The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a profound transformation. With ground-breaking advancements in artificial intelligence, personalized medicine, and digital health, the development and delivery of treatments have evolved dramatically. Clinical trials have become more inclusive, ensuring equitable access to life-saving innovations. As the industry continues to push boundaries, visionary leaders driving progress stand at the forefront.
Twinkle Bahaduri | EDS Senior Site Manager | Thermo Fisher Scientific
Among these trailblazers is Twinkle Bahaduri, a distinguished clinical research professional with over 13 years of experience in clinical trials— a driving force behind advancements in drug development and medical innovation. We, at EliteX, are honored to introduce Twinkle Bahaduri as one of the 10 Unstoppable Women in Healthcare & Pharma, 2025.
Her unwavering commitment to excellence, advocacy for diversity in research, and impactful contributions to global healthcare through renowned international speaking platforms have earned her numerous awards and accolades. From contributing to complex clinical trials to delivering powerful talks at two TEDx events, the Global Sustainable Development Congress, and numerous other global platforms, Twinkle’s journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and innovation.
Twinkle Bahaduri’s journey in healthcare and clinical trials is driven by her deep passion for medical research and its global impact. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Western Australia (UWA), a dual Master’s degree in Infectious Diseases from UWA, an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business, as well as a postgraduate certificate in Drug Development and Approvals from Harvard Medical School. With a background as a Clinical Research Professional and former Medical Scientist, Twinkle has extensive experience managing Phase 1-IV Investigational Drug trials and Medical Devices Clinical Trials across hospitals, academia, and pharmaceutical sectors within the APAC region. Her expertise spans all facets of clinical trials, from Phase 1-4, including adult and paediatric populations, as well as experience in investigational drugs and medical devices across 15 different therapeutic areas. This diverse experience has fuelled her passion to drive innovation in healthcare, advocate for inclusive and equitable access to clinical trials, and improve patient outcomes on a global scale. Additionally, as an International Keynote Speaker, she passionately advocates for the importance of clinical trials in advancing healthcare and successful novel drug development and fostering innovation in medical devices. Her advocacy also emphasizes the impact of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of medicine.
“The recognition I’ve received is a testament to the continuous hard work, dedication, and passion I have for my work, driven by compassion and a profound sense of purpose.”
She is driven by the potential to connect scientific advancements with practical solutions that improve patient outcomes, foster equity in healthcare, and ultimately transform lives. She finds deep purpose in advocating for research that not only propels medical science forward but also tackles critical issues, especially in underserved communities, on a global level.
Overcoming Challenges in Clinical Research
One of the biggest challenges Twinkle faces in her career is managing the demands of clinical research, particularly in complex first-in-human (FIH) trials. Balancing multiple roles—including Brand Ambassador and Sovereign Ambassador for Hoinser Media Group—while delivering 2 TEDx talks, speaking at major global conferences, and engaging in various high-profile events adds to the dynamic complexity of her journey. These responsibilities demand constant adaptability, from addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the Global Sustainable Development Congress to delivering impactful talks at prestigious international conferences.
Staying up to date with advancements in medical research while effectively communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences is no easy feat. For example, she also delivered a powerful talk titled “Clinical Trials – Give Hope to Those Who Have Lost Hope” on a global platform, drawing from her own career experience to highlight the critical role of clinical trials in transforming patient lives. Her speech resonated deeply, inspiring audiences from various backgrounds to recognize the profound impact of medical research on global healthcare. However, overcoming these challenges has paved the way for notable recognition, including the Best International Keynote Speaker Award and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Twinkle believes that every challenge is a stepping stone to a brighter future, a concept she has embraced throughout her life.
In FIH trials, setbacks are inevitable due to the unpredictable nature of novel treatments. By analyzing trial processes and working closely with cross-functional teams, she views setbacks as valuable lessons that refine protocols and strategies, ultimately making future trials stronger and more impactful.
Staying Motivated and Maintaining Balance
Twinkle’s positive approach to challenges has shaped her resilience, adaptability, and perseverance, driving her to constantly improve. By embracing the lessons learned from each challenge, she maintains her motivation and a balanced perspective, always striving for excellence.
For Twinkle, passion plays a key role in maintaining work-life balance. She believes that when your work is driven by passion, harmony naturally follows, making the demands of her career more manageable. As she often says, “ Passion without action is nothing but a mere delusion. To bring change, you must act!!”
Advancing Healthcare
First-in-human trials are Twinkle’s primary focus, to assess the drug’s safety, tolerability, and various aspects of how it behaves in the human body, as they represent a critical and transformative phase in drug development, after the ‘Phase 0’ Preclinical phase, offering a unique opportunity to study the safety and efficacy of new treatments directly in humans for the first time. She believes that this pivotal stage has the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in medical science, and Twinkle’s dedication to this area stems from her deep desire to bring novel therapies to patients in need faster and more safely. Personalized medicine as well as in First-in-Human (FIH) trials, is one of the most exciting trends in healthcare as these approaches considers factors such as a patient’s genetic profile, lifestyle, environment, and biomarkers to provide more effective and targeted treatments. Technologies like AI and machine learning are also further revolutionizing these trials, enhancing their efficiency by optimizing study design, streamlining recruitment, and improving data analysis.
Diversity and inclusion are key focuses in clinical trials. Twinkle Bahaduri’s second TEDx Talk titled ‘How diversity and Inclusion impact the way we deliver Clinical Trials’ emphasized the importance of diverse trial participants for effective treatments. Virtual and decentralized trials are also growing, allowing remote monitoring and expanding access to underrepresented communities.
These advancements are re-shaping clinical research, creating a more equitable and patient-centric healthcare system. Precision dosing and AI-driven insights promise to revolutionize drug development, making treatments more effective and accessible globally. As a passionate Clinical Trial advocate, Twinkle is thrilled to be part of this transformative change.
Transformative Qualities for Success
Twinkle believes that a passion for science and a drive to make a meaningful impact is key to success in clinical research. Her commitment to continuous learning and using her voice for change shapes her transformative approach.
Her inaugural TED Talk, “The Power of Commanding your Subconscious Mind to Raise the Bar,” emphasizes the transformative power of resilience and mindset shifts. Twinkle reminds us that with perseverance, strength, and agility, any obstacle can be overcome, turning the seemingly impossible into reality.
She encourages others to embrace their challenges, understand their own subconscious abilities to manifest their goals, and, in doing so, make the impossible, “I. M. POSSIBLE.” Her journey and insights inspire others to leverage their passion, pursue knowledge, and make a significant impact in the field of clinical research.
Resilience is not gained in calm waters; it is how you brave the storm that defines how you raise your bar. Remember, every wave has a purpose.
~ Twinkle Bahaduri
Role of Women in Healthcare and Pharma
Women are increasingly playing a pivotal role in transforming the healthcare and pharma industry. Over the next few years, the presence of women in leadership roles will continue to grow, shaping the future of clinical research. Their influence is helping to drive innovation and enhance the inclusivity of research, ensuring it reflects the diverse populations it aims to serve.
They are also addressing gender disparities in clinical trials, advocating for the inclusion of female participants to better understand gender-specific health outcomes. Their leadership in mentoring and empowering future female scientists is creating a supportive environment for the next generation of leaders.
As women continue to rise in clinical research, their contributions are transforming the field’s culture. They are not just participants but key innovators, steering medical research toward a more inclusive, patient-centered future.
Twinkle’s advice for young women entering the industry is to focus on passion and purpose, with success naturally following. “Don’t chase success,” she advises, “Focus on becoming so skilled and capable that success will find its way to you.”
What’s Next in Five Years?
The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries will face significant challenges in clinical trials, especially with the increasing complexity of new technologies like gene therapies and personalized medicine. Adaptive protocols will be essential to strike the right balance between innovation and patient safety, requiring close collaboration to minimize risks while effectively assessing treatment efficacy.
Patient recruitment and retention will also be challenging, especially for rare diseases. Overcoming logistical barriers such as awareness and access will be essential, as well as retaining participants in highly complex clinical trial designs.
Evolving regulatory guidelines and advanced technologies like AI will create opportunities but also complicate compliance and raise concerns over data privacy and accuracy. Twinkle emphasizes, “Tackling these challenges while prioritizing patient safety will be key to the success of early-phase trials”. The legacy that Twinkle hopes to leave in healthcare and pharma extends beyond just advancements in clinical research—it’s about empowering and inspiring others, through the platforms she speaks on.
“My goal is to ignite change by using my voice to address some of the most pressing issues in healthcare, such as diversity and inclusion, and how these factors influence the way we deliver clinical trials. I strive to empower individuals to tap into their inner strength, break boundaries, and challenge conventional norms—particularly in driving more inclusive and accessible healthcare solutions for all.”
Celebrating Milestones
One of Twinkle’s most significant life achievement was her recent invitation to speak at the Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024 (GSDC 2024) in Bangkok, Thailand. She reflects, “It was an incredible opportunity to share my insights on equitable healthcare and contribute to global discussions surrounding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Twinkle’s ultimate goal is to drive innovation in clinical research while empowering individuals and communities through education and inspiration. Her mission is to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding, making complex medical information accessible and actionable. By doing so, she aims to foster a healthier, more informed society.
Her career is a journey of purpose transformation and impact, earning her global recognition.
Major Achievements:
- 2x TEDx Speaker – Topics: “The Power of Commanding Your Subconscious Mind to Raise the Bar” (Dec 2021) and “How Diversity and Inclusion Impact the Way We Deliver Clinical Trials” (Jun 2023).
- TENx Speaker at Speakers Tribe Conference, Gold Coast (Feb 2020) – Topic: “Clinical Trials: Give Hope to Those Who Have Lost Hope.”
- Brand Ambassador and Sovereign Ambassador for Hoinser Media Group and featured in multiple international Heidens magazine series (2024).
- Recipient of the Top Icon Personality Award (Feb 2024).
- Co-author of “I.M.Possible”, Amazon Bestseller (Oct 2021).
- Featured in Top 10 Powerful Personalities in Women’s Magazine (Mar 2024).
- Invited by Times Higher Education to speak at Global Sustainable Development Congress 2024 in Thailand – Topic titled: “Re-thinking Research and Innovation for Equitable Healthcare” (Jun 2024).
- Recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (Jul 2024).
- Cover Feature in Heidens Magazine as “International Keynote Speaker” (Jun 2024).
- Cover Feature in CIO Global Magazine as “Inspiring Clinical Research Woman of the Year” (Aug 2024).
- Cover Feature in Hoinser Magazine as “Clinical Research Woman of the Year” (Oct 2024).
- Cover Feature in Hoinser Business Magazine as “Powerful Personality” (Jan 2025).
- Invited Keynote Speaker at World of Women Summit (Wise Women Conference 2025), Paris, France (Mar 2025) – Topics titled: “Lead from within: The Power of Commanding your Subconscious mind to Raise your Bar”