Dr Kirsty Wydenbach: Empowering Confidence for Women in Science
Posted on: Wednesday 11 February 2026
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Wednesday 11 February 2026
About Kirsty
Dr Kirsty Wydenbach FFPM has been the Head of Regulatory Strategy at Weatherden, a global integrated consultancy, since 2022. Previously she has over 13 years’ experience as an Expert Medical Assessor at MHRA within the Clinical Trials Unit. Kirsty was involved in the UK regulation of clinical trials across all therapy areas and all phases of development, having a particular interest in advanced therapies, first-in-human trials and novel trial designs. She currently chairs the Clinical Trial Science and Regulations Expert Group of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine, is an expert on the Drug Development Advisory Board of CRO Simbec-Orion, and is a visiting senior lecturer at King’s College London.
What first sparked your interest in science?
My mother trained as a nurse, worked for Boehringer for a while and later ran a nursing home with my grandmother, so science and medicine were always a part of my life. At school it was always the science lessons I enjoyed the most. Whether it was bunsen burners or dissecting rats, it was all so exciting to me.
What gender-related challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome them?
I consider myself incredibly lucky that I haven’t (knowingly) faced challenges that have hindered my progress. But I do recall interviewing a young man once who when asked a question by me, would only reply to another (male) interviewer. Since then I have definitely focused on supporting women early in their careers through helping them to develop confidence and their own voice.
What changes would you like to see to better support women and girls pursuing careers in science?
I have watched my children go through school with some amazing women science teachers, but I think more could definitely be done to showcase their input on a daily basis. Its not just those who win awards or have stories in the press – it should be those little tasks that make a difference to the girls they teach that needs celebrating.
What message would you like to give to women and girls aspiring to make their mark in the field of science?
Go for it! There is so much beyond the classroom and what you see on TV that is just so much fun. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore what people do. Be inquisitive, be creative, and never under-estimate what you can do. You don’t need to be lucky or think ‘one day…’, it can start now.
Having recently been awarded Fellowship of FPM, how does this recognition reflect your journey in science, and what does it mean to you in terms of inspiring and supporting the next generation?
Being awarded FFPM to me reflects the mentors, teams, and opportunities that shaped my journey. And it carries responsibility: to share lessons learned, to show support for women in science and medicine, and hopefully show that the pathway can be winding but rewarding.
