At BioHub 2026, hosted by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, YEBN led the workshop “Speak, Connect and Grow: Soft Skills for Young Biotechs” — a session designed to highlight one of the most underestimated drivers of career success.
The workshop was led by Sonia Adell (Head of Member Engagement & Partnerships) and Alex Moreno (Head of Communications). Together, they shared practical insights and personal experiences on the soft skills that truly make a difference — both in the pharma-biotech industry and in academia.
Beyond technical skills
In highly specialized fields like biotechnology, technical expertise is essential, but it is not enough. The session focused on the skills that often define how far you go:
- Effective communication
- Networking and relationship-building
- Adaptability and emotional intelligence
- Personal branding and visibility
These are the skills that transform knowledge into impact.
Connecting science and people
A key message from the workshop was clear: science does not happen in isolation. Whether you are presenting your research, collaborating in a team, or exploring career opportunities, your ability to communicate and connect with others is critical.
Building meaningful relationships can open doors that technical skills alone cannot.
Growing with intention
“Speak, Connect and Grow” encouraged attendees to take an active role in developing their soft skills — not as an afterthought, but as a core part of their professional identity.
Because in the end, your career is not only shaped by what you know, but also by how you share it, who you connect with, and how you grow.