NEW YORK—Weber Shandwick has launched a new practice, Element Scientific Communications, dedicated to inciting change through science. Staffed by more than 20 former scientists and science writers, the new unit will create content and develop engagement platforms for science-driven organizations around the globe.

Element Scientific Communications comprises 14 full-time PhDs, an MD, several MBAs and former reporters and editors from a wide variety of publications, including The Los Angeles Times, Men’s Health, Cure and the Journal of Cell Biology. The group will work within broader Weber Shandwick account teams to provide high-level counsel and tactical support to clients, including pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device companies, professional associations, research consortia, teaching hospitals, analytical instrument manufactures, and clean technology companies.

Core services include scientific storytelling, thought leadership, market conditioning, creative data communications, medical education, grant writing, and internal/external science education.

According to Laura Schoen, president of global healthcare at Weber Shandwick, “This is increasingly important, since science drives innovation and reputation for so many organizations, from universities to Fortune 100 companies. With Element Scientific Communications, we will focus additional resources on integrating and expanding our leadership in this area globally and across multiple sectors.”

Frank Orrico, a 15-year Weber Shandwick veteran, will lead the specialty group.