Celebrating Women in Science 2025

We are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Established by the United Nations in 2015, on February 11th the world stands together to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognizing the remarkable contributions of women within the scientific field. As we mark a decade of celebrating women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we remember the famous and the forgotten figures who paved the way and whose legacy empowers women in science today.

Throughout history, women have made substantial contributions to the scientific field, overcoming significant historical and systemic barriers. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science provides a vital opportunity to honor their groundbreaking work and acknowledge the indispensable role of women in shaping the scientific world.

The gender disparity within the scientific field remains a significant concern on a global scale. Although women have demonstrated remarkable achievements in various scientific disciplines, they continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, research roles, and decision-making bodies. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science emphasizes the importance of united efforts to address these inequalities and create a more inclusive environment within the scientific community.

This year’s theme, “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”, shines a light on the crucial role of women in STEM careers. It is about challenging stereotypes, celebrating innovation, and inspiring the next generation through inclusive representation. At Random42, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by many brilliant women who are doing just that. In celebration of this day, we are amplifying their voices by sharing the stories and insights of some of our senior female leaders in STEM…

Elly Spreckley, Chief Scientific Officer

“My journey into medical communications began with a childhood curiosity about how the human body works. This led me to study Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Manchester, where I became interested in translating complex scientific concepts for wider understanding.

Towards the end of my degree, my supervisor suggested a PhD would be invaluable for a medical writing career, given the volume of literature you need to understand and apply, plus the experience of writing a substantial thesis. Therefore, I decided to carry out a PhD at Imperial College London, exploring the neuroendocrine system’s role in appetite control and obesity. The project involved learning intensive practical techniques to study the effects of a range of hormones, while also mentoring undergraduate students, allowing me to develop both technical and teaching skills. Despite the significant skills I gained, my focus was already on moving into Med Comms, so shortly after my thesis was drafted, I started exploring my career options and came across an interesting job advert within medical animation.

I joined Random42 as the third member of the Science team and had to quickly learn to write scripts, draft storyboards, and gain the skills needed for client and project management. Almost a decade later, I lead a talented team of 20 PhDs. While I’ve broadened my scientific knowledge immensely over the years, what motivates me is continually learning how to manage people and a growing team effectively. Witnessing the growth of our team members as they develop into capable managers and leaders is incredibly rewarding.

Here at Random42, we hire PhD holders to our Science team because they are exceptional self-learners who excel at simplifying complex scientific topics across various therapeutic areas. The field of biomedical research tends to attract more women; consequently, our team is largely female. Prioritizing work-life balance within the team is vital to retaining a high-quality and experienced team of scientists.”

Pooja Chudasama, Scientific Account Director

“My passion lay in psychology rather than biology early on, which led me to undertake a BSc in Cognitive Science. From there, however, my interest in neuroscience developed and grew as I wanted to research the root of different disorders and tackle the problem head-on. Therefore, I went on to do an MSc and PhD in neuroscience! I was a hard-core scientist and besides research and teaching in my spare time, no other career came close to competing until I delved into the world of science communications and found Random42.

I love how the power of art communicates science so beautifully and effectively raises awareness of and educates on different therapeutic approaches and disorders. During my 5 years at Random42, I progressed from a junior role to now leading a sub-team within the Science and Project Management department.

Concurrently, motherhood became a part of my journey quite recently. Navigating the demands of both a career and family life presents unique challenges but I find that they foster each other and you learn from both, which ultimately helps you grow in both aspects of life.”

Karolina Campbell, Scientific Account Director

“I was always interested in how the body works, especially the brain. I found it very interesting how tiny chemicals in our heads can make us feel happy or sad, help us remember things and learn new skills. This led me to undertake my undergraduate studies in Physiology and later a PhD in Neuroscience. There, I was inspired by the female professors I worked with, who were strong advocates for women in science. They demonstrated that female scientists, especially those in leadership roles, have a responsibility to challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality in the scientific community.

This message resonates deeply now, as I balance my professional ambitions at Random42 with the rewarding, yet demanding, responsibilities of raising two children under five. Finding this equilibrium is a constant juggling act, and it underscores the importance of a supportive workplace and role models. Here at Random42, I’m privileged to work alongside many talented women and men who inspire me daily with their positivity, knowledge, and creativity.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a fantastic initiative that allows us to celebrate the amazing contributions of female scientists across the globe. It’s also a vital reminder that creating a truly equitable future in science benefits everyone and is a goal I am deeply committed to, both professionally and as a mother.”

Gabriella Andriesz, Business Development Director

“My personal experience throughout an initial four years of research-based university studies, culminating in a BSc and MSc, was that I fortunately didn’t encounter any barriers to my career due to my gender. I have now been in the medical communications field for over 10 years, and whilst this has a strong female presence, exceeding 70% of the workforce, this representation is significantly lower in traditional STEM disciplines, at around 35%.

This is indicative of the fact that there are many ways to advance a career in STEM, however, there is also still a lot that needs to be done to elevate women into other areas of the STEM industry. It is wonderful to work for a company that has a substantial female influence and one that is also committed to inclusivity. Having a supportive environment promotes a culture where individuals, irrespective of gender, can thrive. It empowers us to contribute to meaningful solutions to the pharmaceutical and scientific fields whilst also enjoying the process.”

Laura Price, Head of Global Strategic Accounts

“In preparation for writing this piece, I was eager to do some digging on the current data surrounding Women in Science. Almost every article highlights the underrepresentation of women for many years across STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), with recent data from 2023 showing that women represent only 35% of the STEM workforce.

Contrary to this research, my career began with a Biochemistry degree at The University of Birmingham, where around 65% of my classmates were women. Moving into the working world, I have always been a part of mostly female teams, and within medcomms we are fortunate to be part of a sector that is flipping the STEM stereotypes on their head. The goal is that other industries and countries across the world can break down the barriers preventing other women from seeking equal opportunity in their lives and careers.

It is important to recognise the encouraging initiatives and steps towards equality that we can all have an impact on every day. The business I am a part of is a fantastic showcase of a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we all see the positive impact that has on the people who work here. By exposing people to different points of view, ideas and beliefs, we are playing our part in ensuring greater representation throughout our communities.”