‘Innovations in equality’ highlighted on International Women’s Day

More than 650 life science professionals will gather tomorrow for AusBiotech’s annual NSW Women in Life Sciences Luncheon to examine the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women in biotechnology.

Hosted by AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, the Luncheon will capitalise on the International Women’s Day 2024 theme Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

The 2024 Women in Life Sciences Luncheon will feature an expert panel consisting of Karen Hood, Country Lead & General Manager, General Medicines, Sanofi; Dr Deborah Burnett, Group Leader, Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Dr Terrance Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, Australian Gender Equality Council; Dr Gisela Mautner, CEO & Managing Director, Noxopharm (ASX:NOX); and Professor Doug Hilton AO, Chief Executive, CSIRO, who will share their experiences and insights on advancing women in the life sciences.

The theme of this year’s Women in Life Sciences Luncheon, Innovations in equality: Investing in the future of women in life sciences, will delve into key strategies and initiatives aimed at nurturing diversity in the workplace, fuelling female ambition, and propelling women into leadership roles.

AusBiotech is behind efforts to raise awareness of the importance of gender equity, increasing diversity and inclusion, and inspiring positive change in the Australian life sciences sector.

The annual Women in Life Sciences Luncheon is timed to celebrate International Women’s Day, on 8 March, and brings together up to 650 leaders and future leaders from across Australia. It is focused on connecting the community to encourage, support, and further develop women in the life sciences sector in order to achieve a more equal standing in the biotech, pharma and medtech workplace.

The Luncheon also provides a practical opportunity for female leaders to support the next generation of life science leaders through the ‘Big Sister’ programme. The ‘Big Sisters’ programme has once again invited women advanced in their careers within the sector to sponsor a female student to attend the event and facilitate their networking during the event.

AusBiotech values their partnership with Medicine Australia, and the opportunity to demonstrate change in action around policies of equality and inclusion. Joining forces, this Luncheon brings stakeholders together to further galvanise the diversity required within life sciences. For this diversity is the underpinning to building a successful sector – a position supported regardless of gender.

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