More than 650 gather for AusBiotech and Medicines Australia Women in Life Sciences Luncheon & Leadership Summit
6 March 2026: More than 650 people, from across Australia’s life sciences ecosystem, will gather in Sydney today for the Women in Life Sciences Leadership Summit and Luncheon, hosted by AusBiotech and Medicines Australia.
Held in Doltone House, Sydney to mark International Women’s Day, the events bring together leaders from across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, digital health, research, and government in a powerful demonstration of sector-wide commitment to advancing women in life sciences.
Today, the Women in Life Sciences Luncheon will welcome 650 attendees, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Australia. The Leadership Summit will bring together 80 participants, reflecting strong demand for practical leadership development and peer connection across the ecosystem.
Aligned with this year’s global theme #GivetoGain, the events champion generosity, collaboration, and shared responsibility as drivers of meaningful progress. The events are also inspired by this year’s call from UN Women to ‘Balance the Scale’, focusing on justice, urging action on the systemic barriers that keep the scales of equality tipped against women and girls.
Speaking at the Luncheon are:
- Keynote speaker Dr Annalisa Jenkins, OBE, MBBS, FRCP
- Karyn McIntosh, Director Policy & Government, AusBiotech
- Dr Ana Svensson, Vice President – Clinical, Medical and Regulatory, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals
Speaking at the Summit are:
- Keynote speaker Nirelle Tolstoshev, General Manager, Astellas Pharma
- Lis Boyce, Partner, Piper Alderman; AusBiotech NSW Committee Chair
- Heidi Bergman, Life Sciences Executive
- Meredith Crowe, Senior Vice President, Global People & Culture, Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Louise Hogan, Managing Director, ZRG Partners Australia
- Erica Bremner Kneipp, Research Director for the Human Health program, CSIRO; Deputy Chair, AusBiotech
- Professor Robyn Langham AM, Chief Medical Officer, Therapeutic Goods Administration
- Sue MacLeman, Chair, Medicines Australia
- Geraldine Murphy, Site General Manager, AstraZeneca
- Helen Mutimer, Head of IP Advisory, FB Rice
Comments from AusBiotech CEO, Rebekah Cassidy:
“Bringing more than 650 leaders, allies, and changemakers together on International Women’s Day isn’t just an event milestone, it’s a reflection of the wide-ranging commitment our sector holds to advancing the progress of women at all levels.
“I’m grateful to our partners at Medicines Australia, sponsors, and speakers for giving so much to make both the Women in Life Sciences Leadership Summit and the Luncheon, an enormous success again this year.
“And thank you to each of our attendees, for helping create space for connection, honest conversation, and shared learning as we continue accelerate progress, together.”
Comments from Liz de Somer, Chief Executive Officer, Medicines Australia:
“Medicines Australia is delighted to partner with AusBiotech to present the Women in Life Sciences Leadership Summit and Luncheon on International Women’s Day, celebrating the women who continue to shape a more innovative, inclusive and impactful life sciences sector.
“The #GiveToGain theme reminds us that progress comes from mentoring, sharing opportunities and supporting one another. When women advance, we all benefit, so we must continue removing barriers and keeping pathways open for the next generation.
“With 650 guests in attendance and strong engagement from our outstanding speakers, moderators and sponsors at the Luncheon, the event highlights the sector-wide commitment to advancing women in life sciences.”
Media inquiries:
AusBiotech Communications Advisor, Rose Mary Petrass / +61 457 867 78 / rpetrass@ausbiotech.org
Medicines Australia/Cube, Anne-Marie Sparrow / +61 417 421 560 / media@medicinesaustralia.com.au
About AusBiotech
AusBiotech is Australia’s leading national and global advocate for life sciences, working to help its more than 3000 members thrive by shaping policy, creating connections, and fostering knowledge sharing. With an unrivalled national convening power, AusBiotech supports its members’ growth by building an Australian life sciences ecosystem that leads in development and commercialisation, creating high-quality, innovative life sciences companies.
About Medicines Australia:
Medicines Australia leads the research-based pharmaceutical industry of Australia. Our members discover, develop and manufacture the medicines that are the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society, including prescription pharmaceutical products, biotherapeutic products and vaccines. Our members invest in Australian medical research and take local discoveries and developments to the world.