On 29 August 2025, Satellite Consultancy submitted a proposal to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the tender “Policy Guidance for Better Access of Underrepresented Populations to Clinical Trials.” The goal was to support the WHO Clinical Trials Resolution (WHA 75.8) by developing guidance to ensure more inclusive participation in research, particularly for children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and older adults.

To respond effectively, Natacha Fovel, brought together a world-class consortium of experts from leading institutions, combining scientific rigor, policy insight, and implementation expertise.

• Work Package 1 – Karolinska Institute (Sweden): Conducted a global review of underrepresented populations and analyzed systemic barriers to inclusion.

• Work Package 2 – London School of Economics (UK): Mapped existing policies and frameworks, identifying gaps and proposing principles to promote equitable access.

• Work Package 3 – Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute & Global Health Policy Consultants (Switzerland): Developed practical guidance, implementation tools, and training materials for ethics committees, funders, and regulators.

The project brought together an exceptional team of leaders and specialists across global health, ethics, policy, pediatrics, aging, disability, and maternal health. The consortium’s members contributed their expertise with great enthusiasm, making the proposal process a highly collaborative and enjoyable experience.

Although another consortium was ultimately selected, WHO commended Satellite Consultancy’s proposal for its excellence and depth of expertise. Natacha and the team are excited about future opportunities to work together, building on the strong relationships and shared commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in clinical research.

In 2008, while working at Landtrade Global Supplies, Natacha Fovel served as Project Coordinator for a company specializing in procurement for emerging democracies. The company focused on supplying essential election materials such as indelible ink, ballot papers, ballot boxes, and generators—typically for clients like the United Nations or national Electoral Committees.

Natacha prepared and submitted a proposal for a UN tender to supply a generator for the 2010 election in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The products were manufactured in China and required careful coordination for international shipment and delivery.

Landtrade Global Supplies won the bid, valued at £65,000, and Natacha took full responsibility for managing the project from start to finish. She oversaw the generator’s manufacturing, shipment, and successful delivery on site for the election, demonstrating her expertise in international procurement, project management, and logistics.

This experience highlights Natacha’s ability to lead complex, high-stakes projects with precision and reliability, from tender submission to successful implementation.

Master’s thesis submitted to the Université Libre de Bruxelles in June 2007 in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Political Science, International Relations. The thesis was awarded high distinction, one of the highest grades, and focused on comparing public policies in France and Sweden regarding support for working women, with the aim of identifying the most effective economic model. Surprisingly, my analysis revealed that although the Swedish system was the most supportive of women in the workforce, it still resulted in disparities in pensions. This indicated that even a pro-women system could lead to long-term inequalities, highlighting the need for a better model to ensure true equity.

My ability to anticipate the long-term effects of public policy has proven prescient; the issues identified in my thesis have only begun to attract media attention and calls for reform since 2020, 15 years after my analysis was completed.

During the summer of 2007, I completed an internship at the Belgian Ministry of Defence, where I was tasked with preparing a strategic internal report for the Military Board. The report focused on analyzing the geopolitical situation in Iran, with particular attention to its regional influence, nuclear ambitions, and potential implications for Belgian and European security. My work involved extensive research, including open-source intelligence gathering, policy analysis, and risk assessment. I examined Iran’s military capabilities, its relationships with key international actors, and its role in regional conflicts. The objective was to provide the Military Board with a clear, concise, and forward-looking overview of possible threat scenarios and recommendations for strategic awareness. At the conclusion of my internship, I presented my findings to senior officials of the Military Board. The presentation was well received, and I was formally thanked by the Ministry for the depth of my analysis and the quality of my recommendations. This experience strengthened my analytical and strategic thinking skills and gave me valuable exposure to national security and defense policy processes. 

In May 2023, I contributed to the preparation of a strategic report for a leading diagnostics corporation, focused on assessing the potential impact of the EU Green Deal on the company's operations. The goal was to inform internal stakeholders, including senior leadership and sustainability teams, about regulatory developments, risks, and opportunities arising from the Green Deal, particularly in relation to environmental compliance, supply chain sustainability, and innovation incentives. The report included both an executive summary for quick decision-making and a comprehensive version with in-depth analysis, policy mapping, and potential strategic responses. My role involved conducting targeted research, analyzing EU policy documents, and translating complex regulatory content into actionable insights. My contributions were recognized as a key asset to the quality of the final deliverable, and my colleagues appreciated both the clarity of my analysis and my ability to connect policy developments with business implications. The report has since served as a valuable reference in the company’s sustainability planning discussions.

In June 2023, while working with a Government Affairs team in the healthcare sector, I conducted a policy and market impact analysis focused on the economic measures introduced by the Biden administration, particularly those within the Inflation Reduction Act and related green investment initiatives. The objective was to assess how these U.S. policies could affect business operations in the American market and evaluate their indirect implications for strategic positioning in Europe. While internal focus had largely centered on the legislation’s impact on drug pricing, my research identified an underexplored yet financially significant dimension: the role of green subsidies and investment incentives. I demonstrated how these policy elements could influence R&D investment decisions, supply chain strategies, and overall competitiveness in both diagnostics and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The analysis was well received for offering a more comprehensive view of the legislation's commercial and strategic consequences. It helped expand internal discussions beyond pricing, contributing to the development of a more informed policy engagement strategy and supporting cross-functional alignment across sustainability, finance, and market access teams. 

Prepared in May 2024 while working with the External Affairs' Team in a large pharma corporation based in Belgium, this report analyzed recent policy developments related to intellectual property (IP) and their implications for the healthcare market in Belgium. The report aimed to provide strategic insights for both internal stakeholders and external partners, assessing how proposed changes in IP regulations could impact innovation, market access, and long-term investment in medical research. It also highlighted the delicate balance between encouraging pharmaceutical innovation and ensuring sustainable access to medicines. This work supported the firm's policy positioning and informed its engagement with key decision-makers in Belgium’s healthcare and regulatory landscape.

This analysis, prepared in July 2024 for a leading European pharma trade association representing the vaccine industry in Europe, examines the implications of the new EU Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Regulation on vaccine development and access to immunization across Member States. The report highlights a critical oversight in the legislation: the joint clinical assessment framework under the HTA Regulation does not adequately account for the specific characteristics and evaluation needs of vaccines, which differ significantly from those of therapeutic medicines. Consequently, the current design of the HTA tool risks causing delays and inconsistencies in the assessment process, potentially leading to reduced or unequal access to vaccines for patients across Europe. This work was developed to inform both the public and policymakers about the potential unintended consequences of the regulation and to advocate for integrating vaccine-specific considerations into the HTA methodology to safeguard public health and ensure equitable access.

In May 2023, I developed a strategic briefing for the Head of Pharma International in a major pharma corporation in preparation for a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The briefing addressed the industry's position on the complex revision of EU pharmaceutical legislation, focusing on critical topics such as market exclusivity, incentives for innovation, and the potential impact on research and development in Europe. It combined the firm’s priorities with broader industry input, offering data-backed arguments and clear messaging to support effective policy engagement at the highest political level.

In June 2023, while working in a public affairs' team in a large pharma cooperation, I developed a comprehensive briefing presented in the form of a strategic slide deck. The objective was to support the onboarding of the new CEO of the entreprise by providing a clear, accessible overview of the Swiss political and regulatory landscape relevant to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

The report covered key aspects of the Swiss policy ecosystem, including the structure of the healthcare system, the role of federal and cantonal authorities, regulatory frameworks for market access and pricing, as well as current and emerging policy challenges. It also outlined the life-science organization’s positioning on major policy files and ongoing engagements with key Swiss stakeholders. This briefing helped the new executive quickly grasp the policy dynamics affecting the industry’s operations in Switzerland and facilitated effective alignment with the company’s external affairs strategy. 

In June 2023, I prepared a policy briefing for the Head of a Government Affairs from a large pharmaceutical company in advance of her annual meeting with the Company's Ethics Committee on Animal Welfare. The goal was to provide a concise and strategic overview—presented in slide format—of the latest developments in animal welfare regulations in both the United States and the European Union. The briefing summarized recent legislative and policy trends, regulatory shifts, and stakeholder positions, with a focus on identifying any potential implications for the company’s research activities, regulatory compliance, and corporate responsibility commitments. It also flagged emerging areas of concern that could influence public perception or operational practices in preclinical research. This work helped ensure the company's policy team and Ethics Committee were aligned on evolving external expectations and prepared to proactively address upcoming challenges in animal welfare governance.

In November 2023, I developed a persuasive policy briefing for a large diagnostics company. The briefing was designed to support the team’s efforts in engaging with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and advocating for the inclusion of self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) devices in the national reimbursement scheme. The document outlined the clinical, economic, and public health benefits of SMBG for people living with diabetes—particularly those with Type 1 diabetes—highlighting international best practices, real-world evidence, and long-term cost savings for health systems. It emphasized how improving access to SMBG could significantly enhance disease management, reduce complications, and improve health outcomes for millions of patients. A few weeks after the briefing was shared, the team secured a meeting with Indonesian health authorities, which led to a positive and constructive policy dialogue. This marked an important step toward expanding market access for the company and improving the lives of diabetes patients through better disease management tools.

I played a key role in organizing a high-impact debate hosted by the Femmes Réformatrices of the Brussels-Capital Region, focusing on gender inequalities in education, career progression, wages, and pensions. The evening featured prominent speakers such as Brussels MPs Françoise Schepmans and Viviane Teitelbaum, business leader Dominique Leroy, and Isabelle Lenarduzzi, founder of JUMP. I coordinated various aspects of the event, from planning and logistics to speaker engagement. The debate sparked meaningful discussions on women's roles in the economy and was followed by an engaging exchange with the audience. The event was a powerful platform for raising awareness and mobilizing action toward gender equality.

For the 100th anniversary of a large pharma and diagnostics company in Belgium and Luxembourg, I was part of the event’s organizing committee. My responsibilities included engaging with authorities, conducting stakeholder mapping, and organizing a high-level debate among key stakeholders from the Belgian healthcare ecosystem. I also prepared the debate briefing and the event briefing for the CEO. The debate aimed to highlight the importance of strengthening prevention and early diagnostics, adapting HTA (Health Technology Assessment) regulations, and accelerating access to innovative technologies such as companion diagnostics, genomics, and CAR-T therapies. It also focused on advancing the digitalization of healthcare, improving access to clinical trials, and ensuring faster access to treatments for patients. The event was a tremendous success—not only due to the media coverage it received, but also because hundreds of key stakeholders including members from the authorities signed the Declaration of Intention, committing to actively contribute to closing the healthcare gap in Belgium. 

With solid experience in organizing large-scale corporate team-building events, you can count on me to design something truly original—tailored to your stakeholders and focused on fostering cohesion, trust, and collaboration. These events are crafted not only to bring people together but also to align teams around shared goals and strengthen performance.

Pictured here: a team of 50 scientists from across the globe who came together for a unique event I organized for one of Switzerland’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

Organizing large-scale corporate events has always been one of my favorite responsibilities. On the picture, I was in charge of coordinating the Christmas party for an entire Research and Development division at one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical organizations. With 300 guests in attendance, the event was a great success. I received heartfelt applause from the department head and colleagues alike for ensuring everything ran smoothly and that everyone had a fantastic time, fostering a strong sense of cohesion and motivation within the team.

With seven years of experience in the Research and Development department of one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, I have built strong expertise in organizing scientific events—fully aware of the complexities these initiatives involve, particularly around contract management and stakeholder coordination. Pictured here: a scientific symposium I helped organize in Basel, bringing together researchers from both academia and industry to advance innovation in the field of neurology.

Organizing seminars was also a key part of my responsibilities. Pictured here: a two-day workshop with a team of biomarker researchers from around the world, focused on strategic discussions and project follow-up—held while I was working for one of Switzerland’s leading life science corporations.

Organizing health policy conferences was also a key part of my role in the pharmaceutical sector. Pictured here is a high-level policy summit I coordinated while working for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical and diagnostics firms. We brought together policy leaders from across Europe to exchange best practices, strengthen their ability to engage with health authorities, and—most importantly—build networks and stay ahead of critical policy developments shaping the future of healthcare.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I gained valuable experience in organizing large-scale virtual corporate events while teams were working remotely. I took the initiative to make these gatherings as engaging and motivating as possible by encouraging participants to dress up and incorporating interactive activities. One example pictured here involved an awards ceremony to recognize team members’ contributions—boosting morale, encouraging performance, and maintaining a strong sense of connection despite physical distance.

Distributing leaflets is a key part of campaigning, as it allows you to share your organization’s message visually with a broad audience. It’s even more impactful when done as a group and alongside high-profile figures. Here, I’m pictured with Minister of State Glenys Kinnock and Member of Parliament Martin Linton during a leaflet distribution ahead of the 2010 UK General Election.

I have extensive experience organizing successful demonstrations, mobilizing public support around important social issues. Pictured here with the Young Liberals of the Liberal Party in Belgium, we actively campaigned for women’s rights during the critical debates on abortion legislation. These demonstrations were carefully planned to raise awareness, engage the community, and influence policymakers. By coordinating with diverse stakeholders and ensuring clear, impactful messaging, I helped create events that not only drew significant public attention but also contributed meaningfully to advancing the cause.

In politics, engaging with the media was a key part of my role—maximizing visibility to create the greatest impact. Pictured here during the Labour Party Conference in Manchester, I coordinated a press event featuring Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah, ensuring strong media attendance and effective coverage. Events like this highlight my experience in media relations and organizing high-profile political moments.

During the UK general election campaign, as the Campaign Organizer for a Labour Member of Parliament in the Battersea constituency, I coordinated regular canvassing sessions across the Battersea Estates. These sessions involved many dedicated volunteers and occasionally included high-profile figures such as Secretaries of State. This direct engagement helped us gain a clear understanding of the community’s key concerns while allowing constituents to connect immediately with senior government officials, thereby enhancing the impact of our campaign. All the campaign activities I initiated and organized helped the MP gain hundreds more votes compared to the previous election.

It’s important to vary your campaigning activities to stay motivated and reach different audiences effectively. Here, I’m pictured during a phone canvassing session close to the 2010 UK General Election , while the Prime Minister Gordon Brown visits our local constituency office in London to encourage and thank us for our efforts ahead of the campaign.

Direct engagement with your target stakeholders is crucial. While serving as the campaign organizer for a Member of Parliament in London, we organized focused coffee sessions on specific topics to encourage community members to come together, discuss their views, and share their challenges. This approach helped build genuine connections, deepen our understanding of their needs, and ultimately enabled us to provide more effective support.

My fundraising experience originates from my time in politics. While campaigning for the general elections with the Labour Party, I organized high-profile fundraising dinners featuring prominent guests such as Gordon Brown, then Prime Minister of the UK, and David Miliband, former UK Foreign Secretary. These events were highly successful, attracting strong donor engagement and raising substantial funds to support the campaign. All the campaign activities I initiated and organized helped the MP gain hundreds more votes compared to the previous election.

Sometimes, when people aren’t listening, you have to take a bolder approach—hit the streets and raise your voice for what you believe is right. This is exactly what we did when I worked for a think tank advocating political reform in the UK, just before I helped boost the campaign leading up to the 2011 UK Alternative Vote Referendum. The referendum focused on replacing the traditional First Past the Post parliamentary voting system with the Alternative Vote method, which aimed to provide a more proportional representation.

I have solid experience in Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) reporting for large pharmaceutical companies, managing both the data-driven and narrative aspects of the submission process. My work is meticulous and structured, ensuring alignment with DJSI’s evolving criteria and the specific challenges of the pharma industry, such as ethical innovation, supply chain transparency, and access to medicine. I support clients by translating complex sustainability efforts into clear, benchmark-aligned reporting that enhances DJSI performance and reflects real ESG leadership. Whether leading the full reporting process or supporting internal teams, I help ensure that submissions are accurate, compelling, and strategically positioned.

I was responsible for managing the European Transparency Register reporting for a large pharmaceutical company. This involved collecting financial data from employees across the organization, consolidating the figures, and ensuring consistency with publicly available information on various communication channels. My approach was thorough and detail-oriented. I cross-checked all reported figures against website disclosures and internal data, identifying and correcting discrepancies that had gone unnoticed. Thanks to this diligence, I was able to ensure full alignment between internal reports and public information, and my work was formally acknowledged and appreciated by the company.The report was submitted accurately and on time, reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance at the EU level.