International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026
Today, on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women across our laboratories and departments who help drive excellence in diagnostics every single day at North West London Pathology.
Their stories capture the curiosity that first drew them to science, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the determination that fuels their work in Biomedical Science. They share the women who have inspired their journeys and the advice they would give to girls and women hoping to follow in their footsteps.
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are proud to be an inclusive organisation, recognised with awards for our commitment to training, supporting, and championing every individual – especially the women and girls whose contributions continue to shape the future of science and healthcare.
Mehwish, Pathology Practice Educator
We’re integral to 70% of diagnoses, which means we’re literally helping save lives every single day. What truly motivated me was realising how broad and influential this career could be: from developing people and training the next generation, to improving systems, introducing new ways of working, and shaping services that directly affect patient care. Biomedical scientists don’t just support healthcare, we help drive it forward. Women bring valuable perspectives to science and healthcare, particularly in shaping inclusive, effective systems. There is real opportunity not only to contribute, but to lead, influence, and drive meaningful change within the profession.
Anna, Microbiology Laboratory Manager
I was drawn to Biomedical science as it plays a vital role in patient care, even if it happens behind the scenes. I have always been curious about how diseases are diagnosed, and knowing that my work can help clinicians make informed decisions makes the role incredibly rewarding. I am most inspired by the women I work with every day – colleagues who are supportive and resilient and who continue to deliver high-quality work in demanding environments. They consistently demonstrate expertise, teamwork and commitment under pressure. Marie Curie has always inspired me for her dedication, resilience and passion for science, especially in a time when women faced significant barriers.
Reshma, Senior Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing DBA
Biomedical Scientist turned Data & Insights specialist, I thrive at the intersection of science, data, and impact. From pathology laboratories to Pathology IT and Business Intelligence – including deputising within the BI team – I’ve built a career transforming complex clinical and pathology data into sharp, actionable insights that help clinicians and researchers make better decisions for patients. My curiosity doesn’t stop at the lab or the dashboard. Having travelled to all seven continents, I bring a truly global lens to healthcare – one shaped by culture, equity, and access. Whether analysing clinical datasets or sandboarding down the active Cerro Negro volcano in Nicaragua, I’ve learned that growth comes from exploration, adaptability, and human connection.
Sandra, Haematology and Blood Transfusion Training Manager
Science has historically been a male orientated career with most of the higher managerial positions held by men. Thankfully that has now changed, and more women are securing positions in the higher paid roles, NWLP is a fine example of this! My advice to women and girls would be the same as I would give to men and boys – if you have got good analytical skills, are capable of working by yourself, if you enjoy working out problems and solving mysteries, if you question everything you are told and have an insatiable appetite to learn… Science is the career for you!
Sweenie, Microbiology Manager
If you have the passion, drive and determination you will be able to get where you want to be in your career. Always aspire high and be the best that you can be. Over the years I have seen many changes in our profession, previously, when I first started, it was a more male dominated profession with males in the more senior roles. Now, I am seeing the very opposite, there are far more females entering our profession and more importantly within NWLP there are so many females in higher roles, for example, our Managing Director and the Director of Operations and several Laboratory managers including myself. Remember, your gender is not an obstacle to your success in this field, so use it as an opportunity and be proud to be female. Remember Girl Power!
Olesia, Senior Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing DBA
I do not have a biomedical background; I am from IT. But that does not matter when it comes to building a career, because the most important thing is to believe that your work helps people, making their lives better and easier. In this case, your achievements and people’s gratitude will constantly inspire and motivate you to take on more challenging tasks, internal growth, and self-improvement. If you’re interested in building a career in any industry, just believe in yourself, believe in what you do, be proud of your accomplishments, big or small, and know that your possibilities are limitless.
Helen, Associate Director of Quality & Governance
My degree had a medical biosciences element and I found it fascinating that by looking at a bunch of numbers (chemistry results) you could work out what was going on inside the human body. I am inspired on a daily basis by my colleagues and friends who have managed to get a fantastic balance of career and life’s adventures. Within Biomedical science we have been privileged with a string of great female presidents at the IBMS, with Debra, Joanna and now Sarah, demonstrating leadership and that women in science are no longer overlooked. My advice to women and girls looking to pursue a career in science would echo Marie Curie – “science has great beauty”. Don’t let anyone kill your curiosity.
You can read more about our colleagues at NWLP and keep up to date with our initiatives by following us on LinkedIn.