Marjo Puumalainen has been appointed SwedenBIO’s first International Director, as part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its representation of Swedish life science on the global arena.
“Sweden and the Nordics have positioned ourselves internationally as a strong life science region during the pandemic. As an industry organization, it falls on us at SwedenBIO to drive that development further and create the optimal conditions for our companies to succeed on the global market,” says Frida Lawenius, SwedenBIO’s acting Director General. “In Marjo Puumalainen, we get a creative doer with experience from both the academic and corporate sides of the life science industry, a first-hand understanding of the realities of operating a startup, and an international background. This combination gives her a strong sense both of emerging opportunities, as well as the prerequisites needed for companies to flourish.”
“In Marjo Puumalainen, we get a creative doer with experience from both the academic and corporate sides of the life science industry, a first-hand understanding of the realities of operating a startup, and an international background.”
Marjo Puumalainen
Marjo Puumalainen has a PhD in cancer biology from the University of Zurich. Most recently, she was the interim CEO as well as chief scientific officer at Biomedrex, a startup developing CRISPR-based antivirals. Prior to that, she held positions at the Karolinska Institute and SciLifeLab with focus on infectious disease research, drug discovery and pandemic preparedness.
“Swedish life science companies require the involvement of the international community, especially in terms of investments and partnerships.”
”SwedenBIO has built a unique position to strengthen the life science sector in Sweden by connecting key players in the field and boosting the ecosystem. I am looking forward joining the dynamic team at SwedenBIO and support life science companies to maximize their success – with a particular focus on international activities,” Marjo Puumalainen says. ”Swedish life science companies require the involvement of the international community, especially in terms of investments and partnerships. Through this new International Director role, SwedenBIO can continue to strengthen their international flagship event, NLSDays, and develop other international activities to encourage international engagement.”
Photo of Marjo Puumalainen: SwedenBIO
