In a time where artificial intelligence (AI) is automating industries faster than we can blink, there’s a growing fear that jobs such as those of writers will be replaced by an algorithm.

But here’s the thing: AI may be impressive, but it will never replace a skilled science copywriter – be it for the lack of knowledge, empathy, or creativity.

If you are worried that your role as a biotechnology writer, life science content writer, or white paper writer might be swept away by the cold hand of automation, don’t be.

Here’s why AI won’t steal my science copywriting job and why you should double down on developing human-centric science content writing.

1. Knowledge and Experience

What makes a good scientific copywriter exceptional is not just their subject matter knowledge but also their experience.

On the one hand, for me as a trained scientist, having worked for years in a lab helps me to understand technologies, principles and challenges in science. On the other hand, having gained experience as a life science writer, I worked in different industries and with different-sized companies. This means I can bring business acumen to the table – I listen to my client's business needs, ideal customer persona, and aims.

Combine this with human interaction, and you will get an irreplaceable asset.

2. Human Science Copywriter Grasp Information, Trends and Context

Language models such as ChatGPT or Jasper might be able to spit out a rough outline of text, but they cannot understand context and trends.

For example, think about the Nature Method of 2023 being “Methods for modeling development”. Particularly in the field of organoid research, development is very fast-paced. But can AI understand the trends, the discussions had at a conference amongst scientists, the latest podcast interview debates, or the latest ethical standpoints? Probably not (at least not at the time of writing). It is a human that needs to piece together information, trends, and context.

So, while language models can be useful to create outlines, detect grammar mistakes, or refine flow, they are currently unable to replace the science writers' efforts of research, human interaction, contextualisation, and cross-connecting information.

Even more importantly, it is often the experience of a life science writer that brings in nuances of writing into each piece of copy. For example, a white paper or application note is not just about regurgitating facts—it's about explaining the “why” and “how” behind the shared facts.

In addition to the different types of copy, is often about conveying information to a very specific target audience – so knowing this audience is absolutely indispensable. What language do they use? Which words are italicized (my Achilles heel are gene names across species)? What is the current standpoint in the field? Why would they care?

3. AI Lacks Emotional Intelligence (And It Shows)

If you have ever worked with other people (which I assume you have) then you know that work is often more about the people rather than the work itself. Bringing emotional intelligence to the writing is essential, but it is also about working with your clients.

Especially when working long-term with a client, I love to integrate our scientific content marketing seamlessly into their existing systems and teams. I love working across departments and understanding the aims of the business unit, marketing department, and R&D – especially if they differ!

Why? Because this means that by understanding the company's internal drivers and aims, I will get a better understanding of end customer or reader needs. For example, software developers often care about different things than marketing – which makes sense as it is their everyday job and lifeblood that they pour into their work. But instead of letting it become friction by siloing them two, I love cross-connecting their needs. When possible, I like to talk with the different shareholders to understand their points of view and let these insights influence my scientific copywriting content.

4. Copywriting is a Craft, Not a Formula

AI is great at following rules. It thrives on data, patterns, and algorithms.

But scientific writing is not about following a formula; it is about conveying information in a way that connects with an audience. Writing a compelling scientific application note or a persuasive white paper for a biotech company takes more than just pulling information from a database. It’s about knowing how to make that information understandable, actionable, and, most importantly, engaging.

Consider the art of writing a blog post for a scientific content marketing campaign. You are not just writing a blog post to check off a box. You are creating content that educates, inspires, and moves your audience toward action. It is about positioning a product or service within the broader context of the industry, highlighting its unique selling points, and persuading your readers of its value. AI can spit out a string of words, but it lacks the strategic thinking required to position a product within a competitive market.

As a human life science writer, your creativity, critical thinking, and deep understanding of the science behind the products will always give you an edge over AI tools.

5. AI Can’t Do Strategic Thought Leadership

One of the highest-value deliverables you can offer as a scientific copywriter is thought leadership content. Whether it is through a white paper for a biotech company or a detailed life science technical writing piece on emerging trends such as CRISPR technology, thought leadership requires depth of knowledge, insight, and analysis.

When you are writing a scientific application note or creating a detailed biotechnology R&D report, you are not just providing facts—you are providing analysis and drawing connections between complex data points. AI might be able to write a research summary, but it can’t lead the conversation on where the science is going or how new technologies are disrupting the industry. AI doesn’t think strategically; it can’t anticipate the needs of an audience or propose a new direction for R&D projects.

A skilful writer can contribute to meaningful industry conversations, a skill that makes your role as a biotechnology writer or life science technical writer irreplaceable.

Conclusion: AI Can Assist, But It Can’t Replace Us (Yet)

Undoubtedly, AI is a useful tool for scientific copywriting services. I use it myself for many basic tasks, such as refining outlines, checking grammar, or proofing language subtleties (hello, American vs. British English). But AI is just that—a tool. AI is not a replacement for the creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking that human copywriters bring to the table.

So, if you are a life science content writer, biotechnology writer, or scientific application note writer, you can rest assured that AI won’t be taking your job anytime soon.

And if you are a company considering letting ChatGTP craft your next application note, you might want to think twice.

It is time to double down on human skills—creativity, empathy, and the ability to lead conversations within industries.

The human touch is something irreplaceable.

If you would like to work with us, we would love to meet you in a first call which you can book below.