Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026
Posted on: Wednesday 11 February 2026
International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Wednesday 11 February) is an opportunity to recognise the contributions women make across science, and to reflect on the progress still needed to achieve true equity in opportunity and leadership.
In pharmaceutical medicine, diverse expertise and perspectives strengthen research, innovation and patient care. At FPM, women contribute at every level of our community – from those at the start of their careers to senior leaders shaping the direction of the profession.
To mark the day, our President and Vice President share their reflections on progress, representation and the importance of supporting the next generation of women in science.
“International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an important moment to recognise both the remarkable contributions women make to science and medicine, and the work still needed to ensure that talent and opportunity go hand in hand. At FPM, we celebrate women across every career stage – from those just beginning their journey, to established leaders shaping the future of pharmaceutical medicine through research, innovation and patient-centred impact.
I am privileged to work alongside so many talented women leaders across FPM, including our female Chief Executive, Vice President, Board Trustees and Chairs of committees, who help us advance pharmaceutical medicine for the benefit of the public.
Today is also about looking ahead. By championing inclusion, visibility and support, we can help inspire the next generation of women and girls to pursue scientific careers with confidence and ambition. Their ideas, curiosity and leadership will be essential to the progress of our profession and to improving health outcomes for all.”
“I’m excited when this day comes up and I reflect on how far women and girls have come and also how far we still need to travel.
I am excited to be the VP of FPM, where we have a woman President, and woman CEO and some great women role models amongst our Members and Fellows.
Women now make up more than 50% of UK medical school entrants – a huge achievement – although still not reflected in the make-up of senior staff in healthcare and pharmaceutical medicine.
We should be proud to follow in the footsteps of women who battled for recognition in their fields – Gertrude Elion, who discovered acyclovir; Jean Purdy, embryologist and IVF pioneer; Rosalind Franklin, who unravelled the helical structure of DNA.
We walk in the shadows of greatness and should foster the next generation of giants!”
Spotlight on Inspiring Women in Science
To further mark the day, read our Q&As with three Fellows of FPM, where they reflect on what first sparked their interest in science, the gender-related challenges they have navigated throughout the careers, and the changes they would like to see to better support women and girls entering the field.
