Females to Follow
Awards 2025
The TOPX Females to Follow awards are an initiative of TOPX Network and Hyphen Projects. The aim of this award is to give promising female talents visibility, honour outstanding women in Life Sciences & Health, celebrate the accomplishments of them, and, by doing so, inspire the next generation to follow their footsteps.
Nominations are closed
Do you know a woman whose work in Life Sciences deserves to be seen and celebrated? Now is the time to recognize her. We’re honouring standout achievers in these key categories:
Science
For women at the forefront of scientific research, whose work is pushing boundaries and advancing knowledge.
Industry
For professionals who demonstrate strategic vision and outstanding leadership within Life Sciences organizations.
Entrepreneurship
For bold founders and innovators who are creating new pathways and reshaping the Life Sciences landscape.
Meet the nominees
Science
Leila Akkari
Professor, Group Leader
Netherlands Cancer Institute
Clarissa Koch
Chief Research Officer,
Leyden Labs
Maartje Huijbers
Vice dean of research, associate prof of Human Genetics and Neurology,
LUMC
Arlene John
Assistant Professor,
University of Twente
Daniala Weir
Assistant Professor of Real-World Evidence, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Utrecht University
Anne Rios
Professor,
Princess Maxima Centre
Ingrid Dijkgraaf
Professor,
University of Maastricht
Industry
Anne Vogel
Sr. Manager, Technical Strategy
Kite Pharma
Marieke Overeijnder
VP Scientific Operations,
ProQR
Miriam Bujny
Chief Development Officer,
Sapreme Technologies
Maryana Reurings - Tsiganko
Interim Head of Finance and IT,
Pharming
Anne Vogel
Director of Business Development
Batavia Biomanufacturing
Marieke Overeijnder
Head of Patient Engagement and Advocacy,
Azafaros
Entrepreneurship
Nazma Ilahibaks
CEO
JAMA Tx
Marguerite Mensonides
CEO
Amplio Pharma
Annegret van der Aa
CEO
Cantoni Therapeutics
Aisling Foley
CEO
ExCulture
Violette Defourt
CEO
Rapidemic
Sheila Krishnadath
CEO
SmadMinX
Anita Gashi
Director
AdJane
Kinga Matula
CEO
QurieGen
Hanne Callewaert
CEO
AstriVax
What’s next?
After the nomination period closes, public voting will determine the top 10 finalists in each category. From there, a jury panel will carefully select one winner per category, who will be honoured live on stage at the TOPX Summit 2025.
The Awards
- Exposure on social media and our website
- Free TOPX Light Membership for 1 year
Among these 30 rising stars, 1 winner per category will be chosen. The 3 final names will win the Females to Follow Award 2025, which is comprised of:
- Exposure on social media and our website
- Exposure via an article/interview on BCF Career and BiotechNews
- Free TOPX Full Membership for 1 year
- Speaking opportunity at one of Hyphen Projects events
TOPX Inclusive-3
Following an overwhelmingly positive debut last year, the TOPX Inclusive-3 returns for another inspiring edition. This initiative celebrates leaders in Life Sciences – regardless of gender – who are driving real impact by advancing diversity and inclusion within their organizations and across the sector.
On Day 1 of the TOPX Summit 2025, the Inclusive-3 honorees will take the stage to share personal insights and key lessons on fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
With the TOPX Inclusive-3, our goal is to spotlight individuals and initiatives that are actively closing the gap in Health & Life Sciences. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire more professionals to take action and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future.
If you – or someone in your network – have led or contributed to meaningful progress in inclusivity and diversity, we want to hear from you. Submit your Inclusive-3 nomination by 25 September using the link below.
For more information about the TOPX Females to Follow Awards and TOPX Network, contact us via topx@hyphenprojects.nl.
To me the TOPX Females to Follow Award is a great symbol of recognition and rewarding. The TOPX platform is a very inspiring environment for young female scientist and empowers women to stimulate them to do what energizes you and makes you happy. Dare to be bold!
By Jitske Jansen, Assistant Professor, Radboudumc| Powered by: Hyphen Projects BV | Connect with us | Join TOPX | |||
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