Reina Makhani
Projects and Programme Executive (Skills), BIA
What does your role at BIA involve?
I work across skills‑focused initiatives at BIA, contributing to a mix of programmes, projects and community‑led activity that support a more inclusive, future‑ready life sciences workforce. That includes She Steers, the Women in Biotech Mentoring Programme, PULSE, TechBio Boost, community events and #BIGIMPACT. The work spans a lot, from shaping ideas to bringing them to life, but at the heart of it is making sure what we deliver really works for our members.
Previous experience & achievements
I studied Events Management at the University of Greenwich, which is where I realised I enjoyed being the person bringing everything (and everyone) together.
I then joined an incredible events team at Wilmington plc, working across awards, congresses, summits, and conferences for brands including HSJ, AXCO, and ICA. Jumping between completely different audiences and industries taught me quickly how to adapt, stay organised and keep things running smoothly.
Not long after, I found my way into the startup and life sciences space at KQ Labs accelerator, based at the Francis Crick Institute, where I worked across programmes supporting early‑stage health companies. A big part of the role was bringing founders, investors, and partners together, especially around Demo Days and programme delivery and being able to support companies through such a pivotal growth stage. I loved being part of that journey, before landing at BIA, where I now work with an amazing team.
Outside of work, I’ve completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which probably says a lot about my tendency to say yes to challenges and figure things out as I go. I also have a strong interest in gaming and content creation, which has given me a creative outlet and a different perspective on building and engaging communities.
If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why?
I’d invite Asima Chatterjee, for her groundbreaking work in medicinal chemistry and her impact on antimalarial and anti‑epileptic drugs. As one of the earliest women scientists in India to make such a global impact, her career is incredibly inspiring, and I’d love to hear firsthand about her journey, persistence, and contributions to science.
