Speakers were given a platform to share their experiences of working in the industry and offer advice to young women who are looking to pursue an alternate career in science

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has hosted its very first Women in Science Conference, welcoming leading female scientists from across the UK.

Global diagnostics company, BBI Solutions, was represented at the event by its global head of new product development, Dr Karen Whiting, who joined leading female figures from across the scientific community.

She shared her career advice with an audience of more than 150 delegates at LSTM, including graduates, researchers, and prominent female scientists in both academia and industry.

Speakers were given a platform to share their experiences of working in the industry and offer advice to young women who are looking to pursue an alternate career in science.  The day comprised of three sessions: Academia, Industry and ‘Stomping out Stereotypes’, which were all followed by interactive panel discussions.

With PhD in biochemistry, Ms Whiting has more than 20 years’ of experience in the IVD industry, developing and validating lateral flow immunoassay tests for the diagnostic and pharmaceutical community for a range of clinical and non-clinical applications. 

Recently, her team has been focusing on the introduction of new reagents and technologies to further enhance the sensitivity and specificity of immunoassays.

She said: “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to speak at this year’s Women in Science Conference, which provided a much-needed platform for women across the industry to come together and share their experiences of working in what are often male-dominated environments.

“Having female role models and a connected, supportive community is incredibly important in enabling women as they progress in industry.

“Events such as this are key to create valuable networks and generate awareness of the myriad of exciting roles and career pathways within the sector.”

Professor Janet Hemingway, director of LSTM, added: “Women have a critical role in science, whether in industry, academia, implementation organisations or other bodies.

“Despite several decades of documenting the problem of too few women at top level in science progress has been too slow. This meeting and other initiatives represent a change in emphasis, documenting solutions rather than problems, celebrating success and providing role models for women at all stages of their careers.”