Claire Nicholson: Head of Oncology R&D Communication at AstraZeneca
Claire Nicholson is a highly skilled communication professional specializing in science and healthcare. With extensive experience in corporate communication, R&D, and consumer healthcare, she is a prominent figure in the world of medical communication. As the current Head of Oncology R&D Communication at AstraZeneca, Claire plays a pivotal role in managing both internal and external communication strategies for the company’s oncology research and development team. Her academic background and diverse professional journey make her one of the leading communicators in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Early Life and Education
Claire Nicholson’s journey into the world of science and communication began with her academic pursuits. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences from University College London (UCL), which provided her with a solid foundation in the field of life sciences. She then went on to complete her Master of Science (MSc) in Biomedicine, Bioscience, and Society at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). This multidisciplinary academic background—combining both science and societal perspectives—gave Claire the tools to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broader audience, an essential skill in her future career.
Career Overview
AstraZeneca: The Pinnacle of Claire Nicholson’s Career
Claire Nicholson’s career in communication has flourished primarily at AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines. She has been with AstraZeneca for over six years, where she has steadily climbed the ranks due to her expertise and strategic vision in science communication.
Current Role: Head of Oncology R&D Communication
As the Head of Oncology R&D Communication at AstraZeneca, Claire is responsible for leading the company’s oncology communication strategy. This role involves overseeing internal and external communication efforts, ensuring that the organization’s cutting-edge research and developments in oncology are effectively communicated to both the public and the scientific community. Claire’s leadership also extends to the development of communication strategies that highlight the breakthroughs and advancements made by AstraZeneca in cancer research.
Her responsibilities include providing executive communications support to the Executive Vice President of Oncology R&D and being an integral member of the Oncology R&D Leadership Team. Claire ensures that all stakeholders—ranging from scientists and investors to patients and healthcare professionals—are kept informed about the latest developments in AstraZeneca’s oncology research.
Senior Director, Global R&D Communications Lead, Oncology
Prior to her current role, Claire held the position of Senior Director, Global R&D Communications Lead, Oncology, from January 2022 to March 2024. In this position, Claire led the oncology R&D communications team and developed an integrated communications strategy that aligned with AstraZeneca’s global R&D goals. This role required a deep understanding of the science behind AstraZeneca’s oncology portfolio, as well as the ability to translate that science into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
External Science Communications Director
Before becoming the Senior Director, Claire also served as the External Science Communications Director at AstraZeneca from June 2021 to January 2022. In this capacity, she was responsible for leading external communications efforts for the company’s R&D science and technology platforms. Claire was tasked with creating impactful content for a variety of external channels, ensuring that AstraZeneca’s research ambitions were communicated effectively to the broader community. Her work included managing STEM outreach initiatives and fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders.
A Proven Track Record in Science Communication
Claire Nicholson has a proven track record of success in science communication, having worked in various high-profile roles before joining AstraZeneca. She worked as an Associate Director at MSLGROUP and Ketchum, where she led global corporate communications accounts, helping clients tell their pharma business stories to investors and the media. These positions gave Claire valuable experience in financial communication, media outreach, and strategic messaging for pharmaceutical companies.
Before transitioning into the corporate world, Claire worked as a Commissioning Editor for Future Science Group, where she was responsible for overseeing the content for a leading journal in ophthalmology. She also contributed to the success of other publications by identifying and commissioning articles, reviewing research, and managing editorial content.
Claire Nicholson’s Impact on Oncology Communications
Empowering Scientific Discourse
One of Claire Nicholson’s major contributions to AstraZeneca has been her ability to empower scientific discourse through effective communication. In the field of oncology, where research is complex and rapidly evolving, Claire’s role ensures that breakthroughs in cancer treatments are communicated clearly to a wide range of audiences. This includes not only internal stakeholders but also external partners, journalists, and even patients who stand to benefit from these scientific advancements.
Shaping Public Perception of Cancer Research
Claire has also played a critical role in shaping public perception about cancer research and its potential impact on patients. Her ability to communicate complex medical topics in an accessible and engaging way has helped build trust in AstraZeneca’s oncology portfolio. Her leadership in this area reflects her understanding of both the importance of scientific integrity and the need for clear, empathetic communication that resonates with the public.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Claire has earned recognition for her strategic communication efforts. As a communication leader in the healthcare sector, she has received accolades for her ability to integrate scientific knowledge with effective messaging strategies. While specific awards are not publicly available, her success at AstraZeneca and previous roles speaks to her remarkable impact on the industry.
Claire Nicholson’s Future in Oncology R&D Communication
As the Head of Oncology R&D Communication at AstraZeneca, Claire Nicholson’s career continues to evolve. With her impressive background in both science and communication, she is well-positioned to shape the future of cancer research communication. Her leadership in the field will undoubtedly continue to influence how pharmaceutical companies communicate the science behind their treatments and engage with diverse audiences.
Conclusion
Claire Nicholson is a seasoned communication professional whose expertise in science and healthcare communication has made her an invaluable asset to AstraZeneca. As the Head of Oncology R&D Communication, Claire plays a key role in conveying the groundbreaking work being done in the field of oncology. With a passion for science and a commitment to effective communication, Claire’s career is a testament to the power of strategic messaging in the healthcare sector.
Her ability to bridge the gap between science and communication has positioned her as a leader in her field, and her contributions to the global conversation on cancer research will continue to shape the way the industry communicates its work for years to come. Claire Nicholson’s journey proves that effective communication can not only inform but inspire and transform the healthcare landscape.
