International Women's Day 2025: Women in Cancer Research
By Adesewa Adebisi, Cancer Sciences PhD student and Science Communications Ambassador
Saturday 8th March marks International Women’s Day – a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all fields, including science and research.
In honour of the day, we spoke with women in cancer research at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre to reflect on their journeys – the moments of doubt, the victories, and the mentors who guided them along the way. We hope their insights provide inspiration for future generations of women in science and highlight the ongoing need for inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Dr. Nadin Hawwash
Dr. Nadin Hawwash completed her MB-PhD in Cancer Sciences and is in her final year of the MBChB medical school programme. She is a Senior Postgraduate Mentor and Research Assistant at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC). Her research focuses on life course exposure to excess body fat and its associated cancer risk (ABACus2 Project). Her research interests include life course cancer epidemiology, cancer prevention, and biostatistics. She aims to continue her research alongside advancing her medical career to become a surgical oncologist and clinician-scientist.
What does being a woman in cancer research mean to you?
Being a woman in cancer research is about dedicating yourself to what you love while contributing to a fascinating field focused on improving lives and deepening our understanding of the disease. As a data science-based cancer researcher focused on cancer prevention and treatment, I am grateful for the village of people that have supported me over the last 10 years in completing an MB-PhD.
You may often have to overcome barriers and biases within research and the wider community, especially if you’re the first to take a certain path. However, there are incredible opportunities ahead. It’s important to surround yourself with people who empower you and to remember that with every step forward, you’re contributing to science, pushing boundaries, and paving the way for others.
Who has inspired or supported you most in your cancer research journey?
My family instilled in me the belief that “education is your passport in life” and emphasised the importance of working towards a meaningful purpose. That foundation, combined with the mentorship and guidance of my PhD supervisors and the empowering communities at the MCRC and Centre for Health Informatics, has been crucial in shaping my research path.
Despite working towards a clinician-scientist career in the fields of data science, cancer research, and surgery – fields where women are underrepresented, especially at senior levels – having the right support and guidance has been crucial.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in cancer research?
If you’re interested in cancer research, absolutely go for it! Don’t let others discourage you or dictate your path. The field is full of incredible opportunities.
Yes, being a woman in research means navigating career progression alongside personal responsibilities, but the right people will empower and support you in both. It can be intimidating entering a field where women are underrepresented. However, what’s inspiring at the MCRC is being surrounded by exceptional researchers and leaders who empower others to succeed.
There will always be work in your life, but as Professor Caroline Dive said at the latest Leadership: Bespoke Curriculum Session, it’s about learning to “adopt a work-life blend that suits you.”
It can be intimidating entering a field where women are underrepresented. However, what’s inspiring at the MCRC is being surrounded by exceptional researchers and leaders who empower others to succeed.
Dr. Nadin Hawwash
Laura Guest
Laura Guest is a final-year PhD student researching the role of galectin-1 as a potential therapeutic target in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia.
What does being a woman in cancer research mean to you?
Truthfully, it shouldn’t mean anything different from being anyone else in research. However, research culture can sometimes feel male-dominated, which means you often need to be more assertive to ensure your voice is heard. While it shouldn’t be that way, this experience has helped me develop confidence in my abilities and the way I communicate my research.
Who has inspired or supported you most in your cancer research journey?
The postdocs I’ve worked with have been the most inspiring – they’ve encouraged me to trust my abilities and stand by my ideas. Their confidence in me has helped me develop confidence in myself.
I also had the privilege of studying at a university that prioritised gender equality and had a strong representation of female principal investigators. That environment showed me firsthand how effective and dynamic diverse research teams can be.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in cancer research?
Hold onto the confidence that brought you into this field. Research is a learning proces and mistakes are a natural part of growth – they don’t make you a bad scientist.
Also, don’t be afraid to assert yourself. If someone interrupts you, don’t hesitate to speak up and reclaim your space in the conversation. Your voice and perspective are valuable.
I've had the privilege of studying at a university that prioritised gender equality and had a strong representation of female principal investigators. That environment showed me firsthand how effective and dynamic diverse research teams can be.
Laura Guest
Irene Rebollido Pedrido
Irene is a second-year MCRC-CRUK PhD student. Her research focuses on liquid biopsy-based mass spectrometry metabolomics for early detection and radiotherapy response monitoring of adult low-grade gliomas. Outside her PhD, she enjoys socialising with friends and running.
What does being a woman in cancer research mean to you?
For me, being a woman in research means pushing boundaries – not just in my field, but in the broader fight for equality. It’s about proving that diverse perspectives make science stronger.
I’ve faced moments of doubt, whether from external biases or my own imposter syndrome but each challenge has only fuelled my determination. Research is more than just data and discoveries; it’s about representation and ensuring the next generation of women knows they belong here too. I hope my work contributes not only to science but to a future where gender is no longer a barrier in research.
Who has inspired or supported you most in your cancer research journey?
My parents have been my greatest supporters throughout my research journey. Their encouragement and belief in me have been a constant source of strength.
Beyond their support, they have also been my biggest inspiration. Both of them deeply love and enjoy their work, and from a young age, they instilled in me the importance of choosing a career I’m truly passionate about. Their dedication has shaped my mindset and has pushed me to always bring my best self to work. I feel incredibly grateful to have them by my side.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in cancer research?
My biggest advice is to surround yourself with a supportive network and people you admire. Research can be competitive and stressful but having the right mentors, colleagues, and friends around you makes all the difference.
Also, don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s journey is unique, and there is room for all of us in this field. Progress in research can take time, so be patient with yourself, celebrate both the small and big wins, and always remember why you started in the first place.
For me, being a woman in research means pushing boundaries – not just in my field, but in the broader fight for equality. It’s about proving that diverse perspectives make science stronger.
Irene Rebollido Pedrido
Dr. Nathalie Sondermann
Nathalie is a Brierwood Research Fellow in Professor Petra Hamerlik lab group at The University of Manchester. Her research focuses on using body fluids like blood or tear fluid for early and accurate diagnosis of brain cancer.
Previously, she was part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie network “ChromDesign,” where she also gained experience in science communication.
What does being a woman in cancer research mean to you?
I’ve found that, compared to other industries, research environments – especially universities – tend to foster diverse and progressive spaces, with many female leaders. I particularly enjoy being part of a collaborative environment where mutual support and curiosity drive progress.
On a personal level, I hope to be a role model for my nieces and nephew, showing them the importance of critical thinking, independence, and the confidence to pursue their ambitions.
Who has inspired or supported you most in your cancer research journey?
I’ve been inspired by the strong women I’ve encountered in my research journey, particularly those in my Marie Skłodowska-Curie network, such as Edith Heard and Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla. Their leadership and contributions to science have been incredibly motivating. On a day-to-day level, my supervisor, Irina Panteleeva, was an invaluable source of guidance and support during my PhD.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in cancer research?
Confidence is key! When you find yourself doubting your abilities or struggling to assert yourself, remind yourself that you have earned your place in this field. Advocate for yourself, take up space, and trust your expertise.
Additionally, seek advice from multiple sources, and be discerning about who you choose to take guidance from. Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues whose careers and values align with the path you want to take.
Seek advice from multiple sources, and be discerning about who you choose to take guidance from. Surround yourself with mentors and colleagues whose careers and values align with the path you want to take.
Dr. Nathalie Sondermann
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