Nominee Stories

Marjorie Zettler PhD, MPH 
Senior Director Clinical Science, Accutar Biotech, USA
Education Award winner 2023 

While seminars and textbooks are conventionally used to educate, Marjorie uses her skills and knowledge to produce creative, engaging and thought-provoking regulatory affairs content that is accessible and user-friendly.


Q: How did you feel when you were nominated?
I felt both flattered and honoured. This is actually the second time I was nominated. The first time was in 2018 in a different category. That time I was a finalist, but I thought there's no way I could win. So I didn't go to the ceremony, but then I did win and I wasn't there! 

So this time around, when I found out I was nominated and that I was a finalist, I said I am going to go and I don't care if I win or not! I'm going to go to London and I'm going to bring my whole family. I'm going to go to the ceremony, I'm going to be dressed up, I'm going to drink champagne, I am going to just enjoy the whole experience. And I did!

Q: What did you enjoy about the awards ceremony?
Well, the venue itself was spectacular, and everything about the evening, from the live music to the meal itself, was amazing. But I think what I enjoyed the most was meeting other regulatory affairs professionals. It's not often that you're in the same room with the best of the best from around the world, and especially in such a celebratory social setting. So that was pretty special.

Q: How did it feel when you won?
Well, I was genuinely surprised that I won. And I'm so glad that there was a photographer to capture the moment. You can see when they call my name that the legends I was seated with actually stood up and applauded and I had only just met them that evening. It was so great to have them cheering me on even though they just met me. So it was a really unforgettable experience all the way around. 


Q: What would you say to encourage people to nominate their friends and colleagues for the awards? 
I would say do it. I've been both a nominee and a nominator and those experiences were incredibly rewarding. I think that regulatory affairs is a profession that people view as being supportive behind the scenes, and so the people who work in the profession are often overlooked and don't get the spotlight. It’s a wonderful thing to have the opportunity to shine a light on somebody and highlight their work. It's also great for companies as well to be able to say that their employee or their team got this recognition.


Q: How did you find TOPRA’s support during the awards process?
The support I had from TOPRA was phenomenal. I felt supported from start to finish, so I really didn't want for anything.