Case study

Science communications

Challenge

A client prioritized a workstream aimed at ensuring FDA reviewers were well trained on cutting-edge science. Catalyst was tasked with advancing this client goal in a manner that created mutual benefits for both the client and the FDA.

Strategy

  • Researched emerging cutting-edge technologies throughout the client’s field of interest.
  • Worked with regulators to ensure horizon-scanning activity would be informative to Agency staff and complement ongoing Agency activities.
  • Prepared and published an emerging technologies horizon scan, looking forward 10 years.
  • Coordinated with FDA staff to poll Agency interest in the scientific topics of interest, based on the Catalyst horizon scan findings.
  • Established a series of quarterly “lunch-and-learns” to engage a broad swath of interested parties, ranging from Agency leadership and reviewers to scientists.
  • Recruited, with client guidance, top expert scientists in emerging fields to present both the science and identify foreseeable hurdles that would need addressing for the field to succeed.
  • Worked with scientists and a broad group of interests to create presentations conveying complicated science that targeted participants with a wide range of scientific backgrounds.

Impact

  • Satisfaction surveys, circulated to the 100+ FDA staff that attended each “lunch and learn,” rewarded the effort with high satisfaction ratings and support for the continuance of the program.
  • Surveys also indicated that participants recognized potential future hurdles, and how to clear them in the future.

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