Advancing Women’s Health: The Road Ahead

The Medicon Valley Alliance (MVA) Women’s Health Network invites you to an insightful and forward-thinking discussion on the evolution of women’s health. This event will bring together researchers from universities and professionals from the life science industry, all sharing a common interest in advancing the field of women’s health.

Women’s health has gained increasing recognition as a critical area in life science research, clinical trials, and investment. But where do we stand today, and what does the future hold? This meeting will explore the development of women’s health standards, gender representation in clinical trials, investment trends, and the broader research and funding landscape. The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation will present the new ‘Framework for the Integration and Evaluation of an Inclusive Gender Analysis in R&I Content,’ providing valuable insights into gender dimensions in research and innovation.

Through expert presentations and engaging discussions, we will reflect on historical progress, evaluate current challenges, and outline future opportunities in women’s health.

Moderator: Christina Östberg Lloyd, an experienced leader in women’s health innovation, will guide the discussions and help connect the different perspectives presented throughout the event.

Join us for an engaging afternoon of knowledge-sharing, networking, and discussions on shaping the future of women’s health.

Date: Thursday, 10th April 2025
Time: 14:00 – 18:30
Venue: Medicon Village, Auditorium, Building Inspira, Scheelevägen 4, Lund, Sweden

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Program

Speakers

	Christina Östberg Lloyd is a passionate advocate for women’s health and gender equality in life sciences. A medical doctor specialized in ObGyn and an experienced C-suite, including leadership in major pharmaceutical companies, like Novo Nordisk and Ferring Pharmaceuticals, as well as life science startups, covering areas from clinical research to businessmanagement. Christina chairs VILDA Sweden, a network for female leaders in life sciences. Currently, she runs her own executive consulting firm, focusing on strategic leadership and gender inclusivity. She also serves on the boards of Spermosens AB and acting Chairwoman CMedical Women’s Health Clinics Sweden, shaping the future of women’s health.
	Lydia González Orta holds a PhD in Social Sciences and a GEMMA Erasmus Mundus Master in Women’s and Gender Studies. Since 2018, Lydia González has been working on European projects on gender and science at the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) where she has been appointed the Spanish National Contact Point of Horizon Europe for cross-cutting gender issues. In her role as WP4 leader on Gender dimension in R&I in the GENDERACTIONplus project, she has cooperated with the ERA Forum Subgroup on Inclusive Gender Equality in the development of a “Framework for the Integration and evaluation of an Inclusive Gender Analysis in R&I Content.
	Sophia Ivarsson holds a PhD in Psychology and gender studies from the University of Uppsala, Sweden. She is the Program Director for Gender & Diversity in innovation at the Swedish innovation agency, Vinnova in Stockholm, Sweden. Sophia is also leading the community of practice for RFOs (research and innovation funding agencies) in the GENDERACTIONplus project and is the appointed Swedish representative in ERA 5. Together with Lydia González Orta she has co-chaired the ERA Forum Subgroup on Inclusive Gender Equality in the development of a “Framework for the Integration and evaluation of an Inclusive Gender Analysis in R&I Content.
	Jeanett Fleron is a sociologist with a wealth of experience as the former lead for the political and commercial development of European and international standardization within the life sciences at Danish Standards. With a deep understanding of EU legislation, she has successfully navigated high-stakes negotiations, driven influence, and championed collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Her expertise in lobbying and building bridges between various groups has paved the way for progress in the field of standardization, ensuring a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to global and European policies. Today, she is the owner of Fleron Consulting, where she continues to drive impactful change.
	Jakob Wested is an Associate Professor of EU pharmaceutical law, Center for Advanced studies in bioscience innovation law (CeBIL) at the Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen. He has worked in a broad range of interdisciplinary and collaborative projects within the life science domain. From patenting of platform technologies in synthetic biology to regulation of orphan drugs, precision medicine and representation in clinical trials.
	Sanne Brun Jensen, PhD in microbiology and immunology, joined BII in 2021. As a Senior Associate in the Venture Creation Therapeutics team, Sanne is involved throughout the venture building process from identification of promising scientific projects to deal making. Besides, Sanne is leading the BII Women’s Health Initiative, positioning BII as a leading European hub for Women’s Health innovation and startups. Prior to joining the BII, Sanne served as a soft funding specialist for researchers and SMEs. Sanne obtained her Master’s in Human Biology and PhD from the University of Copenhagen; the latter focused on virology and infectious diseases.
	Sabine Remling is a seasoned Market Development professional with over 20 years of experience in both the Medical Device and the FMCG sector. As part of the Hologic leadership, she drives a strong agenda to make meaningful difference within common women’s health conditions, such as Breast & Cervical Cancer, Gynaecology and Sexually Transmitted diseases. By identifying the needs and applying a holistic view to accelerators and barriers for access to new treatment and diagnosis options, her programs aim to shorten the lead-time for the beneficiaries; the women across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada. Sabine is also championing the Hologic Global Womens Health Index which reveals the state of women’s health on a global scale.
	Aino Försti-Smith is a seasoned Communications and External Affairs professional with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. She is a dedicated advocate for Women’s Health and empowerment, with extensive knowledge, experience, and networks in the area. Aino also serves as a Board Member for UN Women in Finland. As the Head of Communications for Bayer in Finland and Communications Lead for the WOMEN | Bayer initiative, Aino champions initiatives that promote health equity.

Deadline for registration is 8th April

The MVA Women’s Health network
Joining the MVA Women’s Health Network is free of charge but is limited to Medicon Valley Alliance members. Non-member organizations and companies are welcome to attend one network event to evaluate the relevance in joining the network. For more information please contact Katrine Brems Olsen kbo@mva.org

Organised by	Sponsor