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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is marking International Women’s Day, March 8, by recognizing the impact that female scientists and researchers are having on advancing cancer cures.

Led by our very own glass ceiling breaker, LLS Chief Medical Officer Gwen Nichols, M.D., a wide array of LLS-funded female scientists are conducting groundbreaking research in blood cancers, including transformational immunotherapies and precision medicine. In its 69-year history LLS has invested more than $1.2 billion in cancer research and women scientists are assuming pivotal roles in advances that are improving dramatically outcomes for patients with blood cancers as well as other cancers and chronic diseases.

However, despite the fact that 50% of women apply to U.S. medical schools, women are not attaining the highest levels of leadership positions within the scientific community at the same pace as men. The time is now for women to break the glass ceiling in science.

Dr. Nichols, whose career has spanned high-level positions in academic research and teaching, pharmaceutical development and the nonprofit cancer space, will shed light on how LLS is fostering the next generation of female scientists, will be discussing what it takes for women to be trailblazers in the cancer arena, and why the time is now for nonprofits such as LLS, medical centers and companies dedicated to fighting cancer to join together in promoting more women scientists.

Dr. Nichols will be joined by Selina Chen-Kiang, Ph.D., a renowned professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, who is performing groundbreaking work to translate a therapy approved for breast cancer to a treatment for patients with lymphoma. She can share a first-hand look at the challenges and opportunities for women in science, the importance of encouraging more women to enter the field and the impact of mentorship.

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