This year’s Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo had a tremendous turn-out, attracting over 2,300 registrants. With an emphasis on diversifying the STEM talent pipeline and highlighting the variety of career paths in the biopharmaceutical industry, the event featured a compelling panel discussion with research and data science professionals, as well as informational sessions and one-on-one meetings with recruiters from ten of PhRMA’s member companies: Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Gilead, GSK, Eli Lilly, Lundbeck, Merck, Otsuka, Pfizer and Takeda. Attendees ranging from undergraduates to PhD students were given valuable insights into internship, fellowship and early career opportunities in the biopharmaceutical industry.
We were also excited to feature a dynamic interview with PhRMA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Ybarra, who shared his career journey, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to patients and the important role that STEM professionals play in the continued research and innovation of life-saving medicines and treatments.
PhRMA was also honored to have six grant recipients join us at the career expo. The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), the Center for Healthcare Innovation, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the University of Virginia Career Center and Young Black Pharma (YBP) shared their missions and the significant impact of their work in the STEM field. PhRMA proudly partners with these organizations to support their professional development initiatives, providing students and professionals from underrepresented communities with opportunities to advance their careers.
The Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the vast array of career paths in the biopharmaceutical industry and emphasize the crucial role of diversity in fostering scientific innovation. We are excited to continue this tradition of providing access to career opportunities through this completely free and virtual event to inspire the next generation of talent. PhRMA’s next Virtual STEM Career Expo will be held on September 30, 2025.
Renuka Iyer
Renuka Iyer is EVP, Chief People & Culture Officer at PhRMA. In her role, she develops PhRMA’s talent philosophy and implements HR and DEI strategies to drive organizational excellence and employee engagement.
Iyer has over three decades of global experience in human capital management in organizations ranging from start-ups to large companies, in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors. She has held leadership roles with Infor-SoftBrands, Levi Strauss & Co., Population Services International, Grameen Foundation and more recently the World Resources Institute, where she was the Chief Human Resources Officer. She has led diverse teams and worked with multiple countries across the Americas, Asia, Africa and South America.
Iyer is a certified Senior Professional of Human Resources. She has undergraduate degrees in economics and interdisciplinary studies and a master’s in organizational development and knowledge management.
Renuka Iyer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renukasiyer/
Executive Vice President, Chief People & Culture Officer
Recent events highlight progress on health equity
Hispanic Heritage Month: Fighting for Hispanic patients
PhRMA awards grants to 2024 Annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo Partners
How government price setting fails to address systemic health care inequities
Women’s Health Month: A conversation with Sage
Championing cancer equity: Our drive for healthier AANHPI communities
New analysis: Accelerated approval pathway is changing lives in underserved communities
PhRMA provides grant funding to support the Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute’s Health Equity Tra
New social determinants of health simulation explores structural barriers patients face accessing and affording medicines
PhRMA awards grants to 2023 Annual Pathways to Success Graduate Summit Partners
Between hope and despair: Improving cancer outcomes
PhRMA awards grant to Emerson Diversity Health Foundation
PhRMA Otorga Beca a la “Emerson Diversity Health Foundation”
Using traditional HTAs to determine coverage threatens patient access to medicine
Traditional HTAs keep diverse patients out of the conversation
Traditional HTA methods treat everyone like the “average” patient
You won’t fix what you don’t value: Two reasons why traditional cost-effective analyses can perpetuate health inequities
Potential gene therapies bring hope to patients with sickle cell disease
Stephanie Dyson of BMS on reducing health disparities
Sharing rebates can save Americans with diabetes 500 each year and improve adherence
Announcing CAREs Grant Round 4
Announcing CAREs Grant Round 4
Guest Series: PhRMA talks racial and health equity with Lauren Powell, VP US Health Equity and Community Wellness, Takeda
PhRMA awards $75,000 to fund initiatives to reduce health inequities
Watch: Building trust and enhancing clinical trial diversity
More than 800 medicines are in development for diseases that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic communities
PhRMA hosts first stakeholder workshop on clinical trial diversity
PhRMA CAREs Grant request for proposals: Addressing inequities in access to COVID-19 testing, therapeutics and vaccines
PhRMA member companies share how they are improving clinical trial diversity
Guest post: PhRMA talks racial and health equity with Stephanie Dyson, Head of Office at Biogen
Paper finds gaps in health data are a barrier to health equity
New research shows hotspots of inequity relate to increased COVID-19 hospitalizations
Increasing diversity at investigator sites could increase minority participation in clinical trials
Report highlights biopharmaceutical industry’s commitment to D&I
Strengthening a culture dedicated to patients and equity: A conversation with Percival Barretto-Ko, President of Astellas US
PhRMA CAREs Grant request for proposals: Addressing racial disparities in medication utilization and adherence
Committing to diversity, equity and inclusion: A call to action for clinical trials
Just released: PhRMA members’ new clinical trial diversity principles
ICYMI: Addressing health inequities: Biopharmaceutical companies are rising to the occasion
Guest Post: Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month by taking action on health equity
Sharing rebates can improve access to medicines and increase health equity
PhRMA will continue to advocate for equity within our industry
Three ways the pharmaceutical industry can positively impact health equity
Guest Post: Amgen Foundation stands for equal opportunities in STEM learning
Systemic racism is as real as any disease, and our industry is not immune
Guest Post: Pride started with protest: Combatting the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism this Pride Month
PhRMA awards $100,000 to fund projects that address health inequalities
Observing National Minority Health Month in the age of COVID-19
ICYMI: PhRMA’s 4th Annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo
Health Equity
ICYMI: PhRMA’s 4th Annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo
ICYMI: PhRMA’s 4th Annual Pathways to Success: Virtual STEM Career Expo