International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026

Three scientists, one mission: how Gi Life Sciences advocates for women at the heart of innovation

Each year on 11 February, the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a moment dedicated to recognizing the profound contribution women make to scientific progress and the barriers that still stand in their way. While the global STEM landscape continues to evolve, women and girls remain underrepresented in critical fields that will shape the future of health, technology and society.

At Gi Life Sciences, this day is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects the very fabric of our organisation. We are a Life Sciences recruitment partner built on scientific expertise, not only in the roles we fill, but within our own teams. Many of our consultants are scientists themselves, bringing technical fluency, industry insight and lived experience to the talent decisions we support across the Pharma, Biotech, Fine Chemicals and Medical Devices sectors.

And in 2025, this expertise has translated into a significant impact:

Women represent 53% of all placements made by Gi Life Sciences across Switzerland.

This balance is the result of intentional, expert-led recruitment and it illustrates a truth we see every day: when scientific talent is recognized for its skills, determination and potential, gender becomes secondary. Excellence rises.

Today, we highlight three women whose journeys from academia into recruitment exemplify this excellence. Their scientific backgrounds, motivations and philosophies shape the way Gi Life Sciences empowers candidates and clients — and inspire the next generation of women in science.

 

“I wanted to understand everything.”

 

Daniela Ernst, PhD

Branch Manager, Gi Life Sciences Zürich, Central and Eastern Switzerland

Daniela Ernst, science began with an unrelenting curiosity. As a child, she wanted explanations for every phenomenon from the logic of natural systems to the invisible reactions powering life.

That curiosity led her to technical biology, followed by specialisations in marine biotechnology and bioprocess engineering. Her PhD work – mapping a metabolic pathway linked to a rare disease – deepened her appreciation for how microscopic biochemical shifts can have profound human consequences.

Yet when Daniela transitioned into industry, she encountered a widespread issue:
the scientific skill set is often misunderstood or underestimated by organisations unfamiliar with academia.

“Scientists bring analytical thinking, project management, communication, and collaboration but these strengths are often overlooked. I wanted to change that.”

Joining Gi Life Sciences allowed her to blend scientific literacy with human insight. Today, Daniela assesses complex technical profiles with precision, speaks the same language as candidates, and advises clients on the true business value of scientific skills.

What motivates her most is advocating for women:

“Women are still promoted on achievements, men on potential. Helping women recognise and unlock their own potential is deeply meaningful.”

To young women and girls, she offers a simple, powerful message:

“You carry so much potential. Be brave. Follow what you love. Never ever give up.”

 

“Science was my foundation. People became my passion.”

 

Susanne Junker, MSc Biology & MSc Drug Regulatory Affairs

Life Science Consultant

Susanne Junker’s path into science began with a childhood fascination for nature, a curiosity that evolved into a career in pharmaceutical R&D. Motivated by the possibility of improving patient lives, she later completed a master’s degree in Drug Regulatory Affairs, expanding her understanding of how scientific innovation translates into real-world impact.

But her career took a defining turn years earlier, during a part-time student job in recruitment. There, she discovered a passion that blended analytical insight with human connection.

“Bringing together science and people became my deepest enthusiasm.”

At Gi Life Sciences, Susanne leverages her scientific background to interpret highly technical requirements and recognise the potential behind a CV. Her understanding of the “big picture” helps clients make informed decisions and helps candidates express their value with confidence.

Her dedication to women in science is unmistakable:

“It fulfills me to see women not only find their place in life sciences, but shape it. Witnessing self‑doubt turn into confidence, that is transformative.”

Her advice to the next generation:

“Stay curious and think big. Science needs your perspective. Trust that you can shape this field.”

 

“Supporting people became my purpose.”

 

Cristina Alvariño, PhD Chemistry

Branch Manager, Gi Life Sciences Geneva

Cristina Alvariño built her scientific path in chemistry, from supramolecular and organic chemistry to inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry. Years in research, including postdoctoral studies and teaching roles, allowed her to explore the discipline’s blend of creativity, structure and innovation.

But over time, Cristina realised her deepest motivation wasn’t limited to the lab:

“What inspired me most was supporting people in their development.”

Recruitment became the bridge that allowed her to stay anchored in scientific complexity while directly shaping careers, teams and organisations. Her academic background enables her to understand technical expectations with nuance, evaluate scientific profiles accurately and earn the trust of candidates and clients alike.

Cristina is particularly driven by her commitment to women:

“Every placement is more than a match: it is a step toward a more inclusive scientific community.”

Her message to girls and young women:

“Believe in your abilities. Science needs your creativity and determination. Your ideas matter more than ever.”

A Scientific Workforce Shaped by Inclusion

Across Switzerland our 2025 data of both temporary and permanent placements shows a clear picture: Women represent 53% of all candidates placed by Gi Life Sciences.

For an industry where women continue to face structural barriers, this balance signals not only progress, but possibility. When scientific expertise meets an inclusive recruitment approach, pathways open and talent finds its rightful place.

Together, We Bring Science to Life

At Gi Life Sciences, our mission is grounded in a simple conviction: Science advances when people do.

We are proud of our scientifically trained consultants.
We are proud of the women shaping our teams and our industry.
We are proud of the 53% of placements that reflect growing female representation in Life Sciences.

And we remain committed every day to building a future where scientific talent, innovation and opportunity are accessible to all.

 

Discover how we can support your next career step or help you meet your recruitment needs.

 

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