Stephanie Dainow | Lifespan.io @ LBF + Longevity Workshop 2024

Summary

Stephanie Doo, celebrating her two-year work anniversary, discusses the merger of Lifespan.org and SENS Research Foundation, signifying industry momentum. She highlights the importance of collaboration and challenges the audience to think differently. As the chief business officer at SENS and executive director at Lifespan, she promotes their research facility and educational models. Doo emphasizes the necessity of effective communication and marketing in longevity science, suggesting the need to understand public perception and tailor narratives accordingly.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Stephanie Doo is a two-year veteran in her field and has been contemplating her career since high school.
• 🤝 Lifespan.org and SENS Research Foundation have merged, indicating significant industry momentum.
• 🏢 A state-of-the-art research facility exists near Mountain View, which Stephanie has been visiting and is now the chief business officer at.
• 🔬 Lifespan and SENS Research Foundation are fostering collaboration and education in longevity research.
• 📈 The organizations are offering lab space and equipment for startups and educational opportunities for aspiring longevity scientists.
• 💼 Stephanie is actively working to connect investors with longevity research and startups.
• 📰 Lifespan.org operates a news outlet with a strict code of ethics, refusing to write about companies for payment.
• 🌐 The organizations aim to be a one-stop shop for longevity research, offering visibility, funding, and support services.
• 📈 Startups supported by these services have had a success rate of over 65% in securing six-figure offers.
• 🚀 Marketing longevity research requires reframing complex science into understandable terms for the public.
• 🌌 The script emphasizes the importance of storytelling and understanding the audience's perspective when communicating about longevity.

Q & A

Who is the speaker and what role do they currently hold?

The speaker is Stephanie Doo. She is the Chief Business Officer at Sen's Research Foundation and also serves as the Executive Director and board executive at Lifespan.

What major event does the speaker highlight regarding her career?

The speaker mentions that last week was her two-year anniversary as a full-time employee in the field.

What recent development between Sen's Research Foundation and Lifespan does the speaker discuss?

The speaker discusses a merger between Sen's Research Foundation and Lifespan, announced in April, as part of the industry's increasing collaboration.

Why does the speaker emphasize collaboration in the longevity field?

The speaker emphasizes that collaboration is key because individual efforts only go so far, and the exchange of ideas, education, and knowledge can accelerate progress in the field.

What unique resources does the Sen’s Research Foundation offer to startups and students?

Sen’s Research Foundation has extra lab space for startups and state-of-the-art equipment. It also provides educational opportunities for students interested in longevity science, which are not available in traditional academic settings.

What challenge does the speaker identify in traditional academic approaches to research?

The speaker notes that traditional academic settings incentivize publishing over problem-solving, which limits innovation and progress in fields like longevity.

How does the speaker view marketing and communication in relation to scientific progress?

The speaker believes that marketing and communication are crucial because the public often perceives the field as science fiction. Effective communication helps bridge the gap between complex scientific ideas and public understanding.

What does the speaker suggest about reframing the longevity narrative when speaking to different audiences?

The speaker suggests that before discussing longevity, it's important to ask the audience for their perspective, allowing the speaker to tailor the message to align with the audience’s understanding and interests.

What metaphor does the speaker use to frame longevity research when discussing it with a government audience?

The speaker uses the metaphor of the 'space race,' referring to longevity research as a 'longevity race,' with time being the priceless commodity governments may seek to 'win.'

What storytelling advice did the speaker receive from a CIA contact regarding persuasion?

The speaker was advised not to give briefings but instead to tell stories and have conversations to engage people, helping them connect emotionally and cognitively to the narrative.