Over the last year, equity, diversity, and inclusion, have become core principles for business practices. Now, as we look to the “next normal,” we asked the speakers of our upcoming ED&I Conference how the life sciences can best continue to drive progress and cultivate lasting change within the industry. Here’s what they had to say:
“The life sciences industry has a unique responsibility to ensure that ED&I, as a way of operating, ultimately creates broader equity and access to medicines and the innovations in healthcare regardless of a patient’s ethnicity, nationality, or socioeconomic status. The pandemic has impacted so many people and shone a light on the vast health inequities faced by many, while also showing us what is possible to advance research in new and more inclusive ways. We have an obligation as an industry to focus our efforts—now more than ever—on embracing these opportunities, addressing the challenges, and effecting lasting change.”
– Rona Anhalt, Chief People Officer, EQRx
“The life sciences know how to respond to facts. We are an industry that knows how to create a better world through innovation and perseverance. In the past year, the pandemic has reset business relationships with our people – from employees to “whole people” – and our patients, requiring a renewed focus on the needs of each person, their families, and their communities. When we look through an ED&I lens, we focus on how we can better serve the whole person so they can be their best – ultimately fulfilling our mission to bring more moments to patients with rare diseases.”
– Martin Rexroad, Chief Culture & Community Officer, PTC
“Life science businesses may have embraced these principles, but where are we looking when we apply them? Now is the time to ensure that we are speaking with, providing access for, and investing in globally diverse scientific enterprises. Scientists from developing countries are doing dynamic, forward-thinking research. Yet, for the most part, the life science business community ignores them. When we speak with and listen to scientists from the developing world, we begin to foster truly equitable practices. But it is only by increasing access for and investing in all populations that we create a more equitable system.”
– Melissa P. Wu, Ph.D., CEO, Seeding Labs
“The pandemic has elevated awareness of the continuous innovation at the core of life sciences and has also integrated the “language of life sciences” into our daily vernacular. Our deeper understanding at a visceral level of health disparities is pointing to a need for more inclusive public health practices and health care access. Navigating the “next normal” will require inclusive leadership within organizations, within communities, and across geographies. Inclusive leaders in the life sciences are uniquely positioned to establish both public health and the promotion of inclusion as strategic imperatives.”
– Rose Gailey, Global Lead, Organization Acceleration & Senn Delaney Culture Shaping, Heidrick Consulting
To hear directly from these speakers and see how the life sciences can create actionable, lasting change, register to attend our annual ED&I Conference on July 15, 2021.