Navitas Life Sciences: Women and Girls in STEM

Every year, February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Gender Gap in Science: Challenges and Progress

Despite the groundbreaking work of female scientists like Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Tu Youyou, women remain underrepresented in the global scientific community. According to UNESCO, less than 30% of researchers worldwide are women.

The gender gap extends to clinical research, where the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials has historically led to incomplete understanding of how diseases affect men and women differently. Historically, medical research has focused predominantly on male physiology, overlooking the unique ways in which diseases manifest in women. This disparity has had real consequences, such as delayed diagnoses, inappropriate treatments, and gaps in medical knowledge.

“From an early age, I was passionate about medicine, driven by the desire to heal, and to make a difference. Becoming a medical doctor was the first step in that journey. Serving in the army as a doctor deepened my perspective, teaching me the critical role of precision in healthcare. It was there that I truly saw the impact of vigilance in patient care, which eventually led me to the field of Pharmacovigilance.

At Navitas Life Sciences, I am privileged to apply my experience in ensuring drug safety, collaborating with global experts as a part of Industry leading networks, and advancing science for a healthier future. On this International Day for Women and Girls in Science, I celebrate every woman who pursues her passion in science, because every breakthrough begins with curiosity and courage”

Dr Latika Sharma,
Global Head Advisory – Networks
Navitas Life Sciences

As a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO), Navitas Life Sciences is deeply invested in driving gender equity in clinical trials. Our approach to research ensures that both men and women are adequately represented in studies, leading to better, more personalized healthcare solutions. Some of our key contributions include:

1. Gender Inclusive Clinical Trials

We design and implement clinical trials that include female volunteers, accounting for gender specific physiological and hormonal variations. This is particularly critical for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and mental health conditions, where women experience different symptoms and responses compared to men. Our real-world evidence (RWE) studies provide deeper insights into treatment efficacy across diverse populations.

2. Advancing Women’s Health Research

Navitas Life Sciences actively supports research into conditions that disproportionately affect women, including:

• Breast and Ovarian Cancer : We contribute to cutting edge oncology research, supporting trials that focus on personalized treatments for women's cancers.
• Endometriosis and PCOS : Despite affecting millions of women, these conditions remain under-researched. Our trials aim to identify effective interventions and improve patient outcomes.
• Maternal and Reproductive Health : Our studies on pregnancy-related complications, gestational diabetes, and fertility treatments seek to improve healthcare for expecting mothers.

3. Addressing Gender Specific Disease Manifestations

Many diseases affect men and women differently, yet much of traditional research has overlooked these distinctions. At Navitas Life Sciences, we prioritize studies that examine how diseases impact genders differently. For instance:

• Cardiovascular Diseases : Women often present with different symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, which can lead to misdiagnoses. Our research aims to refine diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.
• Neurological Disorders : Women are more likely to develop conditions like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, while men are more affected by Parkinson’s. Understanding these patterns allows for better treatment strategies.
• Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety : Gender based pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics ensure that drugs are tested equitably, preventing adverse effects that may disproportionately affect one gender.

Empowering Women in STEM at Navitas Life Sciences

At Navitas Life Sciences, we champion gender diversity by creating opportunities for female scientists and professionals to thrive

• Mentoring and Leadership Programs : We support aspiring female scientists through mentorship, training, and leadership initiatives, ensuring that they have the guidance and opportunities to excel.
• Diversity in Leadership : Women play a pivotal role in our leadership teams, driving decision-making and shaping the future of clinical research.
• STEM Education and Outreach : Encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science by engaging in community outreach, and career opportunities.

“I pursued my PhD degree in Biophysics because of my passion for STEM. At the time, majority of my classmates and mentors were men. Today, female scientists are not just a representative of gender equality, they have become an indispensable and important force in scientific and technology innovations. At Navitas, we specialize in providing clinical research management and functional support services, including strategic planning, clinical operations, site management, data management, data standardization, meta-data driven solutions, biostatistics, medical writing and medical monitoring. We have a group of dedicated women scientists, subject matter experts and executive leaders support clinical research and operation through highly collaborative, client-focused, and tailored expert services. I am proud that I am one of the many women contributing to continuous advancements in clinical research and healthcare.”

Dr Yun Lu,
VP & Chief Science and Innovation officer
Navitas Life Sciences

A Future of Inclusive Science

As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is crucial to recognize that gender inclusivity in STEM benefits all of humanity. When women and girls are given equal opportunities in scientific research, innovation thrives, healthcare improves, and lives are saved.

At Navitas Life Sciences, we remain committed to conducting gender-sensitive research, promoting inclusivity, and pioneering breakthroughs that address the needs of both men and women.

To know more about our services and solutions, reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..