#AccelerateAction, this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, is a global call to recognise strategies, resources, and actions that drive women’s progress and to actively support their implementation. IWD remains an important opportunity for amplifying the focus on gender equality.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Tyndall is continuously proud to support women from all professional backgrounds, including Imanda Jayawardena, MSCA Research Ireland Fellow.
What is your current role and research focus?
I am a biomaterials scientist by training. I work with the Biophotonics team at Tyndall on an MSCA-Research Ireland funded project, where I combine biomaterials with optical techniques to non-invasively monitor bone regeneration using a miniaturised platform.
What path led you here?
Following my Bachelor and PhD, I moved from Australia to Ireland to undertake this research fellowship to further develop my career as an early-career scientist and to gain exposure to the European scientific community.
Did you have a role model who influenced your career choice?
I have had many role models who influenced my career choice. I pursued science out of sheer curiosity and with the aim of helping to shape a better world, focusing increasingly on improving patient outcomes. Often, my role models were my parents, who, through their own efforts, made many things possible for me. At other times, my role models were friends, colleagues, mentors, fictional characters and esteemed scientists. If I could draw upon qualities I admired and aspired to in someone, they became a role model for me, for however long or short a period it would be.
What could be done to support women in STEM and #AccerateAction?
It is great that there is already a trend to support women in STEM; however, there is a strong need for continued support and opportunities, particularly in academic roles. One area that requires significant improvement is the recruitment, retention, and development of diverse talent. Given that early-career research positions are often short-lived, there is a pressing need for institutional or national programmes to support the long-term scientific development of early-career female scientists. This aligns closely with efforts to support women and girls in leadership and STEM. More support is also needed around maternity and family, ensuring that these essential commitments do not hinder women’s progress in STEM, but instead serve as a testament to their strength and ability to manage many things at once.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that life is not linear; there are many ups and downs. It’s important to pace yourself, prepare for challenges, and seize opportunities when they arise. Be determined, persevering, and kind. Remember, you are a woman – let that be a source of strength. And let your imagination guide you.
