Biotech leader urges professionals, students, and creators to embrace curiosity, empathy, and accessible storytelling
SYDNEY, AU / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Following his recent feature interview with Celeb Flare, physician-scientist and biotechnology leader Dr Leigh Beveridge (Australia) is calling for greater investment in science communication, mentorship, and inclusive leadership across STEM and biotech. Drawing on themes from his interview, he emphasizes how clear communication and diverse voices can shape the future of medical innovation.
Dr Beveridge, known for his expertise in hematology, oncology, and immunology, highlighted a consistent message throughout the interview: the industry must prioritize human-centered science. "Good science starts with listening," he said in the feature. "If you want clarity, ask better questions. That's where real progress begins."
His message comes at an important time. According to the Australian Government's STEM Equity Monitor, women represent only 37% of university STEM graduates, and LGBTQ+ representation in science remains significantly underreported. Globally, the World Economic Forum reports that less than 30% of researchers worldwide identify as female, limiting diversity of thought in critical areas like drug development, public health, and data science.
"These numbers tell a story," Dr Beveridge noted. "If our teams don't reflect the world, our solutions won't either. Diversity isn't optional - it's how we build better science."
Highlighting the Need for Stronger Science Communication
In the interview, Dr Beveridge spoke about his early experience as a radio presenter at JOYFM and how communication skills shaped his approach to leadership.
"Storytelling matters in science. If people can't understand the work, they can't trust it," he said. "The tools we have today - podcasts, social platforms, community education - give us new ways to make science accessible."
A recent CSIRO study found that only 23% of Australians feel they have a strong understanding of emerging medical technologies, despite rising public interest in biotech and healthcare innovation.
Dr Beveridge believes better communication can change this. "You don't need a PhD to be part of the conversation," he said. "We need to meet people where they are - with empathy, clarity, and curiosity."
Championing Lifelong Learning and Mental Wellness in STEM
He also emphasized the importance of mental health and sustainable learning habits, reflecting on his own daily routines.
"In the interview, I talked about my ‘learning windows' - 20 or 30 minutes a day to explore something new," he explained. "Small habits like that protect creativity and prevent burnout. In a fast-moving industry, balance isn't a luxury. It's necessary."
Reports from Beyond Blue show that STEM professionals experience higher-than-average burnout, with nearly 39% reporting chronic stress.
"Curiosity keeps us inspired, but care keeps us grounded," Dr Beveridge said. "We have to support both."
A Call to Action: What People Can Do Today
Rather than placing responsibility solely on institutions, Dr Beveridge encourages individuals - students, professionals, creators, and science enthusiasts - to take simple, meaningful steps:
1. Ask questions - even small ones.
"Curiosity is fuel," he said. "Every meaningful idea starts with a question."
2. Follow trustworthy science sources.
Dr Beveridge recommends outlets like STAT News, Endpoints News, and medical-science creators who translate complex topics clearly.
3. Support diversity in STEM.
Mentor someone. Amplify underrepresented voices. Participate in inclusive communities where science is accessible and welcoming.
4. Build your own version of a "learning window."
"Inspiration needs space," he shared. "Give yourself 20 minutes a day to think, read, learn, or create."
5. Communicate openly - even imperfectly.
"Perfect communication is unrealistic," he added. "Honest communication is what matters."
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Dr Leigh Beveridge (Australia)
Dr Beveridge is a physician-scientist and senior medical leader specializing in global drug development across hematology, oncology, and immunology. His career spans academic medicine, translational research, and leadership roles at major biotechnology organizations. He is also a mentor, advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in STEM, and an educator in articulation and leadership communication.
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SOURCE: Dr Leigh Beveridge
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