Women have always faced challenges in the workplace, especially in male-dominated fields, like technology and venture capital. But 2017 brought the issue front and center, with more and more women coming forward about sexism and harassment, and, most recently, the leaking of a memo by a Google engineer attributing the gender imbalance in the industry to “biological” differences between women and men.
The life sciences field isn’t exempt; there are precious few women CEOs in biotech, and GlaxoSmithKline CEO Emma Walmsley, who took over from Andrew Witty this year, is only the first woman to lead a Big Pharma company. And who could forget LifeSci Advisors’ infamous model-staffed J.P. Morgan afterparty of 2016?
But in spite of these challenges, women can and do attain top-level positions—including CEO posts—start their own companies and otherwise make their marks on the industry. From industry professionals and academics to venture capitalists and regulatory officials, women are making an impact all over life sciences.
Each year, we at Fierce spotlight women at the top of our field. You may be familiar with the “Women in Biotech” or “Women in Biopharma” lists. This year, we are broadening the scope to include medtech, renaming it “Fiercest Women in Life Sciences.”
We invite you to share your nominations using the form below. We’re looking for women in biotech, pharma and medtech who stand out as leaders, innovators and mentors, in organizations big and small. Be sure to submit your nominations by Monday, Sept. 11 for consideration in this year’s list. To get an idea of what we’re looking for, find last year’s list here, and 2015’s here.