February 11, 2024, marks the 9th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of resolution 70/212, proclaiming the International Day of Women and Girls in Science as an annual celebration
Today, it’s essential to recognize the critical role each individual plays in the science and technology industry, whether they’re a mathematician, bioinformatician, data scientist, engineer, or part of any other field within this community. At PIPA, we prioritize continuous innovation by applying one of the world’s leading AI platforms in Life Sciences and the integrated value chain and fostering a culture of continuous learning & collaboration to remain agile and adaptable in the face of challenges. Dr. Catarina Abreu, Head of Nutraceuticals at PIPA, embodies our mission to make the world healthier and more sustainable by revolutionizing the world of health, food & wellness using Artificial Intelligence, while also sharing her expertise with others.
The significance of Women and Girls in Science.
For Dr. Abreu, diversity in thinking and approach is the key ingredient driving innovation and creativity, allowing for the introduction of new perspectives and ideas. The tech industry thrives on fresh viewpoints and diverse experiences, and encouraging women’s involvement can lead to groundbreaking advancements and out-of-the-box thinking.
According to UIS data, UNESCO Institute for Statistics women held just 31.2% of research positions in science in 2020. Having more women in science and technology can directly benefit businesses, as diverse teams tend to be more productive, profitable, innovative, and successful. Promoting gender diversity in Science and the tech industry can help address these equity issues and provide equal opportunities for women.
From Pharma Degree to AI for good
Dr. Catarina Abreu was one of the girls who discovered the fascinating world of biology and chemistry at a young age. She pursued a degree in Pharmacy and further studied phytotherapy, clinical nutrition, and Integrative Medicine. After years as a General Manager in the Pharmaceutical Industry, collaborating with global companies and handling diverse products, she was looking for more purpose-driven objectives. Starting her consulting firm for innovation lacked lasting impact, driving her to join a team making a meaningful difference. A single article on blockchain and AI sparked her interest, leading her to join PIPA.
Driven by curiosity and motivation, her favorite motto is “If you want to stand out, you need to do more than is expected and have discipline, especially when you are not motivated.”
Now, over one year at PIPA, we are proud of the expertise she brings to the table, benefiting both clients and our team.
Challenges and Milestones Through the Years
After discussing some cases in different environments, here are 3 highlights:
- Formulating and producing a product line for pharmacies and potential international markets: The success of these products ignited her passion for creating high-quality products and making a positive impact on people’s lives.
- From Auditing a contract manufacturer to a Leadership role: Despite being only 31, the president of the board was impressed by their shared vision, goals and work ethic ultimately offering her a general manager position, leading a team of initially skeptical men.
- Closing a major contract: At a trade fair, a C-level executive expressed in their vast experience deals don’t get closed at these events. Cataria took the challenge to heart and successfully closed one of her biggest deals that made a significant contribution to her company and team for that year.
Championing Diversity in Tech
Despite the tech industry’s crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth, women remain significantly underrepresented, impacting both individual career opportunities and overall industry performance. Research indicates that diverse teams perform better, hire better talent, and have more engaged and retained workers. Addressing the underrepresentation of women in technology requires focus from companies, individuals and society.
As she happily mentions, “At PIPA, I’m fortunate to work with an amazing team and to have an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities for growth and success.”
Looking forward for the future in Science
As we celebrate the International Day of Women in Science, it’s important to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of women like Dr. Catarina Abreu and countless others, who are breaking barriers and driving innovation in science and technology. Their resilience and expertise inspire us to champion diversity and empower women across all levels of the industry.
Let us continue to advocate for gender equality, challenge stereotypes, and create a more inclusive and equitable future for science and technology, ensuring that women are at the forefront of innovation and progress.
Happy International Day of Women in Science!
