Precision in translation: How regulatory expertise shapes patient safety in Pharma & Life Science
When pharmaceutical products reach consumers, the accuracy of every word on labels and package inserts can mean the difference between proper medication use and potentially dangerous misunderstanding. For NIRAS Life Science consultant Else Nedahl, this responsibility drives her meticulous approach to pharmaceutical translation.
"As a translator in this field, you're in direct contact with the consumer," Else explains. "It's your words on the labels and in the instructions, and we all know how complex these can be. My task is to make sure the information is both accurate and as accessible as possible for people who need to understand it."
In September, Else is retiring after more than 35 years in the pharmaceutical industry – and she has brought deep regulatory affairs expertise to her specialised role translating pharmaceutical labels and package insert instructions.
Since joining NIRAS's Life Science consultancy team in 2021, she has leveraged her comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical processes, products, and terminology to ensure critical consumer information meets the highest accuracy standards.
As she prepares for retirement this September, her approach to this final chapter of her career exemplifies how experienced professionals can continue delivering exceptional value while working on terms that suit their evolving priorities.
"As a translator in this field, you're in direct contact with the consumer," Else explains. "It's your words on the labels and in the instructions, and we all know how complex these can be. My task is to make sure the information is both accurate and as accessible as possible for people who need to understand it."
Regulatory knowledge meets translation expertise
Else's background as a pharmacologist, combined with decades of experience in regulatory affairs and chemical testing, provides the technical foundation essential for pharmaceutical translation. Her transition into translation work in 2016 allowed her to synthesize this extensive industry knowledge into a specialised consultancy service.
"Her work requires understanding not just language, but the regulatory framework and scientific principles behind every product," notes Saad Nisar, Head of Department at NIRAS Life Science. "Else's pharmaceutical background ensures our translations maintain both linguistic accuracy and regulatory compliance."
"Else's meticulous approach ensures our product documentation meets the highest standards," adds Saad Nisar. "Her expertise directly benefits both our clients and the end users who depend on accurate pharmaceutical information."
Remote delivery, direct impact
The nature of pharmaceutical translation allows for flexible delivery methods while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Else works primarily from her home office, coordinating with colleagues and clients through established communication channels that ensure seamless project delivery.
"Translation work is quite distinct from typical on-site consultancy," she explains. "Our tasks are clearly defined, and as long as clients know we can deliver to the required quality standards, the focus remains on the output rather than physical presence."
This approach reflects NIRAS's broader consultancy model, where autonomy and flexibility support high-quality client service. Regular team meetings and collaborative reviews ensure consistency and knowledge sharing across the Life Science translation team.
Expertise that serves end users
While working behind the scenes, Else's contributions directly impact how patients and healthcare providers interact with pharmaceutical products. Her attention to detail in translating complex regulatory language into clear, usable information exemplifies the precision required in life sciences consultancy.
"Else's meticulous approach ensures our product documentation meets the highest standards," adds Saad Nisar. "Her expertise directly benefits both our clients and the end users who depend on accurate pharmaceutical information."
As healthcare regulations continue to evolve and global pharmaceutical markets expand, specialists like Else demonstrate how deep industry knowledge combined with linguistic precision creates value for clients while supporting patient safety.
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