogue and respect, where all perspectives and all people fit in. They would be a territory for understanding in a polarized world; a space for contemplation in a world where attention has been hijacked and disenchantment reigns; a place that generates hope for young people; and where— together—we can reach the Truth, in a world where misinformation prevails. I deeply believe that achieving this is possible with a good strategy and a good action plan.

Therefore, I would like to develop a new communications and marketing plan for UMAC, a plan that promotes the development of museums and the professionals who comprise them toward the mission and objectives described.

Finally, I would seek funding to create communication tools and materials for use by all member museums, thus facilitating the work and investment they need. Because I truly believe it’s time to highlight the capacity of university museums to educate young people, the future of our society. And with good communication, it’s possible.