From hospital haematology to leading early stage clinical trials, Margaret Irwin has built a career defined by curiosity, perseverance, and innovation. In this interview, she reflects on the unexpected journey that brought her into clinical research, the mentors and experiences that shaped her path, and the advice she has for the next generation of scientists and innovators.

When did you first realise you had an interest in pharma or science more broadly?

I originally wanted to be a pathologist. I am not sure where this came from as there was no clinical/medical background in my family. I then found out it would take 5 yr to train as medic and then a further 5 yr to be a consultant so I decided to go down the laboratory route and be involved in pathology at the other end. I actually managed to get a job up in my local hospital in Haematology and Blood Transfusion where I ended up staying as it was really interesting.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the pharmaceutical industry — was it planned or unexpected?

Unexpected! I don’t really know anything about clinical research, it was real eye opener. I was moving to Yorkshire and applied for a job for a research technician at Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit. With my lab background, I go the job and worked my way up across various roles. I have worked in large and mid size CROs, partnering with big PHARMA, always in clinical operations and project management. I took a career break to travel and came right back into research working at a small SMO before moving back into the CRO world again.

What does your current role involve, and what excites you most about it?

My current role involves the leading the planning, execution, and oversight of early stage clinical research, primarily for academia, start ups, and emerging biotech and medtech companies. I oversee and ensure our cross functional teams, maintain regulatory and GCP compliance, and drive studies from start up through close out. My role at PHARMExcel is a mix of hands on operational leadership and strategic partnership. Speaking with early innovators never ever gets boring. I am incredibly lucky to work with such an amazing team but also helping innovative clients translate scientific concepts into high quality, well run clinical trials. One day you can be discussing a potential study with a neurosurgeon and the next an engineer developing a medical device. I am deeply humbled by the innovation out there. I am also part of the executive leadership team and support and develop the operational strategy.

Have you faced any particular challenges as a woman in the science or pharma space? How did you overcome them?

I can’t say that I have. I have worked in a predominately male leadership team but as one senior executive said to me, do not underestimate the dynamic you bring as the only woman on the team. That always stayed with me!

Is there a mentor, colleague, or experience that has significantly shaped your career path?

I think the right people appear at the right time as we evolve and grow. I look back on the inspirational people I have worked with as well as some challenging ones, each and everyone brings something to learn. My very first clinical trial that was pivotal was Viagra. Seeing how life changing it was, particularly for younger men was the moment I truly realised how important research is and being even a small part of it is.

How do you see the role of women evolving in pharma, particularly in leadership or technical roles?

I definitely see the role of women continuing to grow in leadership across pharma. At PHARMExcel, our CEO and founder, Yvanne Enever, leads a predominantly female leadership team, which demonstrates how inclusive leadership can positively shape strategy, culture, and decision-making. That visibility is powerful and helps inspire the next generation.

From a technical perspective, there is still room for growth. In the UK women remain underrepresented in STEM higher education with under 30% making up the STEM workforce, so there is still a lot of work to be done to attract more females into the science sector and supporting their career pathways to senior technical positions. I’d like to see more educational initiatives, funding for science subjects and apprenticeship support to help drive this progress.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in science or the pharmaceutical industry?

Get your foot in the door -any role. Experience and exposure is key to get where you want to be, be patient. Do not expect to walk straight into your dream job and salary. It takes time, but with commitment and experience you can achieve whatever you want to do.

What’s a scientific development or trend you’re particularly excited about right now?

AI in medical devices. It is evolving at an extremely fast pace and the potential impact on cost efficiencies and lives will be huge.

How do you balance the technical and strategic sides of your role, especially in a global business development position?

Leading the operational team and managing business opportunities can be a challenge. However my philosophy is, where there is a will there is a way and there is ALWAYs a solution to a problem. I review our internal capabilities and company alignment against the business opportunity. Is it a good fit for us, can we deliver it at the right cost. I am always honest and transparent with all our existing and potential clients, even if its not the answer they are wanting.

What’s one achievement you’re especially proud of — either professional or personal?

Working through lockdown during COVID to help develop booster vaccines. We all worked around the clock and met every single govt timelines. To have your company name and individual name recognised and noted in The Lancet is something special!

How do you stay motivated and maintain a sense of purpose in an industry that can be both high-stakes and high-pressure?

This industry is not for everyone. You have to love what you do and that in itself motivates you. Working with an amazing team helps too! Knowing that you have impacted

Outside of work, do you have any passions or hobbies that recharge or inspire you?

I love walking my dogs, reading and art, although I am running out of wall space at home so may need to rethink that one!