#CreativeDisruption: Women's Leadership and Women's Health Innovation

In celebration of Women's International Day (WID) on 8 March, we are dedicating this #CreativeDisruption Forum (CDF) on the 28 April to Women Leaders in #LifeSciences and #Tech plus sessions dedicated seperately to the field of Women's Health Innovation. Here we will have key thought-leaders in STEM businesses share their success stories, discuss how far we have come, how to be a successful leader and what can be improved further.

Overview of Women Leaders in Biotech and Tech within Biopharma, Life Sciences, and Tech over the last Decade:

Over the last decade, the presence and influence of women leaders in biotech, biopharma, and tech have significantly increased, marked by their contributions to innovation, leadership roles, and advocacy for greater diversity in the industry. In 2013, women held only a fraction of executive positions in these fields, often facing barriers such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, and limited access to funding. However, the push for gender equality and diversity has gained momentum, supported by initiatives aimed at empowering women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). To list on NASDAQ currently, you have to have at least one woman on the board, for example.

Prominent organizations and networks, such as Women in Bio, Astia and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, have been established to promote female leadership and mentorship. Women have taken on high-profile roles, leading biopharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and major tech firms, with figures like Emma Walmsley (GlaxoSmithKline) and Dr. Jennifer Doudna (co-inventor of CRISPR technology) emerging as influential leaders. Investment in female-led ventures has also seen a rise, with venture capital firms increasingly recognizing the value of diverse teams.

Overview of Women’s Health Innovation in Life Sciences

The last decade has witnessed a remarkable evolution in women’s health innovation, driven by a growing recognition of the unique health needs of women and the importance of gender-specific research. Historically, women's health issues were often underfunded and overlooked in clinical research and drug development. However, over the last decade, there has been a significant shift towards addressing these disparities.

Key innovations include advancements in reproductive health, menopause management, and maternal health technologies. The development of digital health platforms and telemedicine has empowered women to access health information and services more conveniently. Companies focusing on female-specific health issues, such as hormone replacement therapy, menstrual health, and fertility solutions, have emerged, gaining considerable traction in the market.

Moreover, advocacy for women's health has gained momentum, with organizations and movements striving to raise awareness about issues such as reproductive rights and gender bias in medical research. This decade has seen a collective effort to prioritize women's health, resulting in a more inclusive and innovative landscape in life sciences. The ongoing focus on women's health is likely to lead to further advancements and improved health outcomes in the years to come.

Chatham House Rules apply - "what goes on in the Forum, stays in the Forum - so to speak!"

Who Should Attend

The #CreativeDisruption Forum is designed for professionals working in life sciences who are driving innovation and growth. It is ideal for:

• Founders and executives of biotech, medtech, and healthtech companies
• R&D and clinical development leaders
• Investors and business strategists in the healthcare sector
• Innovation managers, consultants, and academic partners involved in commercialisation
• Students and early-career researchers interested in understanding how scientific innovation translates into successful business ventures

Schedule:

10.00 - 10.30 – Arrival and Networking

10.30 - 10.55 – Introductions to ARC West London

10.55 - 12.10 – Keynote Sessions - with women business leaders, analysts, policy makers and investors

12.10-12.30 – Coffee Break & Networking

12.30 - 13.00 – Keynote Session: Strategies for Women's Health Innovation Companies

13.00 - 13.30 – Keynote Session: Field Insights from Women's Health Leading Companies

13.30 - 14.30 – Lunch Break and networking

14.30 - 15.30 – Workshops

15.30 - 16.30 – Workshop Group Leader Presentations

16.30 - 17.00 – Closing with Prof. Tony Sedgwick

17.30 - #BiotechBuddies Evening Reception at Image Analysis Group, Hammersmith. Seperate tickets available online.

Heart of Life Science Innovation at #CreativeDisruption Forum

Each #CreativeDisruption Forum centres on open dialogue, expert insight and interactive discussions, guided by our resident thought leader, Prof. Tony Sedgwick.

Known as the www.ThoughtDisruptor.com, Tony brings extensive experience as a trained pathologist, former Global Head of Clinical Research at Roche AG, and CEO and Chairman across several life science companies. He also draws on his background in psychology and leadership to help participants look at familiar challenges from new angles.

Participants can expect:

•⁠ ⁠Exchange ideas with peers facing similar strategic and operational issues,

•⁠ ⁠Gain practical insights from experienced founders and executives,

•⁠ ⁠Explore actionable approaches to commercialisation and growth,

•⁠ ⁠Strengthen their professional networks across the UK life sciences community.

The Forum provides a trusted environment to discuss challenges openly, share lessons learned, and explore new ways of driving innovation.

We promise that our #CreativeDisruption Forum will be like no other life sciences event or business network you have experienced. You will be walking out of the session inspired, educated and more connected.

ADMISSION FEE for Service Companies such as CROs, CDMOs, Law Firms and Patent Attorneys, Consultancy Firms = £120 - ALL-INCLUSIVE

ADMISSION FEE for Innovative Emerging Life Science Companies and Independent Consultants = £60

Investors can apply for free entry by writing to [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Graham Combe