This role is critical, according to Gibbons because of the large size of HMS--the school has over 6,000 faculty and affiliates spread out over 17 affiliated institutions throughout the Boston area.

In order to keep the entire institution at least somewhat aware of what is going on in its various branches, Gibbons says, the office puts out a bi-weekly newsmagazine.

This magazine usually includes more scientific jargon than press releases, since it is designed mainly for an audience of doctors. The HSPH office puts out a similar two-page weekly newsletter.

Meeting the Press

Among Harvard's graduate schools, the medical school's public affairs office is by far the largest. Scientific research is much more likely to produce a tangible "discovery" than a Law Review article, which makes it worthwhile to send out press releases, officials say.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education (GSE) has one media relations officer, a position established at the school only within the last two years.

According to Christine Sanni, the GSE media relations officer, she puts out press releases very infrequently, about once a month.

Instead of publicizing individual events, her position is much more proactive, attempting to influence the way education issues are covered in the news.