Introducing Our New Chief Science Officer
Most recently with the Weber Shandwick agency in Chicago, Divakaruni brings a strong scientific and medical storytelling background to Avant Healthcare. He has counseled and supported blue-chip, midsize, and emerging biopharmaceutical companies, as well as a number of medical device manufacturers, academic institutions, and research consortia as well.
With deep expertise in creative scientific storytelling deployed against product, regulatory, and commercial opportunities across all stages of the pharmaceutical and medical device lifecycle, Dr. Divakaruni advises a wide variety of clients on scientific positioning, integrated digital strategy, and regulatory and pricing communications.
“We are delighted that Arun has joined our company,” said Deborah Wood, founder and owner of DWA Healthcare Communications Group, a network of agencies that includes Avant Healthcare. “His uniquely suited combination of scientific, academic, and promotional medical education expertise will positively impact our customers, but more importantly, it will help transform the value and quality of care for the patients who benefit from the products our customers develop.”
At Avant Healthcare, Dr. Divakaruni will be responsible for leading the agency’s medical division and developing and delivering client services and solutions spanning the Avant Healthcare roster of clients.
“Given the increased pace of medical advances, science-driven organizations can show their value through progressive, scientific programming that captures the attention of healthcare professionals,” said Divakaruni. “I admire the agency’s evolution, growth, and work and am thrilled to contribute alongside an accomplished team to continue to deliver impactful results.”
Divakaruni holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was recognized for his achievements in scientific research and classroom instruction. He also holds a B.S. in molecular, cell, and developmental biology from the same institution. In 2016, PR Week named Dr. Divakaruni one of its esteemed “40 under 40” award recipients.
DWA, the parent company of Avant Healthcare, AVAIL (meeting planning and speaker bureau services), and Forefront Collaborative (accredited medical education), is an independent woman-owned network of agencies that have delivered medical education to healthcare professionals over the past 25 years.