The Academic Secretary is responsible for the organisation of internal and external speaker events (or panel discussions), and other engaging academic events and initiatives for the Society. For speaker events, they approach potential speakers, liaise with confirmed speakers, and prepare questions for the speaker(s). They are also responsible for the speaker’s welfare, including helping with transport and accommodation if necessary. At some points you may be expected to interview the speaker in front of a live audience, unless delegated to another committee meeting. For other academic events and initiatives, this includes simulations (or the ‘SIMEX’), workshops, academic drop-ins, the Atlas Review (the Society’s blog), and anything else you wish to pursue. Desirable qualities include good written and verbal communication, such as when emailing and greeting speakers in-person, as well as creativity, and responsiveness to members’ feedback. Like with General Secretary, this might sound like a lot, but as any committee member can, you can negotiate with your colleagues about delegating tasks at some points.