Women in Chemistry: Dr. Helen Pain on Breaking Barriers at the Royal Society of Chemistry

Dr. Helen Pain MBE CChem FRSC is the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), where she has held progressive leadership roles for over three decades. A Chartered Chemist and Chartered Scientist, she brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and organizational leadership to the forefront of global chemical science advocacy. Her extensive tenure at the RSC includes serving as Interim CEO, Deputy Chief Executive, and Executive Director of Membership and Operations, making her a central figure in the institution’s strategic evolution. In 2021, she was formally appointed as Chief Executive, where she now leads global efforts to promote chemical sciences in education, research, policy, and industry.

Helen holds a PhD and BSc in Chemistry from the University of Exeter, and she completed an executive leadership program at Henley Business School, specializing in organizational leadership. Alongside her role at the RSC, she serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Anglian Learning and is an Executive Board Member at EuChemS (European Chemical Society). Helen is widely recognized for her ability to bridge science, education, and policy, and continues to advocate for inclusive scientific communities and sustainable innovation in chemistry.

Pharma Now: Greetings, Dr. Helen, and welcome to Pharma Now. We would like to start by exploring your professional and personal journey. Your career commenced with a PhD in Coordination Chemistry, after which you transitioned into leadership positions at the Royal Society of Chemistry. Could you please share the details of your career development with us?

Dr. Helen: That is quite a comprehensive question. I began my academic journey with a BSc in Chemistry, followed by a PhD in the same field, during which I focused on Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry. My passion for chemistry has always been strong, particularly for the practical, hands-on aspects. Mathematics was my primary subject in school, but upon entering university, I discovered that chemistry provided a diverse range of practical lab work, theoretical study, and mathematical elements, which encouraged me to pursue both my degree and PhD. My interest in organometallic chemistry stemmed from its vibrant nature within organic chemistry. I engaged in synthesizing new molecules and complexes that had not been previously created. My research included variable temperature NMR, where I investigated the effects at very low temperatures. A significant achievement during my PhD was the discovery of what is known as the tick-tock mechanism, which led to several published papers. It was through my PhD in coordination chemistry that I became actively involved with the community by attending conferences and networking with fellow PhD students and academics, which greatly inspired me in the early stages of my career. While I cherished my chemistry studies, I found immense satisfaction in collaborating with others in the community.

When it came time to seek employment, my supervisor inquired about my career aspirations. I expressed my desire to work across various chemistry fields and to organize conferences, as I believed this would leverage my planning abilities and my enthusiasm for working with people, while also drawing on my chemistry background. I was incredibly fortunate during my job search because, during the process, a job was advertised at the Royal Society of Chemistry. They wanted a young chemist officer; somebody to come and work for the organization, to work with students and I was fortunate to be offered that role.

I have spent the last 30 years working my way through the organization. But I have always been working with the community and that's what's really driven my career to date and ultimately how I was in a very fortunate position to be able to be offered the role of Chief Executive, three or four years ago. 

Pharma Now: That's impressive! Can you describe your shift from a chemistry background to a role focused on people and leadership? What motivated you to engage with communities?

Dr. Helen: During my PhD studies, I excelled in science, found enjoyment in it, and successfully published research papers. However, I felt a lack of profound curiosity about the subject matter itself, and I noticed a scarcity of female role models in the field of chemical sciences during my academic journey, especially while pursuing my PhD. Very few of my female peers chose to enter academia, and at that time, the opportunities seemed limited. As a result, I didn't actively consider an academic career. Instead, I found myself drawn to the business and marketing aspects of various roles. I cannot pinpoint the exact source of this inspiration, but it may have stemmed from interviews I conducted with several industrial companies I applied to, which showcased a diverse range of job opportunities, particularly in marketing that intrigued me. Ultimately, I joined the Royal Society of Chemistry. Reflecting on my journey, I now recognize a clear connection between my PhD experience and the leadership skills I developed. One important lesson I learned is that setbacks are common in chemistry; experiments do not always yield successful results. However, the ability to learn from these failures is a crucial foundational skill that proves invaluable in leadership and management roles.

Pharma Now: You have spearheaded global efforts in promoting inclusion and diversity while influencing policies at the Science Council and the Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS). What significant challenges did you encounter in these initiatives, and how did you address them?

Dr. Helen: One of the major challenges we faced, particularly in the realm of inclusion and diversity, became apparent when we began analyzing data approximately 10 to 15 years ago. It was evident from the outset, especially regarding the representation of women in chemistry. Reflecting on my experience as a PhD student, I noticed a stark lack of female professors, particularly in the UK, and we aimed to change that. We sought to understand why women were opting not to remain in academia after completing their PhDs. To address this, we explored various factors and established actionable steps to follow. Implementing these initiatives required a cultural shift, and fostering such change within a community is a long-term commitment rather than a quick fix. We began by examining gender issues and subsequently addressed several other dimensions of inclusion and diversity, launching significant campaigns grounded in evidence and data.

I often emphasize that while we can make numerous commitments to enhance conditions and accessibility for those pursuing chemistry, whether in academia or the workplace, it is imperative that we also take concrete actions. Therefore, we have concentrated on action planning, which aligns with my involvement in the Science Council, the Technician Commitment, and the newly established Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy in the UK. Our efforts span both academia, where we engage with research students and researchers, and industry, focusing on the technical skills and technician roles that are essential for enabling others to succeed. We wanted technicians to have equal access and recognition for the work they did and that was achieved through, what we refer to as “the technicians’ commitment”, which is a series of action points that are signed by the universities to support individuals through their careers. They're all linked because it's all about making a change in the workplace, in education and for the individuals who need to benefit from the work we do.

Pharma Now: Let us now focus on the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and chemistry. What challenges do you believe the current advancements in chemistry can address to further enhance the pharmaceutical sector and help prevent future pandemics? How can we equip ourselves to tackle such challenges through the application of chemistry?

Dr. Helen: The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role, as evidenced by the rapid deployment of vaccines during the pandemic. However, it is essential to recognize that the foundation of the pharmaceutical sector is built on chemistry, which involves extensive fundamental research conducted long before new drugs reach the market, creating an entire value chain. Chemistry offers essential insights and innovative research that, when published, can serve as building blocks and inspiration for future pharmaceutical developments. Therefore, chemistry needs to remain closely integrated with the pharmaceutical field, as it is an integral component of the entire process. Additionally, chemistry must collaborate with other disciplines, given that the journey to market for a new drug involves multiple stages. Chemistry is involved from the outset and continues to play a role at various critical points throughout these stages. It must also work in conjunction with biological sciences, computer science, mathematical sciences, and numerous other fields, as all are necessary to support a robust pharmaceutical industry.

Pharma Now: When discussing the regulatory and policy dimensions, it is evident that a significant segment of the pharmaceutical industry is dependent on regulatory frameworks. Given your extensive engagement in policy formulation, what obstacles do you identify in the realms of regulation and policy-making?

Dr. Helen: The regulations governing the pharmaceutical sector involve well-defined policies that operate both domestically and internationally. One of the primary challenges we encounter is the inconsistency of regulations across different countries; a regulation that is applicable in one nation may not be recognized in another, which can impede the progress and market introduction of new products.

It is crucial to ensure that our scientific endeavors are grounded in robust research. For instance, when we conduct innovative research intended for integration into the pharmaceutical sector, the peer review process at the initial stages is vital. This contributes to the comprehensive framework of policies and regulations necessary for the industry. Additionally, from a chemistry standpoint, we strive to motivate our community and members to actively participate in shaping these policies. This includes contributions from industry professionals as well as those affiliated with higher education and research institutions collaborating with specific companies.

Pharma Now: Now with the establishment of the ITSS, what skills according to you are crucial for future scientists and pharma professionals to stay relevant in this rapidly evolving industry?

Dr Helen: The first and foremost skill, is the understanding and utilization of artificial intelligence because it is the absolute future of many of the roles that we all have but equally present in the science, the application and the development of new products coming in the market. There is another underrated skill which we all need to develop is communicating the work and the science that we do because it has to be not only a strong drive for the public to understand the importance of science but also to ensure that policymakers and funders understand the importance of science so that there is a continuous investment in research and development. Another technical skill is the ability to adapt very quickly. It's more of a capability than a skill to adapt very quickly to new technologies, to measure, capture and analyze data as well as continue to build the capability in the practical side of technical roles.

Pharma Now: The initial technical skill you highlighted was artificial intelligence. Could we delve deeper into the relationship between AI and chemistry? What obstacles do individuals encounter, and what prospects does AI present, considering its swift advancement?

Dr. Helen: First and foremost, it is essential to acknowledge that artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in both the research and development of chemistry, as well as in its practical applications and related professions. AI is already significantly influencing research, with numerous laboratories, departments, and new institutions being established to harness its potential for enhancing predictive capabilities. For instance, AI can swiftly forecast how various pharmaceuticals will interact with target molecules and analyze data derived from clinical research or trials. This aspect of AI can expedite processes, which is vital when addressing future global challenges and anticipating developments over the next 10 to 20 years. The potential for AI to aid in forecasting these challenges is as critical as its application within the field of chemistry itself. There is considerable ongoing work to evaluate the genuine possibilities while also acknowledging the associated risks. Additionally, challenges exist in ensuring that artificial intelligence is utilized correctly, as we aim to promote its beneficial applications while avoiding misuse.

Pharma Now: How can we effectively address the challenges associated with the appropriate use of AI in chemistry? Is there a significant role for policymaking in this context?

Dr. Helen: It is crucial for the community to recognize the significance of AI and collaborate effectively. This involves securing adequate funding to explore its applications and opportunities, as well as fostering interdisciplinary cooperation to advance these initiatives.

Policymaking plays a crucial role in shaping and directing the use of artificial intelligence in chemistry and its various applications. At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we adopt a dual approach: we influence policy for science and also science for policy. The distinction between these two approaches is that one aims to establish regulations that facilitate scientific practice, whereas the other focuses on leveraging data to enhance policies that impact our daily lives.

Pharma Now: Furthermore, your team is collaborating with the United Nations to establish a policy panel on chemical waste. Could you elaborate on that?

Dr. Helen: This initiative is akin to the international policy panel on climate change, which was created to confront a significant global challenge that we are all now well aware of. We have engaged closely with the UK Government, particularly the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), as well as a diverse array of global stakeholders, to advocate for the establishment of an intergovernmental science-policy panel dedicated to chemical waste and pollution. The rationale behind this effort stems from the substantial impact of chemistry and chemicals in contemporary society, which has resulted in the development of numerous new materials and advancements in areas such as energy and pharmaceuticals. However, this progress has also led to pollution issues stemming from chemical usage, and it is imperative that we address these challenges alongside other pressing concerns. Establishing this policy panel is a vital component of our ongoing efforts.

Pharma Now: As a leader, what guidance would you offer to those aspiring to leadership roles within the community? Additionally, what counsel would you provide to your younger self?

Dr. Helen: It is not essential to excel academically throughout your educational journey in school or university. In my view, effective leadership involves leveraging your existing capabilities to inspire and motivate others in leading organizations, programs, or projects. Throughout my career, I have maintained a strong sense of curiosity, striving to comprehend the challenges that require resolution and seeking opportunities to offer solutions. My focus has always been on collaboration, making the community aspect a significant priority. I have seized every chance to enhance my skills and expand my knowledge.

Although I did not graduate with first-class honours, I pursued a PhD, which helped address some gaps in my undergraduate studies. During my PhD, I took the opportunity to develop broader skills by engaging in roles that emphasized organization, planning, and teamwork. Additionally, learning from setbacks is crucial; experiences where things do not go as planned or where initial attempts fail are invaluable. These moments often resurface later in one’s career, especially in leadership positions. Therefore, my advice is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

Moreover, a healthy dose of what I refer to as common sense is vital—this includes the ability to think through a problem and apply it in real-time and real life. It is also important to recognize that not everything will go perfectly on the first attempt. Striving for perfection can be counterproductive; instead, you will gain valuable insights through experimentation and trying new approaches.

You may succeed faster if you work with somebody else to get to the solution. You don't have to always do it on your own; it's about working with other people.

Pharma Now: When you operate alone, your potential is limited, but collaborating with a team can significantly expand those boundaries. That is truly remarkable. To conclude, I have one final question: If you were to summarize the importance of chemistry to the world in a single sentence, what would you say?

Dr. Helen: Chemistry is absolutely in everything, it's all around us and it will provide the solutions to the big global challenges. 

Pharma Now: Excellent! That concludes our session. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights.