01 · Define
How to write a KOL mapping brief, with a practical template
Build a clear KOL research brief with must-have criteria, geography, clinical interests and evidence requirements. Includes a worked example and checklist.
Read guide 4 min read
The KOL Luminary field guide
Better research.
More useful shortlists.
Practical guides for every stage of KOL mapping. From the first brief to the final presentation, with examples you can put to work.
9 in-depth guidesFor medcomms & pharma teamsBy the KOL Luminary team
Go deeper, one step at a time
Your KOL mapping journey.
Read in order, or jump to the question your team is working through today.
02 · Discover
How to find key opinion leaders: sources and search strategy
Find relevant KOLs using publications, institutional profiles, trial records and congress programmes. Learn how to build a broader, better documented longlist.
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03 · Verify
How to verify a KOL profile: identity, evidence and current roles
A practical KOL verification checklist for affiliations, publications, congress activity and conflicting sources. Build profiles your team can explain.
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04 · Compare
How to evaluate KOL project fit without confusing prominence with relevance
Compare KOLs against a project brief using a transparent evidence matrix. Understand fit scores, missing evidence and the difference between fit and fame.
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05 · Plan activity
Congress speaker selection: how to assess KOL speaking experience
Build a congress speaker shortlist using relevant topics, audience experience and clearly identified roles. Avoid confusing congress participation with invited talks.
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06 · Build the group
KOL mapping for advisory boards: build a complementary group
Plan an advisory-board KOL shortlist around the questions you need to explore. Compare expertise, settings and perspectives, then document the selection rationale.
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07 · Present
How to present a KOL shortlist that clients can act on
Turn KOL research into a clear client presentation with concise profiles, useful evidence, project-fit explanations and a decision-focused handoff checklist.
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08 · Keep current
How to maintain a KOL research library without starting over
Keep KOL profiles useful with a practical refresh process, source dates, identity checks and project-specific reassessment. Reuse evidence without reusing stale conclusions.
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