The narrative of women in science is one of relentless pursuit and pioneering innovation, a narrative that Laurie Goodman, the initiator of the Women in Science Conference and Publishing Director of GigaScience Press, knows well. Her vision and leadership have not only advanced the field of life sciences but have also shone a spotlight on the achievements of women at BGI and beyond.
In celebration of International Women's Day, we are honored to present an exclusive interview with Laurie. Her insights into the transformative power of diversity and inclusion within life sciences provide a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of female participation and leadership in this field.
Q: In your view, what contributions have women made to the field of life sciences, especially at BGI and more broadly?
A: Women have been transformative in the life sciences, bringing novel perspectives and leadership to the forefront.
At BGI, they are not just participants but leaders, spearheading research and managing laboratories. Their contributions are particularly notable in emerging fields such as spatial omics, where BGI's women scientists are at the forefront. This leadership is vital, not only for the direct impact on their specific fields but also for the broader implications of having a diverse range of voices in research.
The inclusion of women in these roles is changing the landscape, ensuring that the community benefits from a more comprehensive approach to the challenges and questions within the life sciences.
Q: How is women’s power played out in the field of spatial omics?
A: Spatial omics is a field that thrives on innovation and diversity of thought. Women's engagement in this area brings a wealth of different perspectives, shaped by their unique experiences and insights. This diversity is crucial when exploring various organs and biological processes, as it encourages the asking of distinct and often unexplored questions.
For example, in cancer research, women scientists are contributing to a shift in how we examine cancer cells, proposing new angles and considerations, especially in cancers that predominantly affect women. These fresh perspectives can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and treatment strategies that might otherwise be overlooked due to historical biases and preconceived notions.
By challenging the status quo, women are driving the field of spatial omics towards a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to scientific inquiry.
Q: What unique advantages do you believe women bring to advancing scientific research and innovation? How have these advantages helped women stand out in the field of life sciences?
A: The unique advantages women bring to scientific research are multifaceted. Historically, the life sciences, and medicine in particular, have been skewed toward male-centric models and hypotheses. Women in the field are addressing this imbalance, broadening the research agenda to include women's biology and health concerns that have been historically marginalized.
Women's perspectives are critical in redefining questions and methodologies in research. Their approaches can lead to new, more effective treatments and a broader understanding of health issues affecting the entire population.
At BGI, the emphasis on women's health initiatives demonstrates the tangible benefits of diverse research teams. These initiatives have the power to transform health outcomes for women worldwide, impacting societal health at large.
I think the more diversity you have, the more exciting things are, and the better things move forward for the entire community.
Q: How do you assess the role of women scientists from different countries and regions in advancing scientific research and technological innovation within the global life sciences field? Particularly, what unique roles do women play in international scientific cooperation and exchange?
A: The limited presence of women in the sciences has been a considerable barrier, making it challenging for female scientists worldwide to share information and collaborate. This need for greater inclusivity is precisely why women's participation in international conferences is so vital for fostering cross-cultural exchanges.
More than ever, women researchers are embracing collaboration, openly discussing the unique needs of their cultures, and seeking to understand, "What does your country need? What does my culture need?" Such dialogue is most authentic when it comes from those who directly experience these cultural contexts.
Collaboration is crucial for posing the right questions and addressing the relevant problems. It leads to a deeper global understanding, prompting questions like, "What can our countries offer each other? What do our researchers need?"
In my experience organizing conferences for women in science, I've witnessed the remarkable outcomes of bringing women together. Professors and attendees engage in meaningful dialogue, often sparking collaborative projects right at the event. These occurrences have solidified my belief in the importance of increasing women's representation at these international forums. When women are given a platform to speak, it enriches the experience for all and propels the scientific community forward.
Q: For female scientists come from a diverse array of countries, including both developed and developing nations, what distinct perspectives or insights do they contribute to the conference based on their varying national backgrounds? How do these differences enrich the event?
A: Female scientists from different national backgrounds bring unique insights that are rooted in their experiences with local challenges. These perspectives are invaluable when discussing global issues such as food security or health crises.
For example, BGI's millet studies focused on a crop that is particularly suitable for growing in land-poor regions. Traditionally, millet yields few grains, but BGI’s work on enhancing millet productivity successfully increased the yield to six times the amount of the original millet plant. This advancement is crucial for land-poor areas in Africa where millet is an essential crop. This demonstrates how technology exchange can be beneficial: by understanding what another country needs and applying the technology we have, we can provide meaningful support.
At the Women in Science Conference, we ensure that we hear from women across the globe, which helps us understand the intricacies of working in different cultural contexts. This diversity not only enriches the event but also fosters solutions that are culturally sensitive and more likely to succeed in improving health and environmental protection on a global scale.
Q: What is the achievement you are most proud of in your current position? What impact has this achievement had on BGI or the industry?
A: I work in scientific publishing, and my team and I are passionate about making research globally accessible. At GigaScience, we're innovating with our new journal, GigaByte, which features interactive articles in multiple languages.
The presumption that science is exclusively English overlooks many non-English speakers in academia, limiting the dissemination of knowledge. GigaByte addresses this by reaching more of these audiences who were previously neglected. I learned a lot of this at BGI because it began with a huge number of collaborations all over the world. And it was so clear how that made things really progress and move forward.
We're thrilled with GigaByte's success and honored by the innovation awards we've received for our efforts to connect the world through science.
Q: What advice would you offer to women who are about to enter the field of life sciences?
A: My foremost advice to young women entering the life sciences is to recognize the persistent challenges. However, there's a strong support network striving to address these. It is crucial to connect with organizations that support women in science. These groups offer essential resources, such as training for grant applications and effective interview techniques. They act as hubs for networking, where you can find mentors and peers.
For those seeking to engage a female speaker or hire women scientists, there are platforms that consolidate such professionals. "Can you please apply? We're interested in what you do." You don't have to wait for people to come to you; if you want the best and the brightest, you go after them.
Many seasoned researchers, including myself, are willing to support emerging women scientists by reviewing manuscripts, providing advice, and more. Developing skills in grant writing and seeking awards is important. Look for networks that equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to elevate your career internationally, not just locally.