TOWARDS
ZERO

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates women's equality globally. This year's theme, 'Accelerate Action,' emphasises the urgent need for progress.

With over 20 years of experience in clinical research and drug development in industry, Julie shares her own personal reflections and advice for women on gender equality.

1. What does 'Accelerate Action' mean to you in your work?

“Accelerating gender equality requires moving from intention to measurable change. In research, this means funding the most promising ideas and empowering the right people, regardless of gender. Despite progress, systemic barriers like institutional structures, cultural expectations, biases, and workplace policies continue to hold women back. As a funder of world-class breast cancer research, NBCF can drive change through funding policies, diverse leadership initiatives, and advocacy. Continued progress demands deliberate steps to remove barriers and create lasting equality in research.”

2. How can we encourage more women to join the research field?

“As a Mum of two daughters, this is personal to me. Encouraging more women to join the research field starts with broadening the conversation about what a career in research can look like. Visibility and diverse role models are key. We must ensure young girls & women are aware of career opportunities early on. Research isn’t limited to academia or being a laboratory-based scientist. It spans clinical research, industry, policy, public health, and beyond. My own career path reflects this diversity. I chose to pursue clinical research in the pharmaceutical industry, where I had the opportunity to contribute to advancing new treatments and bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact. That experience ultimately led me to my current role at NBCF, where I now focus on driving investment into world-class breast cancer research and supporting the best and brightest researchers to deliver impact.”

3. What role does NBCF play in promoting gender equality?

“To ensure gender equality, NBCF recognises that breast cancer research must reflect the community it serves. We promote gender equality by implementing non-discriminatory workplace policies and ensuring our funding streams are accessible and supportive of women at all career stages. This includes accommodating career interruptions and allowance for balancing work and family commitments. Additionally, we must continue to advocate for systemic changes and maintain open dialogue to address the challenges women face. Keeping dialogue open and responsive to the challenges women face is crucial.

NBCF also has a platform to recognise and celebrate the amazing female researchers we fund, making their roles visible and inspiring future generations of young women to consider careers in research. We strive to level the playing field, so the best ideas, regardless of gender, receive the support they need to make an impact!”

4. How can we support women who are just starting their careers in research?

“This requires a multi-faceted approach that removes barriers, provides guidance and creates opportunities for growth. Mentorship, sponsorship, and networking are key. Learning from those who have navigated similar paths and challenges is invaluable. Developing programs and offering early career researchers access to experienced mentors can change career trajectories.

Education and training initiatives are also important, not just in developing research expertise but in equipping women with leadership skills, and career navigation strategies.

Beyond formal programs and initiatives, allies, both men and women, play a crucial role in advocating for gender equality and supporting women in their career progression.”

5. What are some small actions everyone can take to help accelerate gender equality?

“Accelerating gender equality requires everyday action. Consistent, tangible steps drive real change.

Engage young girls and women early into what it means to have a career in STEMM and inspire them with the impact they could have.

Amplify women’s voices, acknowledging their contributions and achievements, while openly bringing persistent challenges to the forefront to address.

Champion women for leadership positions and diverse opportunities, and call out bias, both in everyday conversations and formal decision making.

Continue to dismantle systemic barriers and normalise work-life balance with policies, irrespective of gender.

Having navigated a research career in industry, strong mentors, supportive colleagues, and inclusive workplace policies enable all to thrive.”

6. What is one thing you hope to see change for women in research in the next five years?

“I would like to see a research ecosystem where gender is no longer a barrier, with opportunities based on talent, merit and no bias. True success means no longer needing to discuss gender inequality, only excellence in research. My wish is that when my daughters enter the workforce and other young women like them, gender is never a factor in the opportunities available to them. Their choices and success will only be determined by their ambition, talent and hard work.

Reflecting on my own 25-year career, I have seen positive and accelerated change, and that certainly gives me hope for the future.”

Together, we can create opportunities and pave the way for future generations.