Driving progress in Life Sciences: The story of Nathalie Dufour
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Testimonial
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Pharmaceutical Affairs
In honour of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are pleased to share the story of Nathalie Dufour, Quality Partner in Biotech, whose journey in Life Sciences has been shaped by curiosity, innovation, and a passion for improving health and wellness.
In this interview, Nathalie discusses her career path, the role of technology like AI in revolutionizing research, and her commitment to inspiring more girls to pursue careers in science.
Can you tell us about yourself?
"Since July 2020, I’ve had the privilege of calling Strand my professional home. I originally started in a commercially focused role, but my curiosity and ambition naturally led me toward a position centred on development.
Quality Assurance has always been a key part of my work, but over time, I’ve been increasingly exploring the molecules at the core of our projects. It’s been an exciting journey that constantly pushes me to learn and grow."
How would you describe the impact of Life Sciences on transforming our daily lives?
"Life Sciences is truly the heartbeat of modern health and wellness. For me, understanding human health, promoting preventive care, and finding ways to improve well-being have always been passions of mine. Beyond that, Life Sciences has completely transformed how we live and enhanced both the quality and longevity of our lives.
Think about it: every time you have a medical exam or use a simple medical device, Life Sciences is at play. Behind the scenes, rigorous quality checks ensure that everything from needles to imaging devices is safe and effective. It’s humbling to be part of a field that impacts so many lives, often in ways people don’t even realize."
What lessons has the Life Sciences field learned from the Covid-19 pandemic that can be applied to future crises?
"The Covid-19 pandemic was a stress test for industries across the globe, and Life Sciences truly stepped up. For us, it was a reminder of the importance of adaptability and teamwork. Despite the disruptions, we stayed closely aligned with operational teams to keep product launches on track.
In fact, the crisis drove innovation in optimizing workflows. Remote work forced us to rethink how we manage and review documentation, which ultimately made our processes more efficient and productive.
This experience taught us that during times of crisis, resilience and creativity drive progress. And it’s a principle we’ll continue to rely on as we tackle the challenges of the future."
How has the integration of technologies like AI revolutionized research in Life Sciences?
"AI is driving progress at an incredible pace, but we’re just beginning to tap into its potential in Life Sciences. Right now, it’s great at automating repetitive tasks, which frees up researchers and professionals to focus on innovation and strategy.
Recently, Strand’s Technical Coffee Corner on AI in Life Sciences gave me a fresh perspective on the possibilities ahead. It was inspiring to see how technology can enhance human creativity and help solve complex challenges."
What inspired you to work in this field, and how do you see your work impacting people’s lives?
"Growing up, I was lucky to have incredible science and math teachers who sparked my love for discovery. My parents, both engineers with a focus on biology and chemistry, encouraged my curiosity about how the world works.
Choosing this career felt like a natural fit. Every day, I get to see the impact of our work, whether it’s improving treatment options, ensuring safety, or pushing the limits of what’s possible."
Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. What initiatives could encourage more girls to pursue science?
"I think that the first step to empowering girls is helping them believe in their abilities. Too often, societal expectations and self-doubt hold them back. We need to change that narrative and show that women are just as capable as men in excelling in STEM.
Another big challenge is balancing career goals with family life. Many women face tough decisions when they become mothers, often at key points in their careers. Building flexible and supportive environments can make a huge difference.
My partner, who’s a teacher, once shared an eye-opening observation. Before schools were co-ed, boys consistently outperformed girls in math and science. Today, girls are not only keeping up but often surpassing their peers in these subjects. It’s proof that with the right support, women can thrive in STEM.
At Strand, I’ve always felt supported and valued. The empathy and encouragement I’ve received from my colleagues have been essential to my growth and well-being. It’s a powerful reminder of how much community and mentorship can drive success."
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