In a world driven by science, data, and innovation, one truth remains stubborn: most people don’t speak “scientist.”Whether you’re a biotech startup trying to attract funding, a diagnostics firm pitching to hospitals, or a university lab launching a spinout, you face the same challenge of how to communicate complex science in a way that resonates with non-scientists.
At Diverge Communications, this is our core obsession. And in this post, we’ll unpack why simplification doesn’t mean dilution, and how to do it right by using techniques rooted in empathy, storytelling, and strategic design.
Why Is It So Hard to Explain Science?
Because science is specific. It thrives on nuance. A single misused term can derail meaning, especially when you’re talking about genetics, AI in healthcare, or anything that ends with “-omics.” But here’s the kicker:
If your audience doesn’t understand it, your science doesn’t matter.
Investors won’t fund what they don’t get. Patients won’t trust what they don’t grasp. Policymakers won’t back what they can’t relate to. So yes, simplification is not just a skill it’s a growth strategy.
Rule #1: Know Who You’re Talking To
“Simplify” doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone. Explaining CRISPR to a venture capitalist is different from explaining it to a patient advocacy group. Tailoring your language, analogies, and level of detail is the first and most crucial step.
Ask:
- Are they science-adjacent (like healthcare providers or policy advisors)?
- Or totally science-removed (like general public or journalists)?
- What do they care about more: outcomes, processes, or implications?
Pro tip: Start with their world, not yours. If you’re explaining synthetic biology to a food-tech investor, talk about the future of sustainable protein not ribosomal engineering.
Rule #2: Use Analogies That Stick
Analogies are the bridge between unfamiliar science and familiar ideas. They help your audience “see” the concept by comparing it to something they already understand.
Some examples:
- DNA is a cookbook; genes are the recipes.
- CRISPR is like a pair of molecular scissors editing a typo in a sentence.
- A biomarker is like a fingerprint, unique and trackable.
Avoid analogies that are too niche, outdated, or technical themselves. The best ones are concrete, relatable, and visual.
Rule #3: Embrace Storytelling
Humans don’t remember bullet points. They remember stories.
Instead of saying:
“We developed a novel lipid nanoparticle-based delivery system.”
Say:
“We created a microscopic delivery van that carries fragile RNA directly into cells like Amazon Prime for your immune system.”
Frame your science like a journey:
- What problem did you encounter?
- What obstacle stood in the way?
- What breakthrough unlocked progress?
- What transformation happened at the end?
Whether you’re writing a blog post, video script, or investor deck, story first, jargon second.
Rule #4: Don’t Fear the Jargon, Just Translate It
You don’t have to eliminate scientific terms completely. In fact, doing so can backfire and feel patronizing.
Instead:
- Introducing the term.
- Explain it in plain language.
- Use it consistently from that point on.
Example:
“We’re using single-cell RNA sequencing (or scRNA-seq), a method that lets us see how each individual cell is behaving, instead of averaging everything out.”
The goal is to build vocabulary as you go like onboarding your reader into a new world, one concept at a time.
Rule #5: Design It to Be Understood
Visuals are often better than words. Diagrams, animations, even simple icons can collapse complexity in an instant.
Design principles to keep in mind:
- Break up large blocks of text with headings, bullets, and bold statements.
- Use infographics to show cause-and-effect or workflows.
- Create explainer videos for layered, nuanced topics.
Design isn’t decoration. It’s translation.
Rule #6: Ask “So What?”
Always bring it back to why this science matters.
- What problem does it solve?
- Who benefits from it?
- How will it change a system, a patient’s life, or the future?
This is especially critical for:
- Pitch decks
- Website homepages
- Press releases
- Social media posts
Put your outcomes and impact up front then go deeper for those who want the technical details.
The Diverge Philosophy: Simplify with Respect
We believe simplifying science is an act of respect for both the audience and the subject.
You’re not watering it down. You’re distilling it.
You’re not dumbing it down. You’re making it accessible.
At Diverge, we work with deep tech and life sciences companies to craft messages that land, whether you’re talking to investors, partners, patients, or the general public. Because science deserves to be understood. And stories deserve to be told well.
Need help simplifying your story?
Let’s talk. We specialize in decoding complex science for the world outside your lab.
