Highly Commended
IMED’s Rock Stars: Building a Culture Where Science Thrives
Summary of work
AstraZeneca’s (AZ) purpose is to push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. The company’s staff of 2,200 scientists working within its early R&D unit is critical in delivering this, and to AZ’s success. In 2017, research revealed that AZ’s initiatives for rewarding its scientists and recognising their achievements were falling short of the mark. Change was needed to better celebrate success, increase the scientists’ engagement with the company and foster the inspiring and collaborative culture needed to let science thrive.
The Communications team developed an 18-month programme to support global networking and collaboration and to showcase the best science. The team created a portfolio of opportunities to bring AZ’s scientists together in person and digitally, as well as to reward and celebrate their successes. Flagship initiatives included a two-day medical congress-style Science Retreat and a high-profile Science
Awards programme. An internal social networking platform enabling scientists to share their work with colleagues around the world was rapidly embraced, as were initiatives to upskill scientists in communicating more effectively. Feedback on the programme has been overwhelmingly positive:
“I felt so proud of my colleagues and to be working at AZ”, said one Science Retreat attendee.
Judges’ comments
AstraZeneca and 90TEN produced a project that recognised and rewarded the excellent work carried out by AZ’s scientists. This well-designed, innovative programme recognised a business critical issue and set about giving the R&D teams the support they deserved.
