Women in bioscience: Celebrating success across the ecosystem

An International Women’s Day event sharing real stories, career insights, and lessons from women across the bioscience ecosystem.

About This Event

'Women in bioscience: Celebrating success across the ecosystem' is an International Women’s Day event focused on real experiences, open conversation, and community connection.

This in-person event will bring together women on different career paths from first-time founders to experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to share honest reflections, practical insights, and lessons learned from building careers in bioscience.

Through success stories and discussion circles, speakers will share:

• Their personal journeys, including key turning points, challenges, and defining “lightbulb” moments
• Building the right support structures, from networks and mentors to inclusive cultures that enable women to flourish
• Navigating confidence, risk, and funding, with honest reflections on fundraising, decision-making, and leadership
• Practical lessons for sustaining a career, including balancing priorities, taking calculated risks, and shaping what success looks like for the future

The evening will conclude with an informal networking session, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with speakers and peers across the ecosystem.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 3 March 2026
Time: 17:00 - 19:00
Venue: BioEscalator, Oxford
Format: In-person

Agenda

17:00 – 17:15 | Arrival & refreshments

17:15 – 17:45 | Success stories from women across the bioscience ecosystem
5-minute talks from women on different career paths in bioscience, sharing their journeys, challenges, and insights.

17:45 – 18:30 | Discussion circles (with nibbles and drinks)
Small-group, lightly facilitated discussions with speakers. Attendees can move between speakers, ask questions, and explore topics in more depth.

18:30 – 19:00 | Open networking

Who Should Attend

This event is open to anyone interested in careers, leadership, and innovation in bioscience, including, but not limited to:

• Women founders and aspiring entrepreneurs
• Early-stage bioscience companies
• Researchers, clinicians, and students interested in commercialisation
• Investors and industry partners
• University of Oxford staff and affiliates
• Members of the wider life sciences and innovation community

About the BioEscalator

The BioEscalator is the University of Oxford’s biomedical innovation hub, supporting high-potential bioscience start-ups in translating cutting-edge science into real-world impact. Located on the Old Road clinical campus in Headington, it provides a supportive environment with high-quality lab infrastructure, entrepreneurial training, and strong industry networks. By collaborating with the University, the NHS, and researchers, the BioEscalator accelerates the development of innovative companies that drive meaningful advances in human health.

Find out more by visiting the BioEscalator website