International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Highlighting Women in Advanced Therapies
To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are proud to spotlight the talented women on our team working in the dynamic field of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs).
ATMPs are currently one of the most exciting areas in healthcare. As gene and cell therapies reshape treatment possibilities, this fast-evolving field creates opportunities for women in science to lead and progress the future of medicine.
In this interview series, we speak with several of our colleagues and our wider team about their experiences in science, their roles within the ATMP landscape, and what it means to contribute to such a pioneering field. They share insights into their career paths, challenges, and the meaningful impact of their work.
Nathalie Cools (CEO Anicells & Professor University of Antwerp; Scientific Advisory Board)
What advice would you give to students or young women considering a career in science? My advice would be to stay curious and confident. Science offers many exciting and meaningful career paths. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and take opportunities. I have always been very curious by nature, which made choosing a career in science almost self-evident. I was fascinated by understanding how things work and, even more importantly, how that knowledge could be translated into solutions for patients. But at a certain point, curiosity alone was no longer enough. I wanted impact. ATMPs represent exactly that intersection between discovery and transformation. They allow us not only to treat disease, but to rethink how medicine is delivered, moving from symptom control to potentially durable, mechanism-based interventions. The idea that cell and gene therapies can fundamentally change a patient’s disease course gives me a sense of professional fulfilment that is difficult to put into words. I think it is their disruptive potential. They challenge existing healthcare models, regulatory frameworks, and manufacturing paradigms. Being part of that transition, from experimental science to real-world patient benefit, is incredibly motivating.
What excites you most about working in advanced therapies? Advanced therapies redefine what is possible in medicine. I truly believe we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of what advanced therapies can achieve. Using a patient’s own cells as a personalized therapeutic platform fundamentally changes the therapeutic equation. What excites me most is that we are still at the beginning. The scientific, regulatory, and logistical challenges are substantial but that is precisely where innovation thrives. The demonstrable success stories we already see are proof of concept; the next step is scalability, accessibility, and sustainability. Being part of that evolution is both inspiring and humbling.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in science or ATMPs? Be persistent. Believe in your ideas and don’t hesitate to speak up. Science needs diverse voices and bold thinking. Cultivate a positive mindset. Research is full of setbacks, rejected papers, failed experiments, regulatory delays, and unexpected obstacles. A constructive attitude ,seeing challenges as learning opportunities rather than barriers makes an enormous difference. Work hard, but also build a supportive network and seek mentors who believe in you.
Merel Bartels (Biomedical scientist)
What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and how did you start your journey in ATMPs? From a young age, I was fascinated by how things work and why things are the way they are. This naturally drew me toward science. During my university studies, I was introduced to ATMPs through internships, and I was immediately intrigued by their potential to treat diseases, and this motivated me to pursue a PhD in this field.
As someone early in your career, what has been the most exciting part of working in advanced therapies so far? One of the most exciting aspects of working in ATMPs is a highly collaborative environment where knowledge from different experts comes together to come up with innovative solutions.
What advice would you give to students or young women considering a career in science? I would encourage them to believe in their abilities and not let others’ doubts define their ambitions. Don’t be afraid to take on a challenge, even if it feels intimidating at first.
Mariam Beroshvili (QARA Manager)
Can you share your work on ATMPs project at Idevax especially in regard to Quality Assurance? I recently joined the ATMP project at Idevax as part of the Quality Assurance team. My role is to help align our current manufacturing processes with the specific requirements of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products.
As someone early in your career, what has been the most exciting part of working in advanced therapies so far? As someone early in my career and passionate about science, working in advanced therapies is very exciting. These therapies are innovative and have the potential to truly change patients’ lives. Being part of this field allows me to learn every day and grow professionally.
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We are proud to showcase your contributions and grateful for the impact you make every day in shaping the future of advanced therapies. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
