52 TWENTYFOURSEVENBIOPHARMA Issue 1 / March 2026 more focused and energized at work and they’re more likely to stay in the game longer. In your opinion, what more can the pharmaceutical industry do to increase female participation and leadership at all levels? There’s a lot that we can do, building on the progress that’s happening already, to support women at all stages of their careers. Starting early, we can help more girls to explore an interest in science as something they can picture themselves doing. Partnerships with schools and community programs, internships, and simple exposure to what a day in the life of a scientist or someone who supports scientific applications looks like can help younger women see themselves in these careers. Then when women are ready to enter the industry, a lot comes down to access to great first roles and strong early managers. Ensuring a strong female representation in the candidate (and interviewer) pool can help get women in the door. From there, the focus shifts to how we help women grow their skill sets, expand their experiences, and take on bigger leadership roles over time. Going back to a couple of the earlier themes, this is where mentorship and flexibility matter: leaders helping women to identify what’s most meaningful for them, craft their individual paths and navigate the world of possible roles. If we invest across all these stages - early exposure, a strong on-ramp into the industry, and deliberate support for growth - we can build a deeper bench of women who will become the leaders and role models the next generation is looking for. What first sparked your interest in science, and when did you realise it could be a career path? I began my career as a chemical analyst. Being responsible for ICH stability and ongoing stability studies. My curiosity about systems, processes, and continuous improvement led me into QA, where I could connect the scientific foundation with organisational quality standards. Today, as Quality Manager IQA, that same initial MARJOLEIN BIEZEN Quality Manager IQA Tjoapack WOMEN IN SCIENCE spark, wanting to understand, improve, and safeguard quality, still drives me. What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it? I used to feel quite uncomfortable giving presentations. I found it difficult to feel fully at ease speaking in front of an audience. To overcome that, I practiced intentionally, asked for feedback, and reminded the goal of the presentation is not to be perfect. Over time and through repetition, my confidence had grown. What advice would you give to young women or girls considering a career in science who aren’t sure they belong? If you’re not sure you belong in science, know that many of us have felt that way at some point. Doubt doesn’t mean you’re not capable - it often just means you’re stepping into something new and challenging. Curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to learn matter far more than confidence at the beginning. Science needs different perspectives and ways of thinking. If you’re curious and passionate, you belong. What first sparked your interest in science, and when did you realise it could be a career path? My love for science started with curiosity. I was always reading, asking questions, and wanting to understand how the world works. From a young age, I was drawn to the natural sciences because discovery felt meaningful, it was a way to help people by creating something new or improving what already exists. Choosing chemistry allowed me to turn that curiosity into a profession, combining passion with real-world impact. Over time, I realised that science isn’t just a career path; it’s a way of thinking, problem-solving, and contributing to society in a very tangible and lasting way. What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it? LUCIA KOVAC Head of Analysis Ofichem
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