The BIA Skills, Talent & People work plan aims to develop the next generation of UK bioscience talent by widening the talent pool, developing strong leadership, and collaborating with BIA members to address significant skills shortages across the sector.
We plan to achieve this by:
- Influencing future skills and talent policy representing the voice of innovative Biotech
- Connecting member companies on industry-leading skills and talent development
- Saving members’ resources by sign-posting talent, skills, and funding opportunities
BIA works collaboratively across the life sciences sector to raise the profile of the skills agenda and to influence key policies that impact skills development.
In partnership with the ABPI, Science Industry Partnership and Office of Life Sciences, we produced the Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy - an action plan to address significant shortfalls in skills across life sciences and to ensure a globally competitive UK bioscience sector.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with:
Cristina Hernandez Vazquez
<b>What does your role at BIA involve?</b><br>
As the Skills Programme Executive at the BioIndustry Association (BIA), I am dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent within the life sciences sector. I oversee a range of initiatives designed to equip our members with the skilled workforce they need to thrive. By providing targeted training programs, fostering industry collaborations, and advocating for policies that support workforce development, I ensure that our member companies have access to professionals with the right expertise to drive innovation and growth. <br>
<b>Previous experience & achievements </b><br>
I studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at King's College London, earning First Class Honours for my dissertation on the impact of healthcare policy changes on hospital function. During my time at King's, I completed a government affairs internship at a telecommunications company in Spain. After graduating, I backpacked across South America and secured a digital marketing internship, successfully increasing year-on-year bookings for a venue during the off-peak season. <br>
<b>If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why? </b><br>
If I could invite any scientist to dinner, it would be Dr. Jane Goodall. Her groundbreaking work in primatology has not only advanced our understanding of chimpanzees but also highlighted the importance of conservation. As a leading female scientist and a passionate advocate for the environment, she has inspired generations to appreciate and protect wildlife. I would love to discuss her discoveries, her conservation efforts, and her insights on the future of our planet. <br>
Kate Barclay
What does your role at BIA involve?
As an experienced Biochemical Engineer, Kate leads skills and talent programme development across STEM industries using over 30 years of experience within large pharma and small company networks. Working with BIA, she represents the sector ensuring access to the incredible talent and addressing skills gaps to start, grow and scale innovative life sciences and biotech organisations.
Previous experience & achievements
In addition to her role at BIA, Kate works as an independent consultant supporting organisations to develop their skills and talent strategies. She has oversight for quality governance of technical and professional education as IfATE Non-Executive Director and is a Board member of North Hertfordshire College. Kate holds MBA from Open University and a PhD in Bio-Chemical Engineering from UCL. As a Chartered Engineer (CEng FIChemE), she held previous senior leadership roles across diverse pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D portfolios including Solid Dose, Parenteral & Inhaled Devices.
If you could invite any scientist or entrepreneur to dinner, who would it be and why?
Rosalind Franklin, as she made contributions to the understanding of the fine molecular structures of DNA and RNA. She studied science at a time when few women attended university and led pioneering work on multiple viruses. Kate would love to know what she thinks about what we know now!
The Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy is another key milestone in delivering on the recommendations of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy and the subsequent Life Sciences Sector Deals.
