I am a lecturer and Director of Research Communication in the School of International Development (DEV). I teach on the MA Media and International Development (MAMID) and on a couple of BA modules: Development in Practice and Development Work Experience.

I am Chartered Marketer with over 20 years marketing and communications experience in the public and non-profit sector. I have been an active committee member on the Chartered Institute of Marketing Higher Education Group for the last five years. I have also been on the judging panel for the HEIST Awards for the last two years, which looks as marketing excellence in Higher Education. My interests are multidisciplinary, but I have particular expertise in strategic marketing, communications, PR, branding, digital and social media. 

My research focuses on two main areas of social media within developing countries. Firstly how social media has empowered communities to effect change e.g. the Arab Spring and Chile Winter. Secondly how international development organisations and NGOs use social media: rapid response to unforeseen events, emergency related videos, fundraising and general awareness raising. I am particularly interested in celebrity advocacy, social media and international development.

Contact details:
David Girling
Room 1.87, Arts Building
School of International Development
University of East Anglia
Norwich Research Park
Norwich NR4 7TJ
T: +44 (0)1603 593529
E: d.girling@uea.ac.uk