We're looking for 2014's Fiercest women in biotech

Our annual top women in biotech report spotlights women in the life sciences industry, academia and regulatory roles who are outstanding members of the field. Our nomination form for this year's report is now open, and I'd like to encourage you to submit your nominations below or click here.

In the ever-more-interconnected climate of biopharma today, rife with licensing, partnering and M&A, finding the right people to trust with the research and capital needed for success in this business is a big challenge. Since our first report in 2010, FierceBiotech has been surveying the field for women who exemplify the kind of talent and savvy needed in such a demanding field--all leaders in developing, commercializing, marketing and investing in the compounds needed by people around the world. One of the predominant trends that has emerged each year is the importance of working closely with dedicated and intelligent people, whether in staffing, mentoring or accepting help from those who have come before.

In our 2013 report, for example, we featured Nancy Stagliano, then CEO of iPierian. In April, Stagliano sold iPierian and its preclinical work for neurodegenerative diseases to Bristol-Myers Squibb ($BMY) for $175 million down and up to $550 million in milestones. Like many of the other outstanding women profiled in these reports, Stagliano stressed the importance of mentoring to succeeding in the industry.

"I think you can't succeed as a woman or a man without having good mentors and recognizing the return on investment in mentoring," she told FierceBiotech last year. "It's one of my favorite parts, engaging with smart people."

In 2014, we will identify and interview several more women who have, through skill, perseverance and engagement with smart people in all levels and areas of their work, demonstrated strength and prowess in this difficult field.

Please submit your nominations here for the next edition of our report on the fiercest women in biotech today. The deadline for nominations is September 1. -- Jennifer Levin (email | Twitter)