Celebrating Women in Science 2026

Voices from Our Team 

To mark the occasion, we asked some of the brilliant women on our team to share insights on their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and what drives their passion for science.

Jennifer Hunter-Alexander, Group Scientific Director

The theme this year is “From Vision to Impact.” What does turning a scientific vision into a real-world impact mean to you in your work?

“For me, a key component in turning a scientific vision into real-world impact is about bridging the gap between the brilliant, but often complex, science and the people who need to understand it.

In our work, projects start with the scientific concept or breakthrough—a new mechanism of action or a game-changing device, for example. That’s the ‘vision’. The ‘impact’ happens when we transform that vision into something tangible and meaningful. It’s the ‘aha!’ moment when a health care professional grasps a new treatment from an interactive experience, or when a patient better understands their own body through an animation.

Ultimately, it’s about translating science into meaningful narratives that educate, inspire, and drive change, ensuring groundbreaking ideas don’t just stay in the lab but are understood by those they impact the most.”

Karolina Campbell, Scientific Account Director 

Is there a female mentor, colleague, or family member who influenced your own career path or your perspective on science?

“Definitely. In a field like science where there are far more men than women, the female professors I worked with during my PhD had a huge impact on me. They weren’t just great scientists; they were also passionate about supporting other women. They taught me that women in science, especially those in leadership roles, have a responsibility to challenge stereotypes and push for more equality.

Their example didn’t just shape my own career; it made me want to help encourage girls to pursue STEM careers in school and create a supportive environment for budding scientists by fostering their interests and confidence. Even simple hands-on activities like building with LEGOs, or conducting science experiments at home and in school, can make STEM subjects more exciting and accessible!”

Gabriella Andriesz, Business Development Director

How has working in diverse teams personally changed or broadened your own perspective?

“Working in diverse teams has further developed the adaptive values that I learned by growing up as a third-culture kid. From growing up in Singapore with a background from Sri Lanka and the UK, I was immersed in a mix of different perspectives and values, inspiring a need to find one’s own self amongst a melting pot of individualities. As a Londoner now, many friends and colleagues may have the same or similar experiences as this.

For me, the true value of a diverse team lies in its power to challenge our point of view – finding our voice amongst the crowd which can lead to purposeful new thought. It’s about fostering an environment where we can all practice cognitive flexibility, encouraging each other to step into an opposing pair of shoes and see the world through their eyes. This process isn’t always comfortable; it requires us to look critically at our own assumptions and be willing to do something hard or different.

My perspective has been continually broadened by working with hundreds of unique individuals over the years. Each interaction is a lesson, showing me what leadership and collaboration traits I want to adopt, and ones that I would consciously choose not to. It’s a constant process of refining strategies and learning from everyone you work with, no matter their level or role.

Ultimately, I believe that when you show yourself you can step outside of your comfort zone and truly engage with challenging, diverse thoughts, magical things can happen.”

Pippa Lazell, Account Director

What advice would you give to the younger generation who are interested in science?

“Forget the outdated image of a scientist working in isolation. A woman in STEM has the ability to work with a team of strong, aspirational women, where a career in science is a dynamic, collaborative pursuit. There are opportunities to be fuelled by a shared love for discovery and drive to work together, channelling our scientific knowledge into exciting, people-first opportunities that fundamentally change patients’ daily lives.

The journey of a scientist is one of continuous learning and discovery. Stay curious, get involved, and don’t be afraid to explore the unknown.”

Pollyanna Burnet-Harris, Account Manager

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in STEM, and how did you overcome it?

“I’d say that the biggest challenge I’ve faced as a woman in STEM has been a quiet but persistent voice in my head telling me I’m an imposter. The feeling that I didn’t deserve to be there, and would end up being a disappointment, began from when I first picked my A-levels, and lasted up until I put that gown on and received my university degree – still the proudest day of my life so far.

Overcoming it has been a personal journey of learning to trust that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. We don’t have anything to prove to others, and it’s important to teach yourself how to silence that inner critic and stop comparing your abilities to others. I had to understand that my unique way of thinking isn’t a weakness, but a strength.

The beauty of science is that it needs all kinds of minds to flourish. My journey has taught me to embrace the skills I bring to the table and to trust that my voice and perspective are hugely valuable.”

Pooja Chudasama, Scientific Account Director

Thinking about your own journey from “vision to impact,” can you share a moment where you were most proud of the impact you made?

“At Random42, we are at the forefront of medical breakthroughs, translating our clients’ pioneering work into powerful stories. I am constantly in awe of how we transform complex science into beautiful and impactful, visuals and narratives.

A defining moment for me was our work on COVID-19. During a time of global uncertainty, I was proud to help explain the virus and its potential treatments, making critical information accessible to all. Another highlight was mapping the human brain in 3D. Despite my neuroscience background, I discovered structures I’d never heard of, and we were a part of creating an invaluable tool for anyone curious about the brain’s complexities.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an initiative that demystifies science for those it directly impacts, empowering both healthcare professionals and patients.”

Molly Smith, Account Executive

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

“My first memories are from my childhood in Sarasota, Florida, which is where my passion for science began. My school was right by the beach, so marine biology was a huge part of our learning. We had lessons on the importance of the ocean, took school trips to the local laboratory, and participated in beach cleanups. I’ve known I loved science ever since, and that passion remained even when we moved from sunny Florida back to rainy England!

Throughout my education, a fascination with knowing why things happen led me to pursue a degree in Biology, and then a career helping to make science more accessible. That connection to my roots remains strong. On regular family visits back to Sarasota, I still revisit that same laboratory, now a preeminent facility for ocean research, and join tours with leading scientists through the mangrove reefs, reconnecting with the wonder that first sparked my journey.”

Maya Frost, Account Executive

Beyond the major breakthroughs, what’s a small, everyday part of your job that you find fascinating or joyful?

“I was drawn to studying biology at university because I loved visualising how the intricate parts of a mechanism work together in the pathology of a disease. It was even more amazing to see how scientists have manipulated these intricate pathways and mechanisms to treat and prevent these diseases. For me, the most enjoyable part of my job is being part of bringing these intricate biological mechanisms to life – making microscopic worlds accessible and easy to appreciate!”

Looking Ahead

This day serves as a powerful reminder that women and girls are vital contributors to science and technology. At Random42, we are committed to empowering women in STEM and are honoured to have such remarkable individuals on our team. We will continue to celebrate and promote the achievements of women in science with the aim to inspire the next generation of scientists.