The radiopharmaceutical sector encompasses many areas, such as radioisotope production; radiolabelling’ analysis; extensive non-clinical evaluation; and clinical translation to patients. Women currently play pivotal roles in radiopharmaceutical development and deployment, assuming responsibilities at various levels to ensure the timely access of radiopharmaceutical products to patients in need.
Opportunities continue to emerge in the radiopharmaceutical sciences, and there is increasing interest from the private sector. However, women continue to be underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), especially in leadership positions. This may bring forth distinct challenges for women wishing to advance to higher roles in the radiopharmaceutical area.
To address these challenges and promote career advancement opportunities the IAEA will host a two-part webinar titled Career Advancement Opportunities and Challenges for Women in Radiopharmaceuticals, highlighting examples from academia and industry.
The first part of the webinar will take place on 30 April 2024, from 15:00 to 16:30 CET, and will highlight career growth opportunities, limitations, and challenges in academic and government institutional settings, featuring a lineup of renowned female experts from different topics of radiopharmaceutical sciences.
Women in Nuclear – IAEA Chapter (WiN IAEA) will be delivering closing remarks, providing insight on the IAEA Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship (MSCFP) and the IAEA Lise Meitner Programme (LMP), two initiatives that enable more women to enter and pursue careers in the nuclear field. In addition, a MSCFP recipient will be sharing her experience as an intern in the IAEA’s Radiochemistry and Radiation Technology Section at the end of the webinar session.
The second part, scheduled on 2 May 2024, from 15:00 to 16:30 CET, will focus on emerging trends and interests from the private sector in radiopharmaceuticals and explore opportunities for women professionals in this area, featuring five representative female scientists. Closing remarks will be delivered by Women in Nuclear Global (WiN Global) about activities related to industry careers.
In both sessions, speakers will highlight their career paths and what motivated them to work in radiopharmaceuticals. They will also share their advice to young women who are similarly considering a career in this sector. Webinar participants will be able to ask questions at the end.
The IAEA Network of Women in Radiopharmaceutical Sciences
The two-part webinar is organised by the Women in Radiopharmaceuticals Initiative (WiNRI), an interest group under the umbrella of WiN Global aiming at supporting, promoting, and empowering women in radiopharmaceutical sciences.
“This webinar will be an opportunity for women from diverse regions to unite through shared endeavours, inspiring and motivating them to strive for excellence in their careers”, said Aruna Korde, IAEA Radiopharmaceutical Scientist and Coordinator of WiNRI.
Established in 2019 in response to the underrepresentation of women in this multidisciplinary sector, WiNRI provides a platform for female scientists and managers to connect and support each other, as well as discover how they can make significant contributions to the field. The webinar is the second IAEA event organised by WiNRI.
Register for the webinar here.
