An Interview with Mahima Datla

By Trishanya Raju

Mahima Datla (37) has been the Managing Director of Biological E. Limited since April 2013, and is a part of the board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). She has worked in the Pharmaceuticals industry since 1998, and has now been nominated for an award that recognizes women in science.

I managed to get in touch with this inspirational woman, and got her thoughts on a few things.



Me: What would you say encouraged you to go into the Pharmaceutical Industry?

Ms. Datla:  I would say that it was the realization that I had the ability to make an impact. Particularly with respect to vaccines, which are one of the most cost effective health interventions known to mankind. Also the fact that such critical and life saving vaccines are often not accessible to many of the poorest in the world. Through our company's efforts I was convinced we could play a role in reducing some of these inequities. 

Me: Could you tell me a little bit more about this award that you’ve been nominated for?

Ms. Datla: Well, I was nominated by this society in Switzerland that recognizes women in science and the humanities. I believe I was nominated for the work that our company does. As I’ve said, we help bring affordable vaccines to the people who need them.

Me: What are your predictions for the trends in science, and about scientific progress in general?

Ms. Datla: I think that there are huge leaps occurring in innovation, genetic sciences, and manufacturing technologies. But, regulatory barriers will continue to impact the pace of change and adoption of these developments.

Me: And what would you say about the status of women in the scientific arena?

Ms. Datla: I think women have proven time and time again that they command a significant presence in the scientific community. That being said, there is potential for more women to move into the community, without fear of not having a place for themselves. Hopefully, the number of women in the scientific community will continue to grow.

Me: Do you have any advice for young women who someday hope to work in the Pharmaceutical industry/ science fields in general?

Ms. Datla: The advice that I have to give is the same as the advice I would give a woman going into any field, like business, for example. Don’t expect the world to make accommodations for you because you are women. Competence is really recognized. Do your homework and see if it’s where you really want to be. It’s especially helpful if you have a mentor, be it a woman or a man. Their presence will help you flourish as you benefit from their years of experience. In the banking sector, many of the key players are women, and I find it bizarre that this can’t expand to other fields as well. Men, as well as women make trade offs about what is important in their lives on a daily basis. You just have to make sure that you balance everything in a way that makes you happy.

For more information, visit:

1. GAVI Alliance

http://www.gavi.org

2. Biological E. Ltd.

http://www.biologicale.com

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