The WOMEN IN BIOTECH platform launched during the first cycle of events

Four is that is the number of times American and Lithuanian female biotechnology leaders were greeted by the WOMEN IN BIOTECH audience. The speakers introduced four areas of interest during the virtual events: the biotechnology industry, non-governmental organisations, investing and start-up development. The four remote events attracted a total of nearly 1800 participants. Discussions joined by Lithuanian industry representatives touched upon a variety of topics – from the challenges faced by women in high positions to different styles of leadership and mentors that had great influence upon their success. Broadcasting of such stories from female leaders is hoped to encourage young scientists to invest in the development of advanced technology.

During the first event, WOMEN IN BIOTECH: Meet the Leaders, the United States Ambassador to Lithuania, Robert S. Gilchrist, greeted the participants and overviewed the biotechnology industry in Lithuania. The event was also opened by the president of the Lithuanian Biotechnology Association, Tomas Andrejauskas, who introduced the organisation and its inspiring goals for the industry. Afterwards, a talk by Amy Butler, president of Biosciences at Thermo Fisher Scientific, focused on her experience gained through climbing up to a high position of one of the largest biotechnology companies in the world. The following discussion included the speaker and Lithuanian representatives: Egle Pavyde from UAB Biomapas and the director of UAB Aconitum, Rima Balanaskiene, as well as her daughter. The female specialists shared their inspiration and discussed some of the personal qualities they consider when looking for a potential leader for their teams.

The next WOMEN IN BIOTECH event hosted the founder of the non-governmental organisation HERHealthEQ and the medical device consulting company Fayer Consulting, Marissa Fayer, who told participants about the emergence of these companies and her philanthropic work of providing women in developing countries with appropriate medical technology. Later joined by Dr Lina Jankauskaite, a paediatric pulmonologist, and the director of Enterprise Lithuania, Daina Klepone, the female specialists discussed the obstacles women face on their professional journey.

The third WOMEN IN BIOTECH cycle event stood out by bringing together Lithuanian representatives Viktorija Vaitkeviciene (Colnvest Capital) and Rita Sakus (LitBAN) for a live discussion about investing in business in bioscience. The speaker Karren Griffith Gryga shared moments from the beginning of her career and the motivation behind choosing education in the STEM field and her future career path.

During the final WOMEN IN BIOTECH 2020 event on 20^th October, Dr Kiana Aran presented her-founded start-ups Nanosens Innovations and Cardea Bio, as well as her work for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The scientist introduced the CRISPR-Chip technology, currently in development, which allows identification of genetic mutations in a matter of minutes. Together with the CEO of UAB CasZyme, Monika Paule, and the founder of the start-up company Neurostrain, Laura Martinkute-Korsakova, the speakers discussed the assessment of novel technology before its introduction to the market and funding opportunities for innovation.

We hope that the knowledge shared and the experience gathered by these speakers inspired our listeners with ideas for bringing innovation into biotechnology. The organisers also expect the ability to invite everyone interested to hear and draw inspiration from the leaders in biotechnology face-to-face, 21^st September 2021.

For details about the platform, speakers and future events, visit the event page.

Event recordings can be found on our Youtube channel and Facebook page.

The event was also presented during the LRT show Labas rytas, Lietuva! By the vice-president of LBTA, Dr Inga Matijosyte.

Event organiser: Lithuanian Biotechnology Association.

We would like to thank the following partners and sponsors of this platform: the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania, Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology (MITA), Enterprise Lithuania, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Vilnius University Life Sciences Center and the Research Council of Lithuania.