Illuminating the scientific value proposition to drive biotech innovation

At Cognition, we excel in transforming complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives through our unique approach to science storytelling. Our expertise in science communication and life sciences enables us to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and its real-world applications. In particular, for our upstream biotech clients, clear communication of a company’s scientific foundation and potential can significantly influence funding decisions. Imagine a world where revolutionary therapies for previously untreatable diseases move swiftly from lab to clinic, fueled by our ability to articulate their promise to investors and partners. By catalyzing understanding and support for cutting-edge biotech innovations, we’re not just shaping narratives but accelerating the path to a healthier, more empowered future.

Visual storytelling for life sciences

But how do we do this? Interestingly, as described by researchers Dr. Martin Eppler and Dr. Remo Aslak Burkhard, most of our brain’s activity involves processing and analyzing visual images. As such, we have remarkable perceptual abilities to scan, recognize and recall images rapidly, automatically detecting patterns and changes in size, color, shape, movement, or texture (as detailed by Professor Keith Andrews in his course notes). This mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding is cognition. Leveraging visual strategies can make information visible and understandable, inviting knowledge translation between a company and its audience. At Cognition, our deep integration of brand and digital strategy, science communication, design strategy and innovation with cutting-edge visual storytelling techniques, including certified medical illustration and animation, ensures that complex scientific data is accessible, memorable and impactful. This unique interdisciplinary blend of expertise creates narratives that resonate on a deeper level, driving engagement and fostering a profound understanding that can influence critical decisions and inspire innovation.

Establishing a scientific value proposition

Our process begins with a deep understanding of their science to establish a scientific value proposition (SVP). This is achieved through learning sessions and R&D, and we often leverage science communication methodologies, such as COMPASS’ Message Box Strategy. This deconstruction of complex scientific concepts into their fundamental elements allows us to grasp the essence of the innovation. By breaking down the science, we can strategically reconstruct it into compelling narratives that resonate. This approach ensures that we can effectively communicate the core value and potential of the science, making it accessible and impactful for both expert and non-expert audiences. By deconstructing intricate scientific data into its core components, we can create bespoke, scientifically credible and engaging narratives that elucidate their innovation, potential impact and competitive advantage to diverse audiences, including investors and partners or those who may not have deep scientific expertise.

Next, we leverage our training and certifications in medical illustration and animation to bring their SVP to life, making complex mechanisms and processes visually accessible. By clearly articulating our client’s potential impact and benefits, our method enhances comprehension and brand retention, leading to deeper dialogues, insights and a way forward to address an unmet medical need, whether a therapeutic, diagnostic or medical device.

Science storytelling in action

For instance, our work with TriSalus Life Sciences involved bespoke biomedical illustrations and animations to elucidate their novel cancer treatment platform. These solutions vividly addressed key challenges such as intratumoral (within the tumor) pressure and immunosuppression (reduction of the immune system’s effectiveness), bringing their SVP to life and ensuring their scientific advancements were understood and appreciated for their potential to drive significant health outcomes. The approach began by reimagining TriSalus’ scientific vision from the ground up, deconstructing the science into its essential components. Then we built a growing library of branded visuals, layering precise narratives to hit core messages and created static and animated imagery that vividly articulated TriSalus’ science, technology and underlying pathology. This comprehensive process visualized complex concepts such as medical devices, therapeutic mechanisms of action, solid tumor growth and vascular changes at various levels, from gross to subcellular.

Empowering innovation and investment through science communication

Ultimately, Cognition’s interdisciplinary science storytelling method empowers upstream biotech clients to effectively communicate their innovations, attract investment and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world impact. Our approach paves the way for groundbreaking health and life sciences advancements by bridging the gap between scientific complexity and stakeholder understanding.

Cognition transforms complex science into compelling narratives that captivate investors, partners, and stakeholders alike. Are you ready to elevate your innovation’s impact?