56TWENTYFOURSEVENBIOPHARMA Issue 1 / March 2026 WOMEN IN SCIENCE sector is incredibly important, particularly given the ongoing underrepresentation of women in senior leadership and many scientific roles. Recognising these gaps helps keep the conversation active and supports meaningful progress. For many people, especially those in start-ups or smaller organisations, it can be difficult to find mentors or opportunities to connect with peers. Having spaces where women can share experiences openly and learn from one another makes a real difference. These connections build confidence, provide reassurance, and foster a sense of belonging, especially when navigating challenges that are not always easy to discuss in more formal settings. How important is it to educate and mentor emerging female leaders in the industry? It is very important. Mentorship and education help bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, especially in an industry where women are still underrepresented in leadership roles. Mentorship provides the visibility, support, and confidence needed to stay and thrive in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry. Having access to guidance, encouragement, and honest conversations can make a real difference in how confident someone feels about taking the next step in their career. Mentors also help normalise challenges and setbacks, reminding emerging leaders that self-doubt is common and not a sign of inability. When women are supported early and consistently, they are more likely to stay, grow, and lead, helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for everyone. Does your place of work put emphasis on diversity and inclusion and promote women in leadership? My organisation is international, which brings a broad range of diverse perspectives and experiences. Women are visible in senior leadership roles, including the company president, and my direct manager is also a woman. Seeing women in these positions is meaningful and helps normalise female leadership. This kind of representation plays an important role as the industry continues to evolve and work toward more inclusive leadership. How important is it for young scientists to observe women as mentors, speakers, and leaders in their field? It is so important. Seeing women in leadership, mentoring roles, and as experts provides the “proof of possibility” that helps young scientists imagine themselves in those positions. Representation builds confidence, reinforces a sense of belonging, and shows that leadership is attainable. Women in leadership and as speakers remind young scientists that talent and brilliance aren’t defined by gender. Even small moments, like hearing a woman share her experiences or advice, can have a lasting impact. These role models provide more than guidance, they offer a roadmap for navigating the industry and show that a young scientist’s voice doesn’t just belong in the lab, but it belongs at the head of the table. Have you felt a sense of camaraderie with female colleagues, and have there been times when that support was lacking? My experience has varied, partly because I haven’t always worked in environments with many women, which itself highlights one of the challenges within the industry. Where I have worked closely with female colleagues, there has been a strong sense of mutual respect and support built through shared professional experiences. Limited representation can make it harder for those connections to form naturally. This highlights the importance of creating wider networks and communities beyond individual workplaces, so women at all stages of their careers can share experiences and support one another beyond their immediate workplace. ALESSANDRA BASSO Have you faced any obstacles within the pharmaceutical industry related to being a woman? Over my 25 years in the industry, I have witnessed both progress and challenges. At times, I experienced situations where men in the
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