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Women in Biotech
Connect. Support. Inspire
Women in Biotech is a vibrant network that aims to improve the underrepresentation of women at senior levels in the biotech sector, offering in-person events, an online forum, a range of guidance and a recently launched mentoring programme.
According to the BIA's Diversity and Inclusion in UK Biotech report, there are significant diversity gaps as women make up only 32% of senior executives and 26% of chief executives in biotech. Gender balance is also skewed in scientific posts: women account for 35% of biomanufacturing and engineering roles and 30% in digital and computational occupations. Recognising the gaps is crucial because it helps our sector remain committed to addressing them and making meaningful change.
BIA is taking concrete steps to support member companies in advancing diversity and inclusion in their own organisations. For start-ups and SMEs in particular, it can be challenging to find outlets through which people can broaden and develop their knowledge of the sector, and connect with peers and potential mentors. Initiatives like BIA’s Women in Biotech Mentoring programme aims to tackle this underrepresentation.
Women in Biotech mentoring scheme
The second cohort of Women in Biotech Mentoring programme is now closed.
Whether you are in the early stages of your career or C-suite level, this this programme will connect, support and inspire the incredible women across the biotech and life sciences sector.
Be part of the movement:
BIA's Women in Biotech LinkedIn community brings together women from across the sector, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals both online and in person. It aims to support and encourage women who are currently in, or are pursuing careers in STEM.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Sam Care
What does your role at BIA involve?
Sam leads the events team at BIA, working on developing and expanding BIA's extensive events programme as well as evolving BIA's existing sector-leading events. Sam overseas the end-to-end event logistics, marketing strategy, planning and execution of the events programme and is also responsible for building exciting event supporter opportunities for BIA members. She also helped establish the Women in Biotech mentoring programme and is responsible for the smooth running of the scheme.
Previous experience & achievements
Sam has extensive experience in events and business development roles, having previously worked at the Chartered Governance Institute developing and delivering their event & training programme. She also worked on a joint project with Sport England helping to establish the Sports Governance Academy and has previously worked in recruitment. Sam has a degree in Business Studies from the University of Liverpool.
Alina O'Keeffe
What does your role at BIA involve?
Alina joined the BIA in October 2021 as Head of Marketing and Membership Communications. She leads the marketing team and is responsible for developing effective marketing strategies, which play an integral role in achieving BIA's strategic goals and strengthening brand awareness and member engagement. She also helps manage the BIA's Charity of the Year partnership and other strategic collaborations.
Previous experience & achievements
Alina has more than ten years of experience in management and international communications. She plays an integral role in achieving BIA's strategic goals. Her experience lies in various sectors, from the UK's further education sector and national bereavement charity to an international humanitarian and & development organisation and finance/energy events company. She is a published author on marketing, leadership and innovation with a focus on international development and sustainability.
If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why?
I'd love to meet Maria Salomea Sklodowska, mostly known by her French name - Marie Curie. Despite facing some daunting hurdles, both because of her gender and her family’s poverty, which stemmed from the struggle for independence from the Russian regime, she was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for their work on radioactivity and discovering new elements.
Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM
Through the Women In Biotech network, we share resources and provide learning opportunities as other women share insights and their experiences. Blogs include personal experiences of participants of the Women In Biotech Mentoring Programme and beyond.
- WIB: Mentee experience - Hilary Birrell
- WIB: Mentee experience – Alex Gajdosova
- Spearheading leadership development as a woman in STEM: Hélène Trottin
- Inspiring the next generation of female leaders: Claire Thompson
- National Apprenticeship Week: Lara's journey to gaining 'Skills for Life'
Celebrating diversity and inclusion in the innovative life sciences and biotech industry in the UK
In this interview, Dr Carolyn Porter, CEO, CytoSeek, speaks about her connection with BIA, the impact BIA had on her career and organisation, as well as some of the key achievements of BIA.
In this interview, Priya Mande, former Interim CEO, PsiOxus, speaks about the influence BIA had on her career and the life sciences industry, as well as the benefits of being a BIA member.
Melissa Strange, Chief Financial Officer, Brainomix speaks on being the Vice-Chair of the BIA Finance and Tax Advisory Committee (FTAC) and BIA's work to amplify biotechs and life science companies.
Barbara Domayne-Hayman, Entrepreneur-in-residence at Francis Crick Institute and CBO, Autifony Therapeutics talks about the importance of nurturing the next generation of biotech leaders.
Dr Carolyn Porter, CEO, CytoSeek, speaks about her connection with BIA, the impact BIA had on her career and organisation, as well as some of the key achievements of BIA.
Ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March, we have launched the Women in Biotech interview series, celebrating the successes and contributions of women in the life sciences and biotech industry in the UK.
The theme for IWD 2022 was #BreakTheBias, which aims to promote gender equality and a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society and workplace. First in the series is an interview with Marion Bernard, Chief Investment Officer at Northern Gritstone, followed by Hannah Randles, Innovation Pipeline Manager, LyvaLabs.
We have also released a new interview with Kath Mackay, Director of Life Sciences of Bruntwood SciTech for British Science Week 2022, which aims to #SmashStereotypes and celebrate the diverse people and careers in science and engineering!
