Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lara Hemeryck, PhD. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

Thanks for having me! Here’s the one BIG misconception about science: science isn’t just black or white, it’s mostly a wide stretch of in-between and grey areas. It’s in our human nature to crave simple, clear-cut answers to better our lives. We all want a direct path to follow, an ideal world tailored to ourselves. So, it’s no surprise that social media often presents information as black or white, right or wrong. But here’s the truth: science is a complex, ever-changing field filled with nuances, exceptions, ongoing discoveries. Science doesn’t always provide the straightforward answers we want. Instead, it offers insights and probabilities. My advice: explore, experiment, and find what truly works in your unique context. So, before you accept something you read online as “right” or “wrong,” try it out and see how it applies to your life!

Lara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a scientist turned science communicator and today I lead the global, remote team at Scicomwiz – my science communication agency. My journey into science communication started from a very personal place – dealing with my own health challenges. I reversed five chronic illnesses through following advice from thought leaders in proactive healthcare in just 6 months time. Today, I am fully medication free. This experience opened my eyes to the power of understanding and applying the right scientific information in our daily lives. That’s how Scicomwiz was born. Our mission is to make health and wellness information understandable and accessible to everyone.

I noticed a common challenge: Scientists often find it hard to let go of technical jargon, while marketers may lack the scientific depth to keep content accurate and credible. This is where I step in. My goal is to make complex science not just understandable, but also engaging and relatable. And most importantly, actionable – so people can take ownership of their own health, just like I did.

We’re offering a range of services and work with two typical types of profiles:
1) Thought leaders in the health and wellness space with a large social media following. They often solely rely on a social media manager who typically lacks the depth of their scientific expertise. They need a strategic partner supporting them with keeping track of the latest science developments in their field, creating science-backed content, doing research for their upcoming books, podcast support and more.
2) Companies in proactive healthcare who offer a science-backed product or service and struggle to find a scientific partner who excels in both the science and the marketing. We generate white papers, content strategy, social media content, blogs, newsletters and more. In addition, we also support brands with what health claims they can make about their product, with product descriptions or any webcopy summarizing their unique science.

What sets us apart is our ability to speak both languages – the precision of science and the flair of marketing. This unique blend ensures that your message is not only scientifically accurate but also resonates with your audience in a meaningful way.

What I’m most proud of is the real-world impact we’re making. In less than 12 months time, we’ve impacted millions of people globally through our clients. Whether you’re a thought leader struggling to simplify your message or a brand in proactive healthcare trying to incorporate scientific accuracy into your marketing, we’re here to bridge that gap.

For those new to Scicomwiz, think of us as more than a science communication agency. We’re your strategic partner developing a tailored content strategy for your brand. We help you break down your complex science in a way that it resonates with your audiences and ideal clients. Our mission is to bring life to health and wellness information in a way that is both accurate and captivating, one story at a time.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me? It’s been a mix of word of mouth and social media – I’m pretty active on Linkedin. I’ve always been naturally curious about people in this field, connecting with them long before I even started Scicomwiz. There’s something special about understanding the ‘why’ behind someone’s story, especially in proactive healthcare. It seems many founders or CEOs here have personal experiences with health issues, either themselves or through someone close. It’s these personal connections and stories that I love, and they often lead to great professional relationships.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One big lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the “I’ll sleep when I die” culture. In the rapid change of going from a solo freelancer to leading an agency of 13, I neglected my health and well-being. It’s been a crazy time managing time zones and the sheer pace of work, but I absolutely love it! What I’ve realized is the importance of flexibility and adapting routines. Having expectations often leads to disappointment, as things usually go differently than planned. This was a lesson learned during my PhD too—no matter how well you prepare, things rarely go exactly as you anticipate.

Reflecting on 2023, I recognize that life isn’t about a constant balance. It’s more about phases. Sometimes, you need to be laser-focused on your goals, which might mean sacrificing social events and working late nights. Other times, it’s crucial to step back, relax, and recharge. Knowing what phase you’re in and what you need at that moment is key.

Flexibility is the new hustle. It’s about adapting and giving yourself what’s needed at each stage of your journey. I’ve learned it’s not just about pushing hard all the time but also knowing when to slow down. It’s how you make sustainable progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.scicomwiz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larahemeryckphd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-hemeryck/

Image Credits
Chloe Debo @images.bychloe