The H3D Foundation brought together researchers, communicators and global health partners for a webinar on how storytelling can support scientific visibility and help important ideas move beyond academic circles. The session explored how clear, authentic communication can help African researchers attract collaborators, build confidence in their work, and connect discovery to the people and communities it’s intended to serve.
Across Africa, scientists are driving advances in drug discovery and shaping the future of global health. Their work carries weight because their voices carry trust.
See Video of the Webinar here.
Developed jointly with IFPMA and Leith, the session shared perspectives on how narrative, imagery and lived experience can support scientific communication. Speakers discussed how stories help people connect emotionally with complex ideas, making scientific work more understandable, memorable and persuasive. The conversation looked at how storytelling can help research drive real‑world impact by strengthening professional presence and using narrative and visuals to bring scientific work to life.
Scientists consistently rank among the most trusted voices worldwide, yet many feel their research doesn’t travel as far as it could. Recent global studies show that majorities describe scientists as qualified, honest and concerned about people’s wellbeing, with several African countries ranking among the highest for trust in scientific voices. The discussion explored how storytelling can help bridge that gap, making complex science more accessible to policymakers, funders and communities.
Brian Coane from Leith and colleagues from IFPMA shared examples of how storytelling has supported scientific impact globally, including campaigns that built confidence in COVID‑19 vaccines by highlighting the human stories behind the science. The campaign’s central idea was simple and human: the people making the vaccines needed them just as much as everyone else. That truth helped build confidence at a moment when clarity and trust mattered most. Their contribution complemented insights from African researchers and the H3D Foundation team.
The webinar was designed as a collaborative conversation. It recognised the leadership of African scientists in shaping the future of drug discovery and the importance of communication in strengthening that impact. Speakers emphasised that storytelling helps important ideas reach the people who can carry them forward and turn early breakthroughs into real impact.
Brian Coane, partner at Leith, said, “Storytelling helps people see the human effort behind scientific progress. When researchers share their work with clarity and authenticity, it travels further and connects with the audiences who can turn early breakthroughs into real impact. We’re proud to join this conversation and support the visibility of the scientists driving discovery across Africa.”
Micaela Neumann, associate director, communications at IFPMA, said, “Scientists are trusted voices, and their stories help people understand why research matters. By sharing lived experience and the human truth behind discovery, we can strengthen confidence in science and support the innovators who are shaping the future of global health.”
Dr Kelly Chibale, founder and director of the H3D Foundation, said, “African scientists are leading advances in drug discovery, and communication plays a vital role in ensuring their work reaches the audiences who can help turn research into impact. This webinar is an opportunity to explore practical ways to strengthen visibility and support the next generation of scientific leaders.”
Learn more here.