Validity Science is demystifying biotech communications for public trust
Frankel sees untapped potential for biotech growth in Knoxville, and has a vision to change it.
As the public’s call for transparency in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutics grows louder, so does the need for skilled communicators who can bridge the gap between scientists and the public. With a background in Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Victoria Frankel, Founder of Validity Science, has made it her mission to demystify complex scientific information for general audiences. Her work is increasingly critical in an industry under heightened scrutiny and growing demand for clear, accessible explanations of drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals.
“I fell in love with hard science,” Frankel said, “But my strength has always been in relating to other people.”
Her ability to connect is what gives her the unique edge needed to help companies communicate scientific breakthroughs to the public.
Frankel’s career began as a communications liaison for companies in the nutrition, supplement, and pharmaceutical sectors, helping bridge the gap between scientific teams and marketing. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Frankel moved back to her hometown of Knoxville from New York City.
It was during that time, she unexpectedly found herself launching her own consultancy.
“I became an unintentional entrepreneur,” Frankel said. Soon after, she saw a surge in referrals from healthcare start-ups needing a solid communicator on the team.
Most of the time, in the healthcare space, a “start-up” can be over a decade old.
“A healthcare start-up might have been around for 15 years,” Frankel explains. “The FDA approval process and clinical trials take years, so I often help bridge the gap between scientists and investors, translating their work in a way that shows value and potential.”
Investors want to know updates on R&D efforts. Frankel helps communicate how a specific discovery or shift in numbers is either good – or bad for the evolution of the product.
Frankel sees a shortfall in life sciences companies that don’t invest in their communications throughout their lifecycle. For example, there may be dozens of promising medical device companies, but if an investor can’t understand the significance, then funds will quickly dry up.
“There’s a stigma that the smartest scientists won’t be taken seriously if they don’t speak at a high level,” she said. “But people want to understand the science behind their medications and the processes for approval. Most of the time, research papers are unapproachable, so scientists need to speak in a language they can digest.”
Her goal? Build trust between innovators and the end-users of their products. Without this approach, public mistrust in pharmaceutical companies only deepens.
Frankel’s work extends beyond public communication and investor relations – she also consults her clients on business strategy.
“Many scientists think publishing scientific papers is the most strategic way to make an impact, but that’s not true,” she said. By increasing collaboration between universities and corporations, Frankel believes more discoveries could bypass research novelty and convert to real-world application, getting innovation out to the people who need it more quickly.
Frankel sees untapped potential for biotech growth in Knoxville and hopes the region will take a more creative approach to funding.
“We have so much potential here with the University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). We also have so many great companies,” she says. “We just need to be more strategic and innovative with the resources we have.”
Beyond running Validity Science, Frankel is a mentor for the “Let Her Lead” program and hopes to offer Fractional Executive services with strategic partners soon.
Connect with Victoria Frankel.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!