Top scientists and researchers from biopharma companies and leading academic institutions will meet at a Biotech Vendors Services, Inc. (BVS) event entitled, “Women Breaking the Barriers of Science and their Male Champions” to discuss how the #MeToo movement has impacted women in the science fields. Originally coined by Tarana Burke in 2006 and then later popularized by actress Alyssa Milano in 2017, the #MeToo movement has inspired women and men globally to speak out against sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Academic workplaces have the second highest rate of sexual harassment at 58 percent compared to any other workplace, with the military having the highest rate of occurrences at 69 percent. Pamela Gardner, President and CEO of BVS, cites sexual harassment as a major reason for women leaving the science field and explains how a change will only happen when the culture of organizations change, and people do not stigmatize employees reporting an issue.
BVS, a vendor management services company, has hosted events in the past as part of an initiative to address issues that women in the science industry have dealt with. Over 300 people have registered for this year’s event, which will be held in Cambridge, Massachusetts on November 14th, and it is expected to be one of the largest of its kind.
The community event plans to include keynote speakers, panel discussions, vendor exhibits, and networking. The speaker repertoire includes Harry Burnet, co-founder of Lubris Biopharma, Sandra Glucksman, CEO of Cedilla Therapeutics, and Michael Bonney, CEO of Kaleido Biosciences.
