TU Dublin marks IWD2021 by highlighting the impact of women entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers across the University
Responding to this year's International Women's Day (IWD 2021) theme, "Choose to Challenge", TU Dublin - Hothouse, LINC & Synergy - has planned a month-long showcase of the achievements by women in TU Dublin in entrepreneurship, innovation, research and development.
Running throughout March in celebration of International Women's Day, the showcase will feature stories celebrating women making a difference in their company, start-up or research area. Through a series of case studies, news articles, webinars, and videos, the spotlight will be on the incredible work of women leading in their fields, shaping a more equal future.
Although women make up 52% of the total European population, only 30% of start-up ventures include women.[1] TU Dublin wants to change that imbalance, removing potential barriers for women to engage by celebrating and highlighting achievements. The showcase will also focus on developing new training programmes, offering dedicated funding and supports, and providing collaboration and networking opportunities for students, staff, researchers, and industry.
One of those whose achievements will be highlighted as part of the showcase is Dr Catherine Barry-Ryan, Senior Lecturer and researcher at the TU Dublin Food Innovation Lab. The Food Innovation Lab offers expertise in food and beverage product research and development and makes cutting-edge facilities available to companies engaged in food innovation. Welcoming the focus on women's achievements, Dr Barry Ryan said:
'I am delighted and grateful to be showcased among so many incredible and inspiring women who are making an impact in their fields. By taking part, we can share our enthusiasm, motivation and inspiration for research, innovation, development, and entrepreneurial pursuits. International Women's Day celebrates women's achievements, and we have a real opportunity to bring women together to network, grow and potentially learn from each other at a time when many people and businesses need it most.".
Also welcoming this celebration of achievement, President of TU Dublin, Professor David FitzPatrick, said, "The theme of this year's International Women's Day is 'Choose to Challenge', and we must all remain conscious of the inequalities between genders. We must choose to challenge bias whenever we encounter it to help create a better world. Of course, International Women's Day is also about celebrating the achievements of women, and I look forward to hearing the many stories this month of the excellent women of TU Dublin leading the way in entrepreneurship, innovation, research, and development."
Join TU Dublin in celebrating the women featured below. You can learn more about the selected participants via our upcoming webinars, case studies, and testimonials which can be found on any of our digital platforms on Twitter, LinkedIn, website and YouTube.
Please see a full list of participants who will be showcased this month:
- Eileen Denham - At Home Style
- Dr Catherine Barry Ryan – TU Dublin Food Innovation Lab
- Dhanya Jayachandra - Ai
- Aisling Cullen - Thanks Plants
- Dr Roisin Murphy – TU Dublin School of Surveying and Construction Management
- Orna Madden - Clinishift
- Miriam Bourke – CLYQ (New Company)
- Dr Aimee Byrne – TU Dublin School of Civil & Structural Engineering & SIBRU
- Annie Lee - fiid
- Jennifer O'Brien - Plantruption
- Dr Susan McKeever - TU Dublin School of Computer Science & AIRC
- Tara McElligot - Micron Agritech
- Criona Turley - Capella Workplace Solutions
- Dr Suzanne Martin – TU Dublin IEO Centre
- Derya Sousa, COO, Kianda
- Sohini De, Founder, Empeal
- Christina Thorpe, Cybersecurity, TU Dublin - Researcher, academic in female in STEM advocate
- Lavinia McLean, Humanities, TU Dublin - Notable accomplishments in research in social sciences
[1] WEbarometer – A Survey pf Women Entrepreneurs in Europe, 2020, Prof. Thomas M. Cooney, WEgate Project