“The World Needs Science, and Science Needs Women.”
– The United Nations
Women have made significant contributions to science throughout history, yet barriers to full participation remain. While progress has been made, women are still underrepresented across many scientific disciplines, particularly in leadership roles. Encouraging girls and women to pursue scientific careers, addressing institutional bias and supporting diversity in leadership are essential steps towards lasting change.
To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke with Snezana A. Drmanac, VP of MGI US and Complete Genomics, about female empowerment in genomics and her journey in science.
Q: Could you give a brief introduction of yourself and how you entered the field of genomics?
A: When I was nine years old, my father, an engineer who could fix almost anything, passed away from brain cancer at the age of 37. At that moment, I decided to dedicate my life to understanding how the human body and brain work, with the aim of helping cure cancer and other diseases. During medical school, I worked in a microbiology lab, followed by work in molecular biology after completing my residency. This background naturally led me to massively parallel whole genome sequencing as a path towards diagnosing and curing genetic diseases.
Q: Could you tell us more about your current research?
A: My work focuses on further advancing massively parallel genomic sequencing to make DNA sequencing faster, more efficient, extremely low cost and high throughput. These technologies enable precise and affordable prenatal and postnatal diagnostics, health monitoring and early disease detection. My teams across two continents continue to push technological boundaries, driving sequencing costs down while improving accuracy.
Q: Why does gene research interest you so deeply?
A: My goal is to understand the molecular functioning of the human body and its microbial communities at the single-cell level. This enables accurate health monitoring, precise diagnostics and personalised treatments, supporting healthier ageing and longer, more productive lives.
Q: Genomics has traditionally been male-dominated. What challenges did you face?
A: I took time to understand how my male colleagues thought and what mattered to them, then learned how to ask for what I needed in ways they could support. I have also worked with many outstanding men who respect people regardless of gender or background.
Q: Does being a woman give you a different perspective?
A: Women tend to analyse situations carefully, listen more and value inclusivity. We often promote diverse talent, ideas and collaboration.
Q: Have you had female mentors, and have you mentored others?
A: I benefited from both male and female mentors. I have also mentored many talented women, some of whom needed guidance navigating difficult professional environments.
Q: What changes are needed to improve gender equality in science?
A: Female students must be encouraged through scholarships and funding. Universities and employers need policies that support equal pay, leadership opportunities and long-term career development.
Q: What message would you give to young women considering genomics?
A: Genomics is one of the few technologies capable of transforming healthcare. Being at the forefront of this field is something women should feel proud of.
Q: What achievements are you most proud of and why MGI?
A: I am proud to have contributed to the Human Genome Project and to the development of the DNBSEQ platform. Joining MGI was a natural step because we share the same mission: making high-quality, affordable sequencing accessible worldwide.
Q: What excites you most about the future at MGI?
A: Genomic sequencing will become a standard part of healthcare, enabling truly personalised medicine and better disease prevention.
Q: Outside of research, what do you enjoy?
A: I enjoy nature, hiking, swimming, spending time with my grandchildren and following research in medicine, immunology and ageing.
