Women of Surrey Research Park
Inspired by the ground-breaking Women of Tech Park Arizona initiative, the Women of Surrey Research Park campaign, part of the Surrey Research Park’s 40th birthday celebrations, aims to celebrate the incredible women who are driving innovation, shaping industries, and creating impact within our thriving community. Aligned with this year’s United Nations International Women’s Day theme, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," the campaign highlights the stories of women making strides across a range of sectors, including engineering and manufacturing, health and medical, space, big data and more.
This initiative showcases women at different stages of their careers, from ambitious early-career professionals to seasoned leaders and entrepreneurs, spotlighting their resilience, achievements, and contributions to our community. By sharing their journeys, we aim to inspire and empower all women and girls to consider careers in STEM. This year the nominated women come from a range of companies based on the Park, namely Actica Consulting, Venner Shipley, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, Datar Cancer Genetics, ipTEST, discoverIE Group, Sisaf, Angle Plc, NatureMetrics and Eseye.
With women making up just 26% of the STEM workforce we hope to encourage more women to pursue STEM careers to bridge the gap.
Join us as we honour the dynamic women of Surrey Research Park, demonstrating that diversity is not just celebrated, it’s a driving force for progress.
Meet Andrea, Kathryn and Kimberley
Andrea, Kathryn and Kimberley exemplify the impact of diverse perspectives in STEM.
Andrea Hadfield, Managing Consultant at Actica has a social science background but has built a career for herself working in STEM sectors, as a service delivery manager and now a Consutant working on defence projects.
Kathryn Mills, Group Consolidation and Reporting Manager at discoverIE, thrives on solving new challenges and has built extensive technical and systems knowledge.
Kimberley Fry, Senior Talent & Engagement Manager at Eseye, has driven significant recruitment successes and champions increasing female representation in tech.
Their journeys inspire others to embrace opportunities and make a difference in STEM.
Andrea Hadfield
Managing Consultant
Actica Consulting
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I've always been interested in Technology, but mainly related to the benefits it can bring people. In terms of the types of roles available, it's an extremely varied industry, and I've found it particularly rewarding to help public sector organisations use technology in new and innovative ways to solve problems.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Two areas here, I think Data - managing it and using it to generate insights will be a major challenge - the amount of data being generated is exponential, and organisations that are able to exploit their data successfully will be the ones who are successful in the long term. The second one is security - the threats are increasing all the time, and organisations will suffer both operationally and reputationally if they are not securing their systems appropriately.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Do it! We still don't have enough women in the sector, particularly at senior levels but this is slowly changing. Join the sector, get involved in mentoring, and be an active and visible role model as much as you can.
Kathryn Mills
Group Consolidation and Reporting Manager
discover IE Group
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I am a natural problem solver, so being able to approach new challenges all the time means I enjoy going in to work each day.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
The amount of knowledge that I've built up over the time I've spent at discoverIE, both technical in my field, but also systems knowledge which has given me better direction in my career.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
More and more AI is being used in business, so it's important to make use of the efficiencies it will bring, while safeguarding data and influence that it will have.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Have confidence in your abilities - as a woman, it's natural to be humble and expect others to just notice the good things that we do, but if you do something well, or know a better way of doing things, make sure everyone hears you.
Kimberley Fry
Senior Talent and Engagement Manager
Eseye
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
During my first year at Eseye, I recruited approximately 70 vacancies over 11 months due to the company winning an exciting deal with a large telecom company. Many of the positions were urgent and required candidates with niche skills which was challenging. By the end of the year, all urgent vacancies had been successfully filled, and during the year I established an internal recruitment function from scratch.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
From experience working in a technology company one of the biggest challenges I constantly face is attracting and retaining more women in technical positions. I successfully increased the female ratio to 30% last year which was an achievement, however, there is still a lot of work to be done. This year I aim to attract and secure more female candidates for graduate-level positions where we can offer fantastic long-term training and career development opportunities.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
I would actively encourage females at all stages of their careers to move into the technology sector. Females bring invaluable perspectives and experience and help companies adopt technologies in a way that works for everyone. From experience I would recommend choosing a career in technology, there are so many options and routes for women that you will always have a chance to change and grow. Believe in yourself, take the jump, and go for it.
Meet Sarah and Samantha
Two exceptional women making significant strides at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL).
Sarah, a Technical Project Manager, has led numerous satellite missions, including the Galileo Navigation System. Outside of work, she is a devoted single mum and was a surrogate for her friends.
Samantha, a Spacecraft Operations Engineer, turned her passion for physics into a dream career, commanding satellites in space.
Both women are inspiring figures in the Space industry, championing diversity and self-belief.
Sarah Lawrence
Technical Project Manager
Surrey Satellite Techology Limited (SSTL)
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I would say STEM chose me rather than me choosing STEM as I never set out to build my career in this industry! However, working in the engineering industry and being exposed to exciting technological development has always meant that my natural curiosity and inquisitiveness is often satisfied.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Diversity throughout the industry at all levels is something I hope to see more of in the coming years. There is often poor representation of women at senior levels in not only our company but across the Defence and Space Industry and I hope to see a drive to support and foster the development of women in these roles in the future.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Don't be bounded by your sense of capability. You will always be surprised by how much you can achieve that you never thought yourself capable of! Be your own biggest cheerleader.
Samantha Rowe
Spacecraft Operations Engineer
Surrey Satellite Techology Limited (SSTL)
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I inherited my love of physics and space from my dad. He inspired and encouraged me to study Physics with Astrophysics at University, and it was during this time that I discovered the UK has a space industry and I was incredibly fortunate to get my dream job after university working with satellites!
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Space debris and space sustainability are starting to become major issues within the space sector and are something that need to be addressed. As the number of satellites and space debris grows, so does the risk of collision.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Don’t let anybody or anything stop you from pursuing your dreams! If I had taken my A-level physics teachers' advice not to pursue Physics at University, then I wouldn’t be working in my dream job now!
Meet Tiffany and Eva
Tiffany and Eva are a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and the impact of diverse perspectives in STEM.
Tiffany Jedrecka, Research and Development Lead at NatureMetrics, added to the groundbreaking discoveries in HIV/AIDS vaccine research in a previous role.
Eva Chiam, Manufacturing Supervisor at ipTEST, revolutionised company processes through automation and sustainability.
Their journeys from diverse backgrounds highlight the limitless opportunities in STEM, inspiring others to pursue their passions and make a difference.
Eva Chiam
Manufacturing Supervisor
ipTEST
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I have always been fascinated by how things work, whether it was assembling Lego sets as a child or exploring the intricate methods behind assembly processes. My love for mathematics and problem-solving naturally drew me towards STEM, where I could apply both logic and creativity to real-world challenges.
My real interest in manufacturing was sparked the first time I saw an automated production line in action, in a YouTube video of an aerospace factory. The precision, coordination, and sheer complexity of the processes were captivating. This passion led me to study aerospace engineering and eventually find my way into semiconductor tester manufacturing, where I’m still inspired by how complex systems come together to create impactful technologies.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Sustainability and energy efficiency will remain pivotal in the semiconductor and manufacturing sectors. Power semiconductors are critical for reducing emissions and enabling cleaner technologies. At ipTEST, we design equipment with sustainability in mind using recyclable materials, reducing material content, and guiding customers on recycling our products at the end of their lifecycle. Beyond environmental impact, the industry must also address talent shortages by investing in education, diversity, and workforce development to ensure a sustainable future for the sector.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Don’t let your degree or previous career define where you can go. My journey from gymnastics coach to studying aerospace engineering, working as a technical support engineer, and finally becoming a manufacturing supervisor shows that the path to success isn’t always linear. STEM is full of opportunities, and your skills and passion can take you wherever you want to go, no matter where you start. Keep learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to embrace new challenges. Your background gives you a unique perspective and can open doors you may never have considered.
Tiffany Jedrecka
Research and Development Lead
NatureMetrics
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I chose a career in STEM because my love for knowledge and curiosity drove me to seek an adventurous path where I could travel, make discoveries, and leave the world better than I found it.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
The highlight of my career was discovering how an immune protein can influence the effectiveness of a new HIV/AIDS vaccine in clinical trials. It was my first significant finding as a young researcher, and it cemented my belief in the power of scientific research to solve complex problems.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
One of the most important issues in STEM will be ensuring responsible advances in AI, striking a balance between caution and harnessing its incredible potential. Additionally, scientists must address the growing challenge of misinformation and biases, which AI does inadvertently amplify.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Be bold, be fearless - STEM is an incredible field with so much room for self-expression. You can be yourself, wear what you want, and bring your unique perspective to the table. The best scientists I’ve met come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences; it's your individuality that will make you stand out and be valued.
Meet Karen and Juliet
These two powerhouse Chief Scientific Officers demonstrate that women on the C-Suite can provide great technical skills alongside strong leadership, and their contributions to science have been incredible.
Juliet Jones, Chief Scientific Officer for NatureMetrics, has been with the company as it has scaled and grown, bringing her background as a molecular biologist with extensive experience in research and biotechnology laboratories.
Karen Miller has served as Chief Scientific Officer for ANGLE since July 2023. She has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in drug discovery and clinical development and in-depth knowledge of translational medicine in cancer.
Juliet Jones
Chief Scientific Officer
NatureMetrics
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
Designing and building the largest eDNA labs in the world has been a real highlight, but the biggest thing has got to be attending the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony last year as we were a finalist for the Protect and Restore Nature. It is a privilege to work for a small but mighty company that can make a truly positive impact to our planet.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Simplifying nature data and supporting clients as they navigate the regulatory landscape to ensure a clear understanding of what we need to achieve and how. Nature is complex, there is a wealth of biodiversity data available but one of the biggest barriers is its fragmentation, making it difficult to integrate and analyse effectively. We need data that we can make decisions on.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Climate tech is an exciting and evolving industry that needs a diverse community to drive it forward, there's something for you no matter your background. The technology is evolving rapidly and bringing new solutions, and there is a real opportunity to change nature's course for the better.
Karen Miller
Chief Scientific Officer
ANGLE plc
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
From my earliest pre-school days, I’ve been captivated by the wonders of science and medicine, fuelling an insatiable passion for learning. That passion burns as brightly today as it ever has.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
I am most proud of my contributions to the discovery and launch of innovative medicines that improve patient lives.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
The most important aspect to address in the field of liquid biopsy for cancer is the development and optimisation of highly sensitive and specific technologies capable of detecting and analysing circulating biomarkers across all stages of cancer progression. This advancement will enable early detection and diagnosis, personalised treatment selection, real-time disease monitoring, and the detection of minimal residual disease.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Don't be afraid to work outside of your normal comfort zone. Science and medicine are all about exploring the unknown, and sometimes the most impactful discoveries happen when you’re trying something totally new. You might be surprised at how much you can learn and achieve when you push yourself a little bit.
Meet Lucy and Louise
Louise du Sautoy and Lucy Hooper are two remarkable women making waves in data analytics and marketing communications within the tech arena.
Louise, a Consultant at Actica Consulting specialises in geospatial analytics, data visualisation, and data-informed decision-making, combining technical expertise with a passion for problem-solving and human connection.
Lucy, a senior marketing communications professional at Eseye, brings close to a decade of expertise in both agency and public sector marketing. She thrives in the fast-paced world of marketing, leveraging her storytelling and strategic thinking skills to build resonant brands.
Louise Du Satoy
Consultant
Actica Consulting
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I followed my interests - understanding systems and processes studying geography, problem solving and applying technology in geospatial analysis in the Engineering sector and combining all of those interests with a passion for consulting at Actica.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
People across the public sector in IT, have a considerable number of pain points in common. So, the most important action will be increasing the opportunities for knowledge sharing to address these common challenges.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Speak to someone! We're a friendly bunch and can help you envisage the day-to-day for the often-broad role titles in this sector. You can then confirm if it is a role, you are interested in.
Lucy Hooper
Senior Marketing Communications Manager
Eseye
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I chose to pursue a career in STEM because IoT is everywhere, and its proliferation is only expected to grow. From smart homes to wearables, IoT is making things more efficient, connected, and convenient. It’s such an exciting industry to work in because there are always new use cases and innovations emerging. I love being part of this space and seeing how it’s transforming the way we live and work.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
I'm proud to have led Eseye's 4th annual industry research report and largest on record to assess the state and scale of IoT adoption. We gathered insights from 1,200 people across six verticals including, Agritech, Supply chain and logistics, Healthcare and medical devices, Manufacturing, EV charging and smart grid, and Smart vending.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Don't be afraid of moving into a technical field... everyone must start somewhere, and acronyms aren't as scary as they look! Read widely and listen to as many IoT podcasts as you can - make sure to add IoT Leaders to your list.
Meet Victoria and Zoë
Zoe and Victoria are at the core of business operations at their companies. Simplifying and improving supply chains and coordinating business improvement, these excellent women are the epitome of STEM diversity.
Zoë Bowden is a Chartered MCIPS with a career in supply chain working across aerospace, manufacturing, logistics and most recently at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited. Here she has successfully led the organisation through unprecedented global supply chain challenges to help ensure the satellites, which are built right here on the Surrey Research Park, are delivered on time. Zoë is also an Advisory Board Member at Space South Central, the space cluster for the south-east and London.
Victoria McConnell has been at ipTEST for seven years, where she’s led and developed the purchasing function, moving recently into a new more strategic and process-oriented business improvement role. Victoria is always looking for development and growth opportunities, whether that’s for the business or personally.
Victoria McConnell
Business Improvement Manager
ipTEST
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I didn't set out to work in a career in STEM but maybe it was always on my path as my father was an Electronic Engineer and I was always fascinated by the work he did. STEM is becoming more and more important in our lives as we become ever more reliant on technology and as a mother I am keen for my children to see the variety of options that are available in a STEM business. It's not just scientists and mathematicians but a whole collective of operational roles too.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
Working at ipTEST is my highlight. They have a great culture to encourage and grow individuals from internal expertise or with the use of outside training. I am also lucky enough to be part of the company's Employee Engagement Committee which allows employees to come together and work on different activities that gives back either through volunteering or supporting charities, we include some social activities too!
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
As a manufacturer we should be making sure that we are always looking to reduce wastage wherever possible. Not only from plastics/packaging but also by incorporating innovative design to our products that last the test of time and reduce component usage whenever possible.
Zoë Bowden
Procurement Manager & Social Value Lead
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL)
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
STEM chose me to be honest! I only discovered my love of procurement and supply chain management, which involves maths and working with data, in my early twenties. I went to Guildford College to study for my MCIPS.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
At SSTL, I lead an incredible team of buyers who work tirelessly to ensure we have all the parts we need to build our world-leading satellites, as well as the facilities, IT equipment, and snacks!
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
We are working closely with our regional cluster, Space South Central, the Space Skills Alliance, and UK Space to help tackle the growing STEM skills shortage in the space industry.
Strength in numbers: The women of Venner Shipley
Venner Shipley proudly highlights the exceptional women who are shaping the future of intellectual property law. With women making up an impressive 70% of the Guildford team (13 out of 18 members), this inspiring group work collaboratively to drive innovation and deliver excellence.
Their collective knowledge spans biotech, software, AI, electronics, mechanical engineering, and brand protection, ensuring businesses and innovators receive expert guidance in safeguarding their intellectual property.
A Team Built on Innovation and Expertise
The women at Venner Shipley hold key roles across multiple disciplines, each contributing to the firm’s success:
Patent Attorneys – Six highly skilled professionals specialising in emerging technologies, these women are at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, providing expert legal protection for groundbreaking innovations.
Trademark Attorney – One dedicated trademark attorney plays a vital role in protecting and managing brand identity for clients, ensuring they can thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Patent Administrators – Six experienced patent administrators provide essential support to the attorneys, handling the complexities of patent filings and client communications. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that the team operates efficiently and delivers exceptional service.
This inspiring and talented team includes: Alexandra Gregory, Camilla Sexton, Charlotte Rigden, Charlotte Wilding, Emma Bridgland, Hannah Auger, Marika Dworzak, Natalie Sadowski, Nusrat Rahman, Sarah Devayya, Sophie Borszcz, Sue Warner, Tracey Emmings.
Featured in the campaign are: (L-R) Alexandra Gregory, Hannah Auger, Charlotte Wilding, Nusrat Rahman, Sarah Devayya, Tracey Emmings, Natalie Sadowski, Sophie Borszcz (relocated to another country).
These women work in harmony, combining their expertise and strengths to support clients across multiple sectors and jurisdictions. They represent a powerful example of female collaboration and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field, setting an example for future generations of women in intellectual property law.
As a team, they are not only successful in their individual roles, but are also committed to supporting each other’s professional growth, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued.
Strength in numbers: The women of Venner Shipley
Venner Shipley proudly highlights the exceptional women who are shaping the future of intellectual property law. With women making up an impressive 70% of the Guildford team (13 out of 18 members), this inspiring group work collaboratively to drive innovation and deliver excellence.
Their collective knowledge spans biotech, software, AI, electronics, mechanical engineering, and brand protection, ensuring businesses and innovators receive expert guidance in safeguarding their intellectual property.
A Team Built on Innovation and Expertise
The women at Venner Shipley hold key roles across multiple disciplines, each contributing to the firm’s success:
Patent Attorneys – Six highly skilled professionals specialising in emerging technologies, these women are at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, providing expert legal protection for groundbreaking innovations.
Trademark Attorney – One dedicated trademark attorney plays a vital role in protecting and managing brand identity for clients, ensuring they can thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Patent Administrators – Six experienced patent administrators provide essential support to the attorneys, handling the complexities of patent filings and client communications. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that the team operates efficiently and delivers exceptional service.
This inspiring and talented team includes: Alexandra Gregory, Camilla Sexton, Charlotte Rigden, Charlotte Wilding, Emma Bridgland, Hannah Auger, Marika Dworzak, Natalie Sadowski, Nusrat Rahman, Sarah Devayya, Sophie Borszcz, Sue Warner, Tracey Emmings.
Featured in the campaign are: (L-R) Alexandra Gregory, Hannah Auger, Charlotte Wilding, Nusrat Rahman, Sarah Devayya, Tracey Emmings, Natalie Sadowski, Sophie Borszcz (relocated to another country).
These women work in harmony, combining their expertise and strengths to support clients across multiple sectors and jurisdictions. They represent a powerful example of female collaboration and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field, setting an example for future generations of women in intellectual property law.
As a team, they are not only successful in their individual roles, but are also committed to supporting each other’s professional growth, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued.
Meet Noelia and Lily
Two women in the intersection of science and engineering, Dr. Noelia Jimenez Martinez and Lily Forward are trailblazers in their fields.
Noelia excels in sustainability and machine learning, leading biodiversity monitoring innovations at NatureMetrics. With a rich background in astrophysics and data science, she simplifies environmental monitoring for businesses and governments.
Lily, a Systems Engineer with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, is a key contributor leading the spacecraft development and testing on SSTL's Lunar Pathfinder satellite. Her expertise spans mechanical systems, propulsion, and systems engineering. Outside her space career, Lily is an amateur triathlete and Army Infantry Reservist, showcasing her dedication and versatility.
Both women exemplify passion and innovation in their respective domains.
Dr. Noelia Jimenez Martinez
Head of Insights and Machine Learning
NatureMetrics
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I was lucky to grow up with a scientist mum (a Full Professor of Biology at the National University of Salta) and a dad who is a professor of statistics. Our home was filled with a big library, a telescope and a very nerdy family who fully encouraged me to pursue challenging endeavours. I love the sky in Salta (in northern Argentina) and have always wanted to understand more about the Universe. My goal has always been to grasp the first principles of how things work in nature.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
We are seeing a massive retrocession in the narrative of being 'feminine' and 'trad wife' and other conservative push backs to women and minorities developing into the STEMs fields. We need to be aware and educate young people into what the full potential of people really is. As well as integrate artificial intelligence for the benefit of humans and the planet.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
Being able to leverage my skills to work in interesting problems and not compromising my principles. Achieving my degree and then my PhD were big milestones, but also it was to be able to win a postdoc position at the University of St Andrews (UK), coming from an underdeveloped country. I'm very proud of using my abilities to translate problems from different communities into technological solutions.
Lily Forward
Systems Engineer
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL)
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
Having enjoyed maths, physics and art at A-Level, I decided to take on a mechanical engineering degree which has led on to an eight-year career in STEM so far.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
I have varying highlights throughout my career, and it would be hard to pick one. Highlights include attending spacecraft fuelling at launch site in Chennai, India; working on a satellite that is going to the moon including working alongside major space agencies; and leading the SSTL Charity committee where we raised around £24,000+ over those four years.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
I am lucky to work in a company which values its engineers for being engineers rather than a noticeable male/female split. Maybe, in the next five to 10 years as more and more women join the space industry, it would be lovely to see more women in executive roles and it not seen as a novelty/against the status quo like it currently is. For that, I would like to see continued inclusivity and girls being shown that careers in STEM does not just mean lab coats and engineers before their GCSEs.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Do what interests you, no matter the societal stereotype, no matter the challenges. Look at those challenges as opportunities to prove to yourself and to others that you can, and will, thrive in STEM. It is always better to say that you tried and succeeded (or failed), rather than wish you had tried but never did chase that dream.
Meet Suzanne, Swati and Rosemary
These three entrepreneurial women have made significant strides in the business world by founding and supporting new growth in innovative companies in the medical field.
Dr. Suzanne Saffie-Siebert is the Founder and CEO of biotech company, SiSaf. She has co-invented several drug delivery patents and pioneered bio-courier technology in her work.
Swati Deshpande moved from India to the UK as a Director of Datar Cancer Genetics to start up a new branch of the business. She brings her experience in operations and strategy to grow the innovative cancer diagnostics firm.
Hospital Director Rosemary Hackett saw her company through major changes when the ownership changed and AURA Veterinary was established. Her background in human health gave her transferable knowledge and experience to apply to the animal hospital setting where she is a pivotal member of the team.
Dr. Suzanne Saffie-Siebert
Chairwoman and CEO
SiSaf
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Entrepreneurs in life science face multiple challenges, particularly due to the high costs and long timelines required for taking a new drug through clinical development to market authorisation. Smaller biotech companies need external funding, and government support through grants or match funding of private investment makes a huge difference.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Don’t look at a career in life science just as a career but as a lifestyle choice. You need to be prepared to give it all to make a difference in people’s lives.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
There have been many highlights in my career but what makes me most proud is the invention of a novel delivery technology that removes the need for an ultra-cold chain for biological drugs, such as RNA vaccines. This could make many drugs globally accessible, including in low-income countries that do not have the infrastructure for ultra-cold storage and distribution.
Swati Deshpande
Operations Director
Datar Cancer Genetics UK
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
Coming to UK and starting a branch of the company based in India was quite an adventure! We started here from scratch, set up the laboratory, complied with all regulatory requirements, got accredited by regulatory bodies UKAS, CAP, CLIA and are a successful entity with a team of over 35 people. In our lab here, we process blood and tissue samples received from cancer patients in over 50 countries.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Early detection of cancer and personalised therapies for individuals based on their own genetics and drug pathways will be very important to reduce cancer deaths.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
I would say that earning your salary while doing something good to help cancer patients live longer is highly very satisfying. The field of cancer biology is vast with nuanced opportunities and with a huge potential for innovation, research and development. The field is exciting and offers long term career and growth opportunities.
Rosemary Hackett
Hospital Director
AURA Veterinary
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
I trained as a nurse in human healthcare and worked in that sector for 41 years, successfully managing a number of private hospitals and services in the UK. Moving to the veterinary world was a challenge but one where there is much to learn and admire.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
The veterinary profession has one of the highest suicide rates. Recruitment of nurses and specialist vets is difficult due to the high levels of stress and the approach some clients take. We are focusing on mental support.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
Managing one of the first-wave Independent Sector Treatment Centres to become one of the best performing in the UK, which the Department of Health used as a reference site.
Kirsty Kay
Senior Vice President Human Resources
Eseye
Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Eseye, Kirsty has a degree in Psychology, is CIPD qualified, and has over 20 years’ experience in People and HR Management. She brings excellence to the company through her skilled handling of staff recruitment and retention and is a highly valued member of the executive team.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Cybersecurity, leveraging new technologies for business benefits and harnessing the potential of AI, dealing with a shortage of ready talent by encouraging more young people to pursue STEM education and careers, maximising the capability and capacity of existing talent, whilst always prioritising employee experience to aid attraction and retention in the industry.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Always have confidence in your own abilities and don’t let self-doubt creep in or obstruct your drive to succeed. Be brave enough to speak up, even if you are out of your comfort zone, identify your own preferred communication style and play to your strengths. At the same time treat every day as a learning day and embrace new experiences. Try not to see change as a threat but as an opportunity to grow. Be open and willing to listen to feedback (even if it is negative) and even more importantly be ready to act on it or change the way you do things to progress and achieve greater success.
Kirsten Parry
Senior Project Manager
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL)
Originally from Canada, Kirsten started her career at Ford Motor Company before having her two children and taking a small break to care for her new family. She returned to the workforce and joined the Defence Industry for some years, now working for SSTL as a Senior Project Manager for a UK MOD satellite mission.
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
As a business graduate I did not consciously choose a career in STEM, however I have always been drawn to companies which do their own Design and Manufacturing. Seeing a product going from concept to delivery is always exciting.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
In August 2024 I watched the launch of my first satellite mission into space. This was a proud moment for me and the whole team.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
The space sector is expanding rapidly, and recruitment is the biggest challenge now. Overall, the sector needs to focus on attracting skilled people from other industries and encouraging the younger generation to consider Space as a career choice.
Meet Kirsty Kay and Kirsten Parry
Two operational leaders who show that a STEM career doesn’t always mean a STEM qualification.
Senior Vice President, of Human Resources at Eseye, Kirsty has a degree in Psychology, is CIPD qualified, and has over 20 years’ experience in People and HR Management. She is bringing excellence to the company through her skilled handling of staff recruitment and retention and is a highly valued member of the executive team.
Originally from Canada, Kirsten started her career at Ford Motor Company before having her two children and taking a small break to care for her new family. She returned to the workforce and joined the Defence Industry for some years, now working for SSTL as a Senior Project Manager for a UK MOD satellite mission.
Kirsty Kay
Senior Vice President Human Resources
Eseye
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
Cybersecurity, leveraging new technologies for business benefits and harnessing the potential of AI, dealing with a shortage of ready talent by encouraging more young people to pursue STEM education and careers, maximising the capability and capacity of existing talent, whilst always prioritising employee experience to aid attraction and retention in the industry.
What would you say to another girl, young woman or career-changer looking at moving into your sector?
Always have confidence in your own abilities and don’t let self-doubt creep in or obstruct your drive to succeed. Be brave enough to speak up, even if you are out of your comfort zone, identify your own preferred communication style and play to your strengths. At the same time treat every day as a learning day and embrace new experiences. Try not to see change as a threat but as an opportunity to grow. Be open and willing to listen to feedback (even if it is negative) and even more importantly be ready to act on it or change the way you do things to progress and achieve greater success.
Kirsten Parry
Senior Project Manager
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL)
What made you choose to follow a career in STEM?
As a business graduate I did not consciously choose a career in STEM, however I have always been drawn to companies which do their own Design and Manufacturing. Seeing a product going from concept to delivery is always exciting.
What is the highlight of your career or achievement you are most proud of so far?
In August 2024 I watched the launch of my first satellite mission into Space. This was a proud moment for me and the whole team.
What issues do you think will be most important to address in your sector in the near future?
The Space sector is expanding rapidly, and recruitment is the biggest challenge now. Overall, the sector needs to focus on attracting skilled people from other industries and encouraging the younger generation to consider Space as a career choice.
Surrey Research Park is a vibrant, innovative business community comprising over 200 companies at the heart of the Surrey Innovation District ecosystem.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Surrey Research Park, a milestone celebrating four decades of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
From our groundbreaking beginnings to becoming the thriving hub of cutting-edge research and entrepreneurship we are today; Surrey Research Park has been a driving force for progress and growth.
Established in 1985 by the University of Surrey, today the Park supports the growth of a wide range of pioneers and research-led companies - from entrepreneurs and startups, SMEs through to global brands and Primes.
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