Women are still vastly underrepresented in the science fields, even today. There’s a lack of diverse perspectives and voices creating the next life-changing technologies in our societies – a huge missed opportunity. “There are probably many reasons for this. Part of it could be social pressures, but we think a big reason for this is a lack of role models for the young to follow,” says Dr. Low Yen Ling, Divisional Vice President of Scientific & Medical Affairs, Abbott.
At Abbott, Dr. Low Yen Ling adds “advancing the role of women is important to our business and to the organizations and communities we work with around the world. We value diversity and there are initiatives in place such as Abbott’s Women Leaders in Action (WLA) whose mission is to develop women to excel in the organization and support them to increasing levels of leadership.”
In the Clinical Research Organisation (CRO) industry, women tend to dominate entry-level positions, but numbers decline at more senior and executive levels. Family obligations are practical hurdles for women and often take priority over a professional career – indeed culturally in Asia women take on more family responsibilities than men. In addition, often it’s not easy to successfully transition back to work.
Dr. Yooni Kim, Executive Director, Asia Operations, Novotech, Seoul, South Korea says “I think it’s improving. More healthcare companies are focusing on how they can support women and keeping them with the company. Flexible work arrangements is one solution that help women employees manage their lives.” Novotech encourages its people to engage in flexible working practices across all its Asia locations. Both men and women benefit from this, and Novotech’s supportive parental leave program.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Promega unveils GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager for illuminating protein dynamics in real time
US-based Promega Corporation, a life-sciences research partner dedicated to providing intuitive tools that empower scientists to innovate, has unveiled the new GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager.
Singleron and Bioscreen to enhance access to single cell multi-omics solutions for Indian researchers
Singleron Biotechnologies, a leading innovator in single cell multi-omics solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bioscreen, a renowned distributor of advanced life science products in India.
Eppendorf brings CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine
Eppendorf has announced the launch of a CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine.
Waters introduces new bioseparations tools to improve development of RNA-based vaccines using LC-MS analysis
US-based Waters Corporation has introduced a comprehensive set of sample preparation enzymes, reagents, and waters_connect software that simplify sequence and modification confirmation of large molecule RNA therapeutics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis.
Singapore designs novel gene therapy offering hope for epilepsy patients
Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore are working on a therapy that holds potential in treating patients with epilepsy, a neurological disorder defined by recurring seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
Spider venom heart drug moves to clinical trials in Australia
A University of Queensland (UQ)-led project in Australia to develop the first-ever drug to treat heart attack and protect donor hearts will move to human clinical trials, after receiving $17.8 million in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
India develops portable ultrasound scanner for sports injury diagnosis
A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has developed an indigenous portable Point-of-CareUltrasound (POCUS) Scanner for sports injury diagnosis and management.
Integris appoints medtech veteran Probir Das as new CEO
Integris Healthcare, a global diversified medical technology company, has announced the appointment of Probir Das as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join effective November 2024 and will be based in New Delhi.
Clarity Pharma promotes Michelle Parker to CEO
Australia-based Clarity Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Michelle Parker as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from October 11, 2024.
Dr Makoto Sugita steps in as President of Nxera Pharma Japan
Nxera Pharma Co., formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares, has announced the appointment of Dr Makoto Sugita, as President of Nxera Pharma Japan, and Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Nxera Pharma.