In a world where scientific advancements are rapidly reshaping our understanding of the universe, there is an urgent need for effective communication between scientists, industry and the consumers. One individual, deeply inspired by the power of science, felt a compelling urge to bridge this gap.
During her time as an intern at a science magazine in her PhD days, she witnessed firsthand the challenges scientists face in conveying their research to a broader audience. The importance of clear and engaging scientific communication became evident as she recognized the potential for science to positively impact society when its discoveries are effectively understood, appreciated and implemented.
This experience ignited a passion for science communication and policy matters. She realized that by effectively communicating scientific findings, she could contribute to informed decision-making, foster public understanding of complex scientific issues, and inspire future generations of scientists.
A PhD in microbiology with extensive research experience gathered at prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), and the National Institute of Immunology (NII) in Delhi. Dr Manbeena Chawla gradually understood that effective communication could significantly enhance the impact of scientific research. After completing her PhD degree, actively sought opportunities in the communication field and ultimately in 2017, joined BioSpectrum, a leading biotech business magazine. Since she dedicated herself to fostering collaboration and sharing insights among colleagues while learning from their wealth of experience. Through her journey, Dr Manbeena continues to inspire others in the industry, highlighting the crucial role of communication in advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
Navigating the Science of Communication
While pursuing her PhD in microbiology at IISc in Bengaluru, Dr Manbeena began working as an intern at a science magazine called Connect, where she developed a strong interest in scientific communication, industry research, and policy matters. It was during this experience that she recognized the importance of discussing new discoveries in the scientific community, particularly in her home country, along with the challenges that accompany them. After completing her PhD, she actively sought opportunities in the communication field and ultimately joined BioSpectrum, a well-established biotech business magazine brand, owned by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications. The brand has operations in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Singapore.
More than 20 years old, BioSpectrum has been a significant part of Dr Manbeena’s career for the past seven years. Throughout her tenure, she has witnessed both the highs and lows of the brand’s journey. What has enabled the team to navigate challenging times is their unwavering commitment to deliver on time, collaborative efforts, and a shared passion for highlighting significant developments within the life sciences sector, ultimately aiming for improved outcomes on a national scale.
Impact on Healthcare and Life Sciences
Dr Manbeena and her team maintain a robust network within the healthcare and life sciences sectors, actively engaging with key stakeholders, including government representatives, industry leaders, startups, and academics. They prioritize attending relevant meetings to connect with industry captains and gather insights to develop their articles, interviews, and analytical pieces. This engagement helps address bottlenecks and fosters innovation.
Effective communication among team members has been crucial to Dr Manbeena’s success, and she credits her seniors and colleagues for the valuable lessons learned at every stage of her career. The rigorous training that PhD students undergo—focused on meeting deadlines, organizing events, and coordinating with peers—has equipped her with essential skills. She believes that a good leader is one who listens attentively, responds thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively, and exercises patience when making important decisions.
Vision for BioSpectrum and the Biotechnology Industry
By delivering content promptly, Dr Manbeena’s team enhances customers’ trust and confidence in their publication. Maintaining high-quality standards is essential, with each team member equally accountable for balancing reader’s expectations and business needs. This commitment leads to timely improvements in core processes, reducing inefficiencies and optimizing costs, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and company profits.
Under Dr Manbeena’s leadership, BioSpectrum has been able to maintain its position as India’s premier publication covering the biotechnology business. It provides comprehensive analyses of policy issues, products, and services across various segments, including biopharma, bioinformatics, bioinfrastructure, and bioagriculture, making it the industry’s most credible information source. Among the organization’s most transformative initiatives are its networking events, which feature panel discussions on relevant and trending industry topics related to sectors such as biopharma, startups, and suppliers. Additionally, BioSpectrum has gained significant popularity through its annual award-based events, celebrating achievements in both the Indian and Asian life sciences sectors over the past few years.
Empowering Growth and Innovation
BioSpectrum boasts a robust readership base for its websites, BioSpectrum India and BioSpectrum Asia. To cater to this audience, the team ensures that the websites are updated on an hourly basis, with the monthly digital magazine published on the first of each month. A variety of tools are utilized to enhance their digital marketing strategies.
The organization prioritizes the development of its team members by conducting regular training programs and workshops. Senior members facilitate specific induction programs for new hires to help them acclimate. Additionally, BioSpectrum offers a hybrid work environment to enhance employee efficiency, fostering a balanced work culture. The organization also prides itself in maintaining an equal distribution of men and women within its workforce.
Vision for BioSpectrum: Strengthening Communication and Trust in Healthcare
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges across various sectors, but the healthcare sector experienced an unprecedented surge in workload. Amidst widespread shutdowns, there was a pressing need for information and clarity. This urgency provided BioSpectrum with an opportunity to solidify its presence in the market.
During this time, the team organized numerous webinars aimed at connecting with patients and the general public, who were often left in the dark about the evolving situation. Many were seeking reliable information regarding the disease, vaccine development, and the availability of diagnostic tests.
In the realm of media and journalism, the team recognized their vital responsibility to disseminate accurate facts and figures. This commitment necessitated thorough and repetitive verification processes, a standard they vowed to uphold moving forward.
“A good leader is one who listens to all, does not react, but responds in the most effective manner when the time is right.”
“Each person in our team takes equal accountability towards balancing customer/ reader’s expectations and business needs.”
“With comprehensive analyses of policy issues, products and services across the biopharma, bioinformatics, bioinfrastructure and bioargriculture segments, BioSpectrum has emerged as the industry’s most credible source of information.”
“We have a very strong readership base for our websites- BioSpectrum India and BioSpectrum Asia, across the globe.”
“We conduct regular training programmes and workshops for our team members while senior members organize specific induction programmes for new joiners.”
“Being in the field of media and journalism, we have a responsibility to put out correct facts and figures that require repetitive verifications – we will continue to do so.”
