Through their groundbreaking research, women in Irish universities have uncovered some of the significant inequities that still exist in a range of areas from industry to research funding. EURAXESS Ireland celebrates International Women’s Day by recognising women in research.
Here are two examples of women who came to Ireland with the help of EURAXESS Ireland...
Dr Ryoko Sasamoto | Associate Professor School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, Dublin City University
I moved to Ireland in 2011 when I took up the post lecturer in Japanese and Asian Studies at DCU. Prior to that, I worked in a university in the north of England teaching a language. The post was similar to that of teaching fellow. What I had was a job, not a career and I was highly frustrated as I couldn't pursue my aspirations.
When my son was one year old I was offered a position at DCU. The post was rather senior for profile at that point, and I had my own reservations of relocating my whole family for my career. However, my husband encouraged me to take this opportunity and it was the best decision I ever made.
DCU and my colleagues are extremely supportive and I have been engaging in research and teaching and PhD supervision as I had always aspired to do. I am always encouraged and supported to pursue my research interests and recently I have been promoted to associate professor at this relatively early stage in my career.
Throughout my time in DCU I have worked with many highly supportive female colleagues who encouraged me to develop my career to the extent that I have. Over the coming years, it would be an honour for me to be able to provide the same support and encouragement for the next generation of women who come through SALIS.
Dr Leila Keshavarz | Postdoctoral Researcher,University of Limerick
Moving abroad on your own is not easy, especially when you are a woman. I travelled to Ireland because I wanted to gain some experience by living abroad, to become independent, gain new skills and for some new and exciting challenges.
I am originally from a city called Shiraz in south of Iran and there I studied Masters of Chemical Engineering. I got PhD position and moved to Ireland in January 2016.
I have studied my PhD research in the Solid State Pharmaceutical Cluster (SSPC) at the University of Limerick, which is a global hub for pharmaceutical process, innovation and advanced manufacturing of pharmaceutical ingredients. SSPC provided me with a safe learning environment for focusing on my PhD project with providing all facilities, equipment’s; company of colleagues, expert postdocs and helpful staff offering a range of activities to improve my skills such as workshops, trainings and conferences.
In 2018 I went for three months’ placement in a Pharmaceutical company, Chlorochem Ltd. in Dublin, was a good experience during my PhD to become acquainted with the Irish pharmaceutical industry. As an international student, the internship gave me a good idea of the relevance and applicability of scientific research and working in a European country.
Finding international friends during study is very valuable. I found myself more open mind after sharing the cultures and ideas with my international friends. We also had many food parties to share international cuisine. We went to many memorable trips and having fun together!
I also have a hobby that doesn’t depend on the weather! I found Irish castle and scenery very nice to paint. At the first it was just as a hobby for me but I got very good impressions from others! I encouraged by my friends and even colleagues to start art marketing and many of my paintings got sold:
I graduated in January 2020. Receiving my doctoral degree was a significant accomplishment amd I am very proud of this.
You can also see our stories from International Women's Day 2019