Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day of great importance to us at SYNLAB. We are deeply committed to promoting diversity in the scientific community. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to announce an upcoming webinar on “Diversity in Science” for all our employees featuring Linda Terry PhD, an accredited coach who works with scientists in pharmaceutical and biotech industries, as the keynote speaker. We have already had the opportunity to sit down with Linda for an insightful interview about the importance of diversity in science and her experiences as a coach.
Why is diversity important in the field of science?
Diversity in science is crucial for several reasons. Research shows that gender-diverse teams have higher collective intelligence and are better at solving scientific problems. They recognise individual expertise, minimise bias, ask diverse questions, and explore broader research areas (Nielson et al., 2017). Gender-heterogeneous groups produce higher quality science, with their publications receiving 34% more citations (Campbell et al., 2013).
Why is it crucial to address gender disparity in scientific leadership roles?
Women in leadership roles tend to prioritise understudied health conditions. With women in key decision-making roles more research has been carried out on autoimmune diseases and certain oncology conditions that are skewed towards women. Historically having women in leadership roles in clinical teams has led to less bias in clinical trials and ensured that sex differences are studied and reported. Women leaders are more likely to promote collaborations and diversity within research teams, which can lead to more comprehensive and innovative scientific outcomes.
What advice would you give to a woman aspiring towards a career in science or a major step up in their career?
From my point of view, science is a noble and rewarding career. Pursue it with passion and curiosity. There are numerous roles available beyond academia, and exploring these opportunities can help you find your niche. For those considering a major career step, reflect on what might be holding you back. Identify any internal beliefs or fears that may be limiting you and address them head-on.
What does it mean to be “stuck” in one’s career – are there personal and external factors to consider?
Feeling “stuck” can stem from various factors. Ask yourself what you truly want and why you feel this way. Are you being passed over for promotions, or are you considering a change in focus? Are you frustrated, disappointed, demotivated? Dig deep and understand your feelings.
Is a wider mindset shift needed in the world of science to overcome the challenges women face?
Absolutely. Organisations need to rethink their policies and criteria for hiring and promotion to be more inclusive. Adjust job descriptions, remove biases, and provide training and mentorship to support women's advancement.
How important are mentoring and networking and how can organisations help?
Mentoring and networking are key to career development. They provide insights into different career paths and skills. Building relationships across functions can help scientists develop business, strategic, and financial skills. Organisations can support this by fostering a culture of mentorship and creating networking opportunities.
Diversity in science is a catalyst for innovation and excellence. By embracing diverse perspectives, promoting inclusive leadership, and supporting mentorship and networking, we can drive scientific progress and create a more equitable future. As we move forward, it is critical for organisations, leaders and aspiring scientists alike to prioritise diversity in their pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries.
Linda Terry PhD, Linda Terry Coaching
Linda is a UK and Switzerland based International Coach Federation (ICF) accredited coach who works with scientists in Pharma and Biotech to reach their potential as leaders and managers. With three decades of experience in academia, government and industry she understands the unique challenges of scientific roles in the corporate environment.