Biological Preparations, the creator and producer of leading brand BioHygiene, boast an impressive team of female scientists operating at its headquarters in Caerphilly, Wales. Whether it be roles as technical directors, microbiologists or lab assistants, women make up the bulk of the company’s technical team.
The biotech innovators are committed to reaching and maintaining a target of 20% women on its senior leadership team. In 2022, they exceeded this target by 100%, with 56% of its senior leadership team being women. Across the entire workforce, 43% are female, exceeding the original target by 13%.
This goes against the grain. Despite huge progress towards increasing participation in higher education, a high-proportion of roles in the science, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field see a significant gender gap, with women still under-represented.
In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science earlier this month, C&M speaks to Carolyn Jones, technical director, and Jazz Butcher, R&D microbiologist, from BioHygiene about what they love about science, the challenges they face and how they began their journeys.
What does your job entail?
Carolyn Jones (CJ) – As a technical director at BioHygiene, I spearhead extensive research and product development, as well as conducting general management of the labs, attending board meetings, setting targets, and liaising with the sales team to help with customer feedback. It’s a full on, at times exhausting, role; full of satisfaction.
Jazz Butcher (JB) – As part of our R&D programme, I help identify and investigate new strains of bacteria for use in our products, as well as carrying out crucial product testing to make sure they are up to EN standards. I also supports the wider Technical and Quality Control (QC) teams by carrying out in-house bacterial fermentations and support the QC lab.
Why did you choose to embark on a career in science?
CJ - Science has always interested and excited me. I am passionate about the contribution science can make to improving health and wellbeing, in addition to helping protect the planet. Following completion of a BSc in Applied Chemistry at Cardiff University and a PhD in Physical Chemistry at Swansea University, I joined my first Biotech company as a New Product Development Officer nearly 25 years ago. I am very proud to have been at Biological Preparations since the company launch in October 2009 where I have a wide functioning role supporting multiple company functions including technical, operations and sales.
JB - I have always been interested in science as a general subject and I am an inquisitive person by nature; I also love to learn new skills. I chose to study Applied Sciences in college, and Biology in university. I was then able to start my professional career in early 2019 within a quality control laboratory at a brewery, which was a great starting point.
What drives you to work so passionately?
CJ - I love what I do! No two days are ever the same and I am constantly faced with new challenges. What drives me is when I can see a positive impact from the products and biotech solutions we deliver. I aim to be a strong team player who is valued by my team, and this keeps me motivated to reach the next team goal. The products we deliver are innovative, high quality and at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. Our ethos is to use simple ingredients that perform well. Safeguarding human health and protecting the planet very much aligns with my own values and drive me to deliver the best solutions possible.
JB - A career in science allows me to keep on learning, so the job never gets boring, there’s always something to do. Science is such a diverse subject, making jobs within science so interesting. You never know what’s coming next, it keeps things fresh and engaging. Boredom is rare in a career in science. I like to see good results, which aren’t always guaranteed in microbiology! I always take pride in my work and put effort into each project I’m given so that I get the best results possible. I like to go home knowing I did my best, even when the results weren’t quite how I wanted them to be.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?
CJ - The biggest challenge I have faced for most of my career has been a lack of education around both 'Bio' and 'Eco' technology in general and market inertia to support a change in the way we clean! Bio and Eco products have traditionally had a reputation for failure as performance is often considered to be compromised. Adding potentially weaker technologies requires a synergistic improvement to attain the performance desired which is only achieved following extensive research, testing and understanding of the technologies involved. Working at Bioprep has provided me with great opportunities to be innovative and deliver forward thinking, efficacious, state of the art solutions.
JB - I lost my job at the beginning of 2020 due to COVID-19 and didn’t know what the future was going to hold for my career in science. I began to apply for jobs that I was reasonably qualified to do and almost went back to retail. When a job at Biological Preparations came up, I knew it would be right up my street, and I was lucky enough to be one of the successful candidates, alongside Jak. Two years later and I’m happy to still be part of the BioPrep team.
What are your proudest achievements?
CJ - I have played a fundamental role in developing the BioHygiene range of cleaning products and am very proud of our efficacious, highly concentrated, minimal human and aquatic toxicity range of new generation Biotech and Ecotech cleaning solutions.
JB - Aside from graduating university, my proudest achievement is my promotion from QC technician to R&D microbiologist. It was totally unexpected, but it was so nice to see my hard work in the lab had been recognised and that I was trusted to take on this role.
Who is the biggest influence that has inspired your career?
CJ - I think it would have to be Marie Curie. I can clearly remember when I first learnt about her in school and the passion it ignited in me to study science. Despite her success, Marie faced great opposition from male scientists and died from leukaemia, caused by exposure to high-energy radiation from her research. Marie was a pioneer for women in science and a true inspiration to me and influencer in my chosen career.
JB - My grandmother had a big influence on me wanting to learn more about microbiology. During the later stages of her career as a nurse, she spent a lot of time within one of the labs at the hospital and would always tell me about how beautiful she thought the bacteria looked under the microscope. I now know what she meant, some of the worst bacteria are the most pretty under the microscope or streaked onto a plate, it’s fascinating.
What advice would you give to young people starting a career in science?
CJ - Do your research! There are so many different branches of science on offer it is really important that you read around different subject areas and identify where your true interests lie. Believe in yourself and be clear and open about what you want and how you need to get there. If possible, try and get some work or shadowing experience and thoroughly research all opportunities available.
JB - Always try your best, have a go at everything and take all the opportunities you can. You never know where you could end up!
www.biohygiene.co.uk