Women in Biotech: Women Empower Teams

The cycle of virtual events organized in Lithuania “Women in Biotech 2021” is coming back for the second time. The platform dedicated for women’s leadership in the biotechnology sector and life sciences this year is focusing on a theme “Women in Biotech: Women Empower Teams“.

On September 29 ^th remote event will be streamed where four world-renowned leaders in their field will share inspiring thoughts on significance of building a team, secrets of a cohesive and effective team, importance of gender balance and what competencies are needed to work successfully in the biotechnology sector.

According to the organizer Agne Vaitkeviciene, Vice President of the Lithuanian Biotechnology Association (LBTA), interest in last year’s event showed a demand for such a platform which led to the second cycle of virtual events with expanded geography of speakers.

“Theme of this year was selected to discuss the importance of teamwork, because the days when scientists were working alone in a closed laboratory are over. Science is a global and collaborative activity and the synergy of different competencies, knowledge and experiences can bring astounding results, ”says A. Vaitkeviciene.

A.Vaitkeviciene notes that the majority of women still do not trust their ability to take leadership positions. According to the latest research, the Lithuanian biotechnology sector employs more women than men, but there are very few female executives. At least one woman works in a quarter of start-ups operating in Lithuania but only four percent of companies in this field are run by women. It confirms that women are actively involved in the biotechnology sector, but do not take the lead.

Vaitkeviciene considers that gender stereotypes determines such situation, that come from early education and carry on to present days. They often influence women’s further motivation and career choices. Leadership requires strong communication skills as well as the ability to influence others, support and motivate their team. Research has shown that women are more likely than men to develop aforementioned skills, communicate better, show empathy and generally have a higher emotional intelligence.

According to Eurostat data, women make up 58% of all researchers in Lithuania. Therefore, LBTA sees the potential to promote women’s leadership both in biotechnology and life sciences sector and for the second year in a row organizes the platform “Women in Biotech 2021”, explains A. Vaitkeviciene.

“Women in Biotech 2021” will be livestreamed on LRT.lt and winb.lt websites and on LBTA Facebook page. Listeners will also have a unique opportunity to ask their questions during the live event.

Partners and sponsors of the “Women in Biotech 2021” initiative: Enterprise Lithuania, EuropaBio, EHAlliance, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, 2AM Health, Sunrise Valley Science and Technology Park.

Live event broadcast will be available at our webpage , LRT and our Facebook page.

Learn more about our LITHUANIAN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ECOSYSTEM here