Women Represent 29.2% of Management Teams in Biotechnology Companies in Spain

The role of women in scientific and technological development has been crucial throughout history. From pioneers like Rosalind Franklin, whose contributions were key to discovering DNA’s structure, to contemporary researchers driving solutions in health and sustainability, women have been — and continue to be — engines of progress and innovation. However, their legacy has often been silenced or minimized.

This historical marginalization of women in science helps explain the current reality: in Spain, female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers remains limited. Although women made up 57% of undergraduate students in the 2022-2023 academic year, only 34% of students in scientific and technological degrees were women, according to data from the CYD 2024 Report.

"Gender equality in science is crucial to building a better future for everyone. However, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases when pursuing scientific careers," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 11, during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. "Closing the gender gap in science requires breaking down stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women's advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies that promote inclusion, diversity, and equity."

More than 60% of University Biotechnology Students Are Women

In this regard, the biotechnology sector in Spain stands as a benchmark. More and more students are looking to biotechnology as their future profession. Since the 2015-2016 academic year, the number of students enrolled in undergraduate or master’s biotechnology programs has increased by 25%. In 2022-2023, the latest period with available data, the number of students surpassed 9,300 — with more than 60% being women, according to the latest AseBio Report.

For seven years, women’s participation in the biotech sector has been over 50%, and since 2020, the percentage has remained at 53%. Women make up 60% of R&D personnel in biotech companies and represent 29.2% of management teams.

Despite the positive figures in Spain’s biotech sector, there is still a long way to go. Aware of this, AseBio, together with the Biotechnology Markets Platform, works on initiatives such as the mentoring program "A Day with a Biotech Woman," whose third edition was presented on February 11. This program aims to show female students how biotech companies operate, the work involved, and the sector’s various career paths.

Throughout its three editions, this initiative has highlighted the essential role women play in driving innovations that improve human health and protect the planet’s sustainability through biotechnology.

"A Day with a Biotech Woman": Three Successful Editions

Since its first edition in 2023, 315 students from 9 AseBio-affiliated universities have applied to participate in the program. Interest from biotech companies has also been strong, with 38 women from 31 biotech firms or venture capital management entities participating.

In this latest edition, a record 165 students applied, and 13 were selected to learn firsthand from 13 female biotech professionals about working in the sector and the career opportunities it offers.

"The biotech sector can pride itself on being at the forefront of female leadership, so it is essential to continue working in this direction and to recognize and support women’s roles at all levels of the industry," says AseBio President Rocío Arroyo.

"Initiatives like 'A Day with a Biotech Woman' are a unique opportunity for young women — the talent currently in training — to discover firsthand the professional options that biotech companies can offer them in the future. Meanwhile, for professionals in the sector, it’s an enriching exchange of knowledge and experiences that brings the business vision closer to the academic world," she concludes.