I love publishing.

I spent the first two decades of my professional career in life science trade media. They were wonderful years.

And so, when I decided to launch my own business, you might think the most logical option would be a digitally proactive media business focused on a niche but growing life science sector (perhaps gene therapy or nucleotide-based therapeutics).

However, the real highlights for me during those 20 years were often the result of working closely with clients on creative ideas to engage a target audience in an increasingly competitive space (and thus Mondo Create was born).

But what if I did launch a trade media business in 2026? First, I’d have to accept that the traditional B2B publishing model has been torn up. Second, I’d need to welcome a future that genuinely focuses on building networked communities rather than just talking about it. Facilitating connections, helping ideas proliferate and evolve, and building a home (or nest!) for a passionate group of people not only sounds fun – it should be considered the future of B2B publishing.

If legacy publishers do not adapt, what happens?

In my view, in the wake of publishers scrambling to become “digital first” with insufficient consideration, a new and significant opportunity has emerged for forward-thinking life science companies. The best companies already have their own high quality audiences (databases and social channels), the expert insight and knowledge, and the marketing clout to tap into new audiences.

Innovative companies can (and, I would argue, should!) develop their own media entity (brand), run their own events, bring communities together, and provide valuable content (that does not always talk about them).

In other words, these life science companies are in an excellent position to take a firm grasp of their own destiny – without a reliance on third parties and fluffy (or puffed-up) audience claims.

And perhaps it’s already happening. Some companies have started making the leap, others are hiring respected people from trade media. I hope to see more companies being brave and creative in the never-ending pursuit to bind audiences to their brands, products and services.

The tsunami of AI slop was inevitable. Now more than ever, the world needs people-led content, preferably with a good story at the centre. Who will take the lead in life sciences – publishers or the companies they used to serve?

As the final print issue of The Medicine Maker (a media brand I founded in 2014) dropped through my letterbox towards the end of December 2025, I was saddened.

I sincerely hope everyone in that space keeps pace with both evolving technology and justifiably high expectations.

I still love you trade media.

Richard

Co-Founder of Mondo Create
richard@mondo-create.com

_______________________

Richard is co-founder of Mondo Create, a creative studio helping life science and healthcare companies find and tell their captivating stories. He also co-founded Bioscape Developments, a company investing in nature recovery through biodiversity net gain. Previously he was Chief Commercial Officer at Texere, publisher of The Medicine Maker, The Analytical Scientist, The Pathologist, and The Ophthalmologist.