A visit from Dr Annette Doherty OBE FRSC, President Elect of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Year 11 and 12 students were delighted to have the opportunity to hear Dr Doherty, who has held executive research and development positions at GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer and been directly involved in leading the development and launch of many new medicines in a range of therapeutic areas, speak about her education and research positions.

She then talked about her career and the importance of grasping opportunities when they are presented to you. Her account of studying and working abroad and the importance of continuing language and maths studies fitted well with the ethos of an IB education.

She answered questions from students who were interested in learning more about careers in Chemistry and research and questions included ‘What will you do in your role as President of the Royal Society of Chemistry?’ and ‘What did you do to become a successful woman in STEM?’

Dr Doherty talked more broadly about the experience of her own daughters after completing their IB Diploma and her own experience in the world of work. She stressed the importance of finding good mentors and gaining good feedback on your performance.

We’re very grateful to Dr Doherty for coming to speak to students today and look forward to welcoming her back to TGS in December at our Guest of Honour at Celebration and Awards (Prizegiving).