Professor Yijing Wang appointed to Chair of Strategic Communication

A personal milestone, a societal responsibility

For Professor Wang, the appointment is both a recognition and a responsibility.

“This appointment represents a trust placed in me – not only in my ability to advance my field and contribute to the scientific community, but also to show how strategic communication can drive positive change in society. Personally, it is a recognition of the years of work I have devoted at Erasmus University. Professionally, I see it as a mandate to advance research, education, and impact that help societies navigate transformation in ways that are both responsible and inclusive.”

Communication as a driver of societal transitions

At the heart of her Chair lies the conviction that communication is not simply an instrument, but a structuring force in times of disruption.

“The way we frame issues and the voices we invite into the conversation shape which solutions gain legitimacy and whose interests are represented. For example, in times of uncertainty, the voices of vulnerable groups are often lost within the very processes designed to support them.”

Her research focuses on four key societal challenges: sustainability transitions, crisis readiness, digital responsibility, and inclusion and public trust. In her Horizon Europe project CUES, for example, she explores how communication can support sustainable food transitions by combining cultural change, policy innovation, and value chain transformation.

Crisis readiness and digital responsibility

Professor Wang’s work also responds to the increasing urgency of organisational preparedness for complex crises.

“Readiness is both a mindset and a capability. It is about anticipatory governance, early warning, sensemaking, and ethical deliberation. In practice, this means scenario-based training, continuous listening, and building trust through accountability and adaptability.”

Emerging technologies, such as generative AI, are an integral part of this agenda. She stresses that transparency and accountability should guide how organisations use these tools to maintain credibility in the eyes of society.

Inclusion and public trust

Another central ambition of the Chair is to strengthen inclusion and public trust.

“Exclusion is not only about socio-economic barriers, but also about whose knowledge is recognised as legitimate. Responsible communication requires genuine co-design, using channels that connect with people’s everyday realities, and feedback loops where input visibly shapes decisions.”

Research, education, and collaboration

Professor Wang’s ambitions reach beyond research alone. She places equal importance on education, developing new courses such as Sustainability Communication and Risk and Crisis Communication, to equip students with the skills needed to address real-world challenges.

Collaboration across sectors is also key to her vision.

“Collaboration between academics, policymakers, businesses, and civil society is essential if communication research is to make a real difference. At ESHCC, I want to expand these opportunities and position our faculty as a connector: a place where rigorous scholarship meets practical decision-making.”

Looking ahead

With her new Chair, Professor Wang aims to ensure that ESHCC remains at the forefront of research and education in strategic communication.

“Strategic communication can turn awareness into action and shape how societies confront uncertainty and create pathways for positive change. Looking ahead, my research and teaching will focus on building societal resilience and deepening our understanding of how communication can guide societies through transformation in a manner that is both responsible and inclusive.”