Our Founder's Journey
From Vision to Impact
Dr Shara Cohen Journey, FRCPath, FIBMS, FRSM, FRSB, BEM, MIoD
1990s
Scientific Foundation
PhD in Immunology. Research scientist and senior academic appointments. Built deep expertise across science, healthcare and innovation.
Impact: Scientific foundation that underpins every entrepreneurial venture.
2000
Founded EuroScicon Ltd.
Launched a first-of-its-kind independent life sciences conference organisation in Europe, connecting academia, healthcare, and industry.
Impact: Strengthened Europe's life sciences innovation ecosystem. Expanded the organisation into an internationally recognised scientific conference platform.
Outcome: Created a pioneering international life science platform that empowered researchers, fostered collaboration, and advanced the global exchange of scientific knowledge over 16 years.
"I didn't set out to be an activist—I just wanted to do science. But I saw too many talented women leaving STEM, and I knew something had to change."
2005
Founded Mums in Science Ltd.
Addressed the challenges driving women out of STEM after motherhood by establishing Mums in Science, which developed into the Women in STEM Network, a wider community supporting women across STEM careers.
Impact: Started a global movement for women in STEM that continues to grow today.
Outcome: 50,000+ members across 60+ countries with ongoing support programs.
2006
Life Science Events
Launched Life Science Events, a pioneering subsidiary of Euroscicon Ltd., introducing themed informal scientific meetings and early livestreamed academic conferences. Expanded global collaboration and transformed the way researchers connected and shared knowledge.
Impact: Pioneered digital scientific events years before they became mainstream.
Outcome: Delivered hundreds of networking events and expanded international collaboration.
2013
Personal Cancer Diagnosis
A life-changing experience that reshaped future entrepreneurship. Transformed lived experience into purpose-driven innovation. This period also marked the publication of her book, sharing her personal cancer journey to bring hope, honesty and practical insight to others facing similar diagnoses.
Catalyst: This became the catalyst for advancing her legacy of mission-led ventures delivering meaningful impact for patients, communities, and society.
2013-2021
National Rare Disease-Governance Leadership(Familial Dysautonomia UK)
Her journey within a national rare disease organisation began through scientific and advisory contributions, where she helped bridge research, clinical expertise, and patient needs. As her leadership evolved, she took on increasingly influential governance roles, progressing through Committee Member and Scientific Advisor, Vice Chair, and Chair. Throughout this progression, she championed patient advocacy, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and helped shape strategic initiatives to improve outcomes and support for rare disease communities.
Impact: Ensured organisational strategy grounded in scientific evidence and supported collaboration with clinicians and researchers.
Outcome: Translated complex scientific information into clear guidance for rare disease community.
2016
Successful Business Exits
Sold EuroSciCon and Life Science Events. Shifted focus from commercial conferences to scalable social enterprises.
Impact: Strategic decision to redirect efforts toward mission-led work.
Outcome: Successful capital exit enabling full-time investment into mission-led organisations.
2016
Founded Cancer Care Parcel
Created practical support for people living with cancer. A social enterprise with profits invested into supporting people affected by cancer.
Impact: Provided tangible support and hope for cancer patients and families.
Outcome: Delivered thousands of cancer care packages and built partnerships with healthcare organisations, charities, and communities to provide practical and emotional support for people affected by cancer.
"Every milestone in this journey has been driven by a commitment to advancing science, empowering communities, and ensuring that knowledge reaches those who need it most."
2018-2022
Community Growth
The Mums in Science community expanded rapidly with mentoring programs, career development opportunities and global networking initiatives.
Impact: Established a sustainable global community that enables women in STEM to thrive through meaningful connections, professional development, and shared opportunities.
Outcome: Built a globally recognised movement connecting 50,000+ community across 60+ countries empowering women to thrive, lead, and shape the future of STEM.
2022
Formal Incorporation
Mums in Science Ltd established. Created the legal foundation for international expansion and long-term sustainability.
Impact: Established the governance and organisational foundation needed to scale a global mission, enabling sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and long-term operational success.
Outcome: Created a future-ready platform built for lasting global impact, expanding opportunities, collaboration, and support for women in STEM worldwide.
2023-2025
Women in STEM Network
Transformed a community-driven initiative into a global movement empowering women in STEM to connect, innovate, lead, and shape the future of science and technology. Through mentoring, professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities, the platform has created pathways for women to thrive across disciplines and borders.
Impact: Built a global ecosystem advancing diversity, inclusion, and leadership in STEM by breaking barriers and enabling women to achieve their full potential.
Outcome: Reached 60+ countries | 50,000+ community creating a powerful international network that continues to inspire collaboration, career growth, and the next generation of STEM leaders.
2024
British Empire Medal (BEM)
Honoured with the British Empire Medal for a lifetime of impact across science, healthcare, and social advocacy recognising her pioneering work in empowering women in STEM and supporting families affected by cancer.
Impact: Celebrated as a national recognition of transformative leadership, advancing inclusion in STEM and championing compassionate, patient-focused support.
Outcome: Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for exceptional service, reflecting a lasting legacy of scientific excellence, advocacy, and positive change in communities worldwide.
2025-2026
Rare Disease Watch
Co-founded an evidence-driven global platform transforming access to rare disease knowledge. By bringing together research insights, clinical trial information, policy developments, funding updates, and scientific breakthroughs, the platform empowers clinicians, researchers, patients, and decision-makers with trusted information to accelerate discovery, collaboration, and better outcomes.
Impact: Breaking down barriers to rare disease knowledge by creating a centralised, accessible resource that connects global stakeholders and supports informed decisions, research advancement, and patient advocacy.
Outcome: Established a trusted knowledge ecosystem providing access to research, clinical trials, policy intelligence, funding opportunities, emerging treatments, and scientific developments helping accelerate progress for rare disease communities worldwide.
