By Monalisa Breazu, Learning & Development Administrator
In today's competitive and challenging life sciences landscape, your people truly are your most valuable asset when convincing investors, partners, and customers to believe you can execute plans effectively. Competition for the most talented, skilled professionals in all roles is always intense, with the options open to companies being (i) buy it in ready-trained; (ii) borrow it via outsourcing; or (iii) grow your own. Growing your own can take time and budget when resources are stretched like now, but it can be the most effective way in which to create and retain the talent pool you need when other options appear to be a short-term fix. Recognising the need for flexibility in learning and development opportunities to maximise resource allocation against business goals is why One Nucleus has built our learning and development offerings to be accessible as your business needs and budgets change.
Learning That Fits You and Your Team
We know that one size does not fit all when it comes to professional development. Whether you are a small start-up or an established company, we have options that work for you.
Our formal training courses cover everything from technical expertise to essential business (‘soft’) skills. A great example is our IOSH Biological Safety course; this is not just a tick-box exercise but a comprehensive course that genuinely builds capability and a significant certification for your role. On the softer skills side, we offer everything from presentation skills training to practical introductions to managing projects, all tailored specifically for those working in the life sciences ecosystem.
But here is what makes our approach different: One Nucleus offers both in-house delivery that is exclusive to one company for larger teams and open courses where smaller companies can send individual employees. This means even the most resource-conscious or constrained life science company can access the same high-quality training.
Informal Learning – How to Make the Best Use Out of It
Traditional training has its place, but we've found that some of the most impactful learning happens in those informal moments. A quick conversation during a roundtable that solves a problem you've been tackling for months. A webinar insight that changes how you approach a project. A mentor's advice that opens up a career path you hadn't considered.
This kind of learning is valuable too because it is often personal, relevant, timely, and immediately applicable. Plus, it builds networks and relationships that last far beyond any individual session.
Think of it as professional development that actually fits into your schedule rather than competing with it; for example, sessions where your lab manager can attend alongside your business development director, creating those valuable cross-functional conversations that often spark innovation.
1.Beyond the Classroom: The Benefit of Roundtables
Some of the most valuable learning happens when peers get together to share experiences and tackle common challenges. Our thematic roundtables bring together professionals facing similar issues, such as best practices in guarding against cybersecurity threats, or to debate measures that address skills gaps in the industry.
These are collaborative and interactive discussions where participants leave with practical solutions and a network of contacts who truly understand their world. One Nucleus typically run roundtables several times a year, focusing on topics that our members tell us matter most.
2. Keep Your Knowledge Current with Webinars
The life sciences sector moves fast, and keeping up to date can feel overwhelming. Our webinars tackle contemporary issues affecting our industry and the companies working within it. Previous topics have included neurodiversity in the workplace, sustainability practices, building international collaborations, regulatory updates, and more – issues that are reshaping our industry.
These online sessions are perfect for busy professionals who want to stay current but can't always travel for training. Your entire team can tune in from wherever they are, making it easy to ensure everyone stays informed about developments that could impact your business.
3. Valuable Partnerships
Over time, One Nucleus has built strategic partnerships with other training providers to give our members access to specialised expertise at preferential rates. Our collaboration with My Green Lab, for instance, helps members drive meaningful sustainability changes in their laboratories while accessing exclusive discounts on accredited training.
Through partnerships with organisations such as the Wellcome Sanger Institute and Health & Safety Works, we ensure our members have discounted access to sector-specific training that might otherwise be out of reach.
4. Supporting Career Growth Through Mentoring
Professional development isn't just about formal training; it is also about guidance, wisdom, and the kind of insights that only come from experience. The One Nucleus mentoring initiative connects seasoned professionals with those seeking advice, creating relationships that benefit both parties.
In the past year alone, we have facilitated connections that have helped mentees navigate career transitions, make key business decisions, and secure valuable internship opportunities. It is the kind of support that can be a valuable asset to your career.
The Bigger Picture: Building Teams That Last
All of this comes together to address a fundamental challenge: how do you build and retain exceptional teams in a sector where demonstrable ability to execute on R&D projects, business deals, and value creation is essential? The answer is not solely about offering competitive salary packages; it's about creating an environment where people can grow, learn, and feel genuinely supported in their professional development.
When your team members know they have access to outstanding training, peer networks, and mentoring opportunities through your One Nucleus membership, it sends a powerful message. You're not just investing in their current role; you're investing in their personal future.
Making It Work for You
When you join One Nucleus, you're not just getting access to training; you're plugging into a community of professionals who are all working toward the same goal: advancing life sciences to improve lives.
Your One Nucleus membership includes unlimited job postings, preferential training rates, and the flexibility to mix and match learning opportunities based on the needs of your business and team. But more than that, you are giving your employees access to a network of peers, mentors, and experts who can support their growth throughout their careers.