Accelerate Action: Women Driving Change in Life Sciences

The life sciences industry thrive on innovation and discovery. Every breakthrough, every advancement, and every life-changing treatment stems from those who push boundaries. Yet, despite the vital contributions of women in STEM, gender disparities persist. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women accelerating action, shaping the industry, and driving real progress.

 

Why Gender Diversity in Life Sciences Matters

In an industry dedicated to improving human health and driving discovery, diverse perspectives are essential, yet gender disparities remain a significant challenge.

According to Unesco, women earn over 50% of bachelor's and master's degrees globally but hold just 28% of research positions, indicating a significant drop-off at higher career levels. with women representing less than 30% of the world's researchers, the need for greater inclusion in STEM careers is evident Driving real change means breaking down these barriers and ensuring that talent, not gender, determines success.

 

Spotlight on Women at SciPro

To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke with inspiring women at SciPro who are making an impact in life sciences recruitment, and this is what they had to say:

What led you to pursue a career in life sciences recruitment?

For Ellis Ward, Head of Digital Health, recruitment wasn’t her first career choice. After working in PR for several years, she realised she wanted a more people-focused role. Although she initially hesitated to return to recruitment, she found herself drawn back into the industry, joining SciPro. She mentions “Recruitment is an incredible career if you’re driven, enjoy connecting with people, and want to be financially rewarded for your efforts. But what makes working at SciPro truly special is the impact, placing talented professionals into roles where they can drive innovation and literally change lives.”

 

The biotech and pharma industries rely on innovation. What role do you see women playing in shaping the future of life sciences?

Innovation is at the heart of life sciences, and Jessica Woodgate, Senior Recruitment Consultant, believes women will play a leading role in shaping the future of the industry. She has seen a steady increase in female founders in biotech and a growing number of women in leadership roles across global pharmaceutical companies. Her experiences with the Women in Discovery roundtable, which she founded in 2021, have reinforced her belief in the importance of championing female leadership. “Each year, more women are founding biotech companies and stepping into leadership roles, signalling positive industry shifts, as well as a higher percentage of female leaders in bigger pharmaceutical companies internationally. The Women in Discovery community centres itself on championing female leadership and paving the way for future female leaders to have an easier journey than those who have come before them.”

 

Have you encountered gender-related challenges in recruitment? How did you navigate them?

Despite progress, gender-related challenges in recruitment and STEM industries persist. Liana Costanza, Senior Recruitment Consultant, has experienced moments where she felt she wasn’t taken as seriously as her male colleagues in business discussions. “I’ve navigated these challenges by focusing on delivering results, strengthening professional relationships, and continuously developing my expertise in the market I work in. Fortunately, LHi fosters an inclusive environment and offers equal opportunities for growth into leadership roles.”

 

What can companies do to attract and retain more women in STEM?

When it comes to attracting and retaining more women in STEM, Jessica Woodgate stresses the importance of early engagement. Through the Women in Discovery roundtables, she has seen how crucial it is to promote STEM careers from a young age. The increased partnerships with schools and universities, as well as the celebration of events like the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, are steps in the right direction. Additionally, mentorship programmes, like WSTEM TO, offer valuable industry insights to junior women navigating their careers.

Erica Steckler, Divisional Manager (Head of Clinical), adds that companies must also consider family-friendly policies, particularly maternity leave. “Speaking from experience, whenever I told someone that LHi offers one year of maternity leave, most were shocked and couldn’t believe it. For me, having the time to build a relationship with my son and care for him during such a critical period was truly a blessing. If more STEM-focused companies offered a similar structure, retention rates for new mothers would improve, and more women would be encouraged to join and stay in the industry long term.”

 

How crucial is mentorship and networking for women in life sciences?

Mentorship and networking remain key drivers of success for women in life sciences. Ellis Ward highlights how strong networks open doors, provide essential career guidance, and accelerate growth in a field where men still dominate executive positions. SciPro actively contributes to this through the Women in Discovery Roundtable, led by Jessica Woodgate, and the Digital Health Digest Video Series, hosted by Ellis. “The more we amplify female voices, the more we drive meaningful change in the industry.”

 

What advice would you give to women pursuing careers in STEM?

For women aspiring to careers in STEM, Erica Steckler shares a simple but powerful message: “Have confidence in yourself and take every opportunity to grow. Imposter syndrome is real, but don’t let it stand in your way, your contributions matter. Embrace challenges, ask questions, and speak up for yourself, whether it’s pursuing a leadership role, a new project, or fair compensation. STEM and life sciences are constantly evolving, so stay curious and follow what truly excites you.”

 

The Future of Women in Life Sciences

The journey toward gender equality in STEM requires continuous effort, collaboration, and commitment from businesses, leaders, and individuals alike. Progress depends on removing barriers, creating opportunities, and supporting the women driving change. A future shaped by diverse talent is a future of limitless potential. At SciPro, we are committed to championing diversity and connecting exceptional professionals with companies that share our vision of inclusivity and innovation.