Connecting women through local networks
“You are resilient, you are good negotiators, you are confident.”
These were the words of keynote speaker Catherine Fox, at the BioMelbourne Network Connecting Women Lunch on Friday 21 June. This annual lunch is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women in the biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceutical sector in Victoria.
A contingent of nine female researchers from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) attended the lunch this year. Guests came together to support, inspire and encourage each other to strive for leadership roles in the medical research and healthcare innovation sectors. The lunch event also provided a powerful platform for networking and exploring mentorship opportunities.
One Monash BDI attendee, Dr Sushma Anand from the Rossjohn lab, said the lunch was a wonderful experience.
“I enjoyed my time at the Connecting Women Lunch in every possible way. I was interested to attend this event to listen to and get inspired by the women who are leading STEMM in academia and industry,” Dr Anand said.
“I networked with people from CSL and women from other industries. I was interested to hear about their experiences in switching from academic to industry. It was very useful and I’m looking forward to this kind of event in future,” she said.
Dr Sheena McGowan, a lab head in Microbiology, said that events like this remind her of just how many women are successfully employed within Melbourne’s biomedical industries. There is such a diversity of options for STEMM professionals out there.
“We are essential, we are leaders and we are one of the main reasons this sector continues to thrive,” Dr McGowan said.
“There was a powerful moment at the lunch when everyone in the room murmured their agreement with the keynote speaker Catherine Fox, when she said ‘women do not need fixing’.”
This is the 11th year BioMelbourne has put on the event. The Monash BDI was able to support a number of our representatives in attending the networking lunch. Monash BDI’s Deputy Director, Professor Dena Lyras, said it was important that the institute supports female researchers throughout their careers, and that this event was a worthwhile opportunity for anyone interested in gender equity in STEMM.
“These sorts of opportunities are invaluable. To be able to network with other women in the field and strengthen connections that you maintain throughout your career is critical to career progression. I encourage others to consider attending next year,” Professor Lyras said.
BioMelbourne Network is hosting a 'Progressing innovation through outstanding leadership' breakfast on Thursday 11 July, which will include presentations from each of the recipients of the BioMelbourne Network's 2019 Women in Leadership awards.
About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.