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As the world marks Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the global theme -Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girlscalls for meaningful progress toward gender equality. Despite decades of advocacy, women around the world still hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights that men enjoy, with inequalities persisting in areas such as work, safety, property, mobility, and economic opportunity.
At TU Dublin, academics such as Dr Swarna Jaiswal are contributing to this global conversation through their work, mentorship, and leadership in science and higher education.
Dr Jaiswal is a Lecturer in Applied Microbiology at TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus and Programme Chairperson of the BSc Biotechnology within the School of Food Science & Environmental Health. Her academic journey began in India, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology (Honours) at B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, followed by a master’s degree in biotechnology at Bangalore University.
Swarna later moved to Ireland to pursue a PhD at TU Dublin, graduating in 2012. Following her doctoral studies, Dr Jaiswal spent five years as a research scientist at the Centre for Research in Engineering and Surface Technology (CREST), an Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway based at TU Dublin. She also completed an Executive MBA at TU Dublin in 2015, further strengthening her leadership and industry engagement skills.
Before returning fully to academia, she gained industry experience as a Plant Microbiologist at Abbott Nutrition in Ireland. This combination of academic and industry experience has shaped her applied approach to research and teaching.
Today, Dr Swarna Jaiswal’s research focuses on the development of sustainable bio-based materials and bioproducts, including rigid and flexible packaging, antimicrobial coatings, bio-based adhesives, and water filtration membranes. Her work is strongly industry-focused, involving collaborations with SMEs and multinational companies across Ireland and the UK to advance innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.
She has contributed to numerous academic and commercial research projects and has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and edited books. Her research has been recognised internationally, with Stanford University listing her among the world’s top 2% of scientists in 2025. She serves on the editorial board of international journals, including Coatings (MDPI), and regularly presents her work at national and international conferences.
Reflecting on her career path, Dr Jaiswal says her motivation has always extended beyond academic ambition.
-Coming from a background where opportunities for young women and girls were limited, my journey into academia has been driven not only by academic ambition but also by a determination to overcome personal and societal barriers. This continues to shape both my work and my approach to mentoring today.-
Growing up in a conservative social and cultural environment made her aware from an early age that opportunities for young women are often shaped by societal expectations.
-Many girls are capable of achieving great things, but they may not always receive the encouragement or freedom to pursue their ambitions.-
As a student, Dr Jaiswal recalls being extremely shy and lacking confidence.
-I often sat quietly in the back of the classroom, hesitant to speak or share my ideas. Presenting my work or expressing my thoughts felt almost impossible at that time.-
Through education, mentorship, and research experience, she gradually developed the confidence to contribute and lead.
-Academia provided me with a platform where my ideas and contributions could be recognised and valued. This journey has shaped my belief that fairness in higher education is about creating opportunities not only to learn, but also to contribute, grow, and find one-s voice in academic and research environments.-
Like many women in science and academia, Dr Jaiswal notes that building confidence and establishing a strong academic and research identity can be a challenge, particularly when adapting to a new research environment.
-There are also broader structural challenges, including balancing research, teaching, and leadership responsibilities, as well as the continued underrepresentation of women in senior roles in STEM.-
Swarna has navigated these challenges by staying focused on her research goals, engaging in continuous learning, and building strong collaborative networks.
For Dr Jaiswal, equal justice in higher education means ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities regardless of gender, background, or where they come from.
-It means creating an environment where individuals are recognised for their ideas, dedication, and contributions. Universities should be spaces where people feel confident in speaking, participating, and leading.-
She believes many talented students simply need encouragement and mentorship to reach their potential.
During her career, she has seen positive developments for women in academia, particularly through initiatives designed to address systemic barriers and support gender equality in higher education. Programmes such as Athena Swan have helped institutions examine structural inequalities and promote more inclusive policies.
-It is also encouraging to see more women progressing into senior leadership roles, providing visibility and driving cultural change. Together, these shifts reflect a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.-
However, she emphasises that meaningful change requires sustained commitment.
-Real change requires more than policies; it requires continuous commitment and accountability. Universities must ensure that equality initiatives translate into practical actions.-
This includes mentoring programmes, transparent promotion and recruitment processes, leadership development opportunities, and supportive networks for early-career academics.
As the global community reflects on the theme of Rights, Justice, and Action for this year’s International Women’s Day, Dr Jaiswal believes universities have an important role to play in empowering the next generation.
-Many talented people simply need encouragement and the opportunity to be heard. Universities play a vital role in creating environments where everyone has the confidence to contribute and lead
