To mark International Women and Girls in Science Day, 24/7 Biopharma spoke with women about their journeys to leadership in pharma.
Malavika Ghosh, PhD
Senior Vice President and Global Head, Preclinical Efficacy Testing Services, Aragen
What first sparked your interest in science, and was there a moment when you realised this could be a career for you?
“My journey into science began with curiosity and a deep desire to find answers during the formative years of my childhood. I was especially drawn to biology because it seeks to understand life itself—its complexity, logic, and resilience. I realized science could be a career when I understood that it is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about solving real problems, contributing to society, and continuing to pursue questions whose answers are yet to be discovered.
A defining moment in my scientific journey came during graduate school in the United States, when I transitioned into Molecular Biology from a different academic background in India. Acknowledging my limited experience, I spoke openly with my Ph.D. thesis advisor. His response became a turning point: what mattered most was not prior expertise, but an open mind and a genuine desire to learn. That belief in potential over pedigree shaped my approach to science and continues to influence how I mentor others.”
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it?
“A lesson that has stayed with me came during a moment of academic frustration, when my mentor said, “This is science. There is an answer. Go find it.” Those words became a guiding principle. They instilled in me persistence, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the confidence to keep going even when solutions are not immediately visible—qualities that have defined my approach to both research and leadership.
My journey has also been shaped by personal challenges, including immigrating to the United States alone as a young mother with limited support. These experiences strengthened my resilience and deepened my appreciation for inclusive and supportive workplaces— where dedication and talent often coexist with unseen challenges.
This mindset found a natural home at Aragen, where I have spent the last two decades growing alongside the organization. Over the years, Aragen has provided me with opportunities to deepen my scientific expertise, take on increasing responsibility, and evolve into leadership roles while staying closely connected to the science itself. The company’s culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous learning has enabled me to navigate different phases of my career, reinforcing my belief in the power of mentorship, teamwork, and shared purpose.
Today, I see my journey as closely aligned with Aragen’s mission: advancing science through excellence, integrity, and people-centered values. Just as I was supported by mentors and opportunities throughout my career, I remain committed to fostering an environment at Aragen where curiosity is encouraged, perseverance is valued, and individuals are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.”
What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in science but aren’t sure they belong?
“To young women and girls considering a career in science and wondering whether they belong, my message is simple: you do belong. Science thrives on curiosity, persistence, and the courage to keep learning. Your questions, insights, and unique perspectives matter—they will help you shape your own identity and find fulfillment in both your personal and professional life. These are truly exciting times, with opportunities in fields that barely existed a few decades ago. And when the journey feels overwhelming—as it inevitably will at times—remember this: Don’t give up. There is an answer. Go find it.”
Srividya Arutla
Senior Scientist – Analytical R&D, Neuland Labs (total work exp 22 years)
What first sparked your interest in science?
“Science has always sparked a unique sense of fascination in me—one that nothing else could match. Even early on, I knew my path would be rooted in science or mathematics. Over time, I gravitated naturally toward Chemistry, drawn by the way it blends curiosity, logic, and the thrill of uncovering how nature truly works. That enduring pull helped me realise that this wasn’t just an interest—it was the beginning of a meaningful and fulfilling career.”
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge I faced was that my key career‑building years — roughly from 25 to 35 — overlapped with important personal responsibilities. This limited my mobility at a time when wider exposure could have accelerated my growth. What helped me move forward was seeking support where needed, staying committed, and trusting that when the need is genuine and the passion is strong, things eventually fall into place.
Neuland has also played a significant role in strengthening my belief in building a long‑term career in science. The company provides a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for women, including dedicated initiatives such as a she‑shuttle offering free transportation, along with strong ethical values that guide every aspect of our work. These principles of integrity and responsibility have deeply shaped my professional journey. They’ve ensured that I’ve never felt the need to consider shifting my career path—instead, they have encouraged me to grow with confidence and pride in the field of science.”
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in science?
“My advice is simple: don’t give up. Even when life slows you down, stay connected to your field—whether through small steps or steady learning. These consistent efforts make it much easier to return without feeling disconnected. It’s a discipline rooted in curiosity and understanding the world around us, and women bring invaluable qualities such as resilience, patience, and keen observation. In a world where many careers change rapidly, science continues to offer long‑term stability, purpose, and growth. And we, women, truly belong to science because who else is better suited to study nature than the creators of life themselves.
Dr Sridevi Khambampaty , CEO , Shilpa Biologics
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it?
“In a male-dominated scientific environment, women often have to work harder to build confidence in their judgement and decision-making. Early in my career, I struggled to conclude issues unless I had complete data to support them, and I found it difficult to see others move forward with decisions based on incomplete information.
Over time, I realised that progress often comes from balancing careful analysis with the confidence to act, even when all the data isn’t available. Having strong peer networks and mentors played a big role in that learning. I found that brainstorming with a diverse group helped me appreciate different ways of interpreting data and making decisions.
This is why I have consistently encouraged women to come together informally, build trusted peer relationships, and use these informal learning networks alongside formal training. At Shilpa, for example, we often use Indian festivals and internal celebrations as opportunities to bring teams together, where I see many women take centre stage. These moments help build confidence, visibility, and strong professional relationships that support long-term career progression.”
What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in science but aren’t sure they belong?
“Science offers so much to explore that there really is room for everyone to grow. It’s also a field with a lot of flexibility, in what you work on, how you shape your career, and when you choose to make certain life decisions alongside huge opportunities to innovate – which is the true joy of working in science!
My advice to young women is to voice any doubts or hesitations they have openly, while approaching them with a solution-oriented mindset. Speak to people who have built careers in science, ask questions, and learn from their experiences. I have these conversations often with employees at Shilpa and in organisations I’ve worked with previously, and they are always valuable. It’s also important to recognise the role that supportive workplace policies play in enabling long-term careers, and in this context, India’s maternity policies are quite progressive — something I have personally benefited from during my own career. I strongly believe it is possible to balance a career in science alongside raising a family and women should certainly not miss an opportunity at building a career in science.”
