Celebrating Women in Innovation: Beverley Vaughan inspiring future leaders
The world of innovation and life sciences is evolving rapidly, driven by pioneers bridging the gap between research, innovation, and business growth. On International Women’s Day, we are delighted to spotlight Beverley Vaughan, Director of Arise Innovation Hubs, and a leader in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the East of England.
Beverley Vaughan leads the strategic direction of Arise Innovation Hubs, part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). Under her leadership, Arise is shaping a dynamic ecosystem for emerging MedTech and HealthTech businesses, offering access to business support, research facilities, and vital industry connections. With extensive experience spanning industry, academia, the NHS, and government, Beverley has led complex R&D initiatives and innovation hubs across the UK. Her expertise in managing biomedical and disruptive technology projects, including cell and gene therapy and geroscience, has positioned her as a key figure in the life sciences and health innovation landscape. Before joining Arise, she played a crucial role in incubating bioscience businesses at Stevenage Biosciences Catalyst, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and the University of Oxford.
To give us a deeper look into Beverley’s impressive journey, we invited her to share her thoughts through a series of questions.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the science and technology sector, and how did you overcome them?
“I think we all face challenges, and the S&T sector is often a difficult space, although the balance of women in leadership roles is beginning to change. Early in my career I was rather timid, and I always apologised, even for the weather! Although I lost out on a few opportunities, coming a commendable second, I did secure a training job at Cambridge University Teaching Hospitals. It was here I encountered my first formidable role model, a woman who can be best described as the Devil Wears Prada boss in a scientist. I learnt my steel from her, sometimes through the most difficult of moments. Confidence, determination, and hard work, be noticed but make sure it is for all the right reasons.”
Who or what were your biggest inspirations on your journey to leadership, and how have they shaped your leadership style?
“Some of my biggest inspirations have been the most difficult people to work with. The role model I mentioned earlier was in a role as head of department, to get there she had overcome some of the most incredible adversities, running from behind the Iron Curtain with her young family, to eventually reaching Cambridge and building her career from nothing. It would be fair to say that she took no prisoners. I learnt true grit from her.
My second would be Dr Martino Picardo, as CEO of Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. Through his wonderful Italian demeanour, I saw someone who was creating a vision, who set about making open innovation our bread and butter. In an industry where collaborating, even in the precompetitive space, was uncommon he pushed the boundaries. One of the initiatives he seeded was the Open Innovation Challenge, supporting translational research projects in neuroscience. For this challenge we ended up with five big pharma all around a table working together to fund great research, heading toward commercialisation. This project also involved the fabulous Dr Barbara Domayne-Hayman, who taught me the power of negotiation and tenacity.
They have shaped me; in ways they perhaps would not expect. Learning that steel and clarity are needed in all decisions but that we must always be humble. If we stop listening, we stop leading.”
What advice would you give young professionals looking to break into life sciences and innovation, and what key skills should they develop to succeed?
“Be persistent, be committed, find your tribe and find your icon, a mentor and a champion! I think it is important to think about what you are good at, are you good at the fine experimental detail, are you good at working with people, or do you see the strategy and finally plan for success. All of these things are important to help you decide your direction of travel. Are you a scientist, a project manager, a business development whizz or actually the next entrepreneur behind a unicorn? And finally be brave…..sometimes you need to hold your nerve!”
How do you see the sector future, particularly regarding women’s increasing role in the industry?
“I think we are in a much better place in the scientific ranks with gender balance but there is still some way to go with senior levels and particularly the board room. All too often we still have decisions and strategies being set by a room of gentlemen who are from a certain demographic. I actually think it is not just about women but representing all walks of life and having the diversity in people to make the industry fit for purpose and a good place to work. I think there will be a growing need for highly specialised skills sets and accelerated pipelines through advances in computing and AI, so it is a really exciting time to be involved in the sector.”
We are fortunate to have Beverley as a valued friend of the CLARITY CORE team. Her leadership at Arise Innovation Hubs is driving innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in MedTech and HealthTech. We admire her inspiring work and wish her continued success.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the women making an impact in science, technology, and beyond!
