Bridging borders through science
Meet four women advancing science and technology between Ireland and Scotland
Collaboration between Irish and Scottish scientists, academics and researchers is vital to the development and growth of these connections. Facilitated by the Common Travel Area, there is considerable movement amongst Scottish and Irish students and academics, with strong relations between higher educational institutions.
Irish and Scottish women play a key role in these links as researchers, scientists, academics and more. Celebrating these connections, the Consulate in Edinburgh, together with Women in Technology and Science Ireland (WITS) and the Royal Society of Edinburgh recently hosted an event celebrating women in STEM and these Irish-Scottish links. During the panel, we explored how Ireland and Scotland can work together, and better support women in STEM from primary school to the highest levels of industry and academia.
Meet the Scientists
Meet some of the women scientists from the panel, who are working between our two nations to further knowledge, education and innovation across a huge variety of scientific and technology sectors.
Jean O’Donnell
Jean O’Donnell is Chair of Women in Technology and Science Ireland. She is also an award-winning Technology Employee Engagement and Talent Development Leader with significant experience designing and implementing employee experience and capability development strategies.
She has over 15 years’ experience in the tech sector, with a deep understanding of the importance of technology in driving and supporting business.
O’Donnell is passionate about equity, inclusion and diversity. Holding a Masters in Coaching from University College Cork (UCC), she has supported many women on their journey back to the workplace after a career break.
Professor Dame Anne Glover DBE FRS
Dame Anne Glover has a BSc in Biochemistry from Edinburgh and a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Cambridge, UK. She is Professor Emeritus at the University of Strathclyde, President of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and chairs/serves on several boards including chairing the L’Oreal - UNESCO For Women in Science Board.
Anne was the first Chief Scientific Adviser to the President of the European Commission (2012-2015) and was the first Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland (2006-2011). She has been awarded many honorary degrees both nationally and internationally. In 2009, she was awarded a CBE by the Queen in recognition of her services to environmental sciences and in 2015, she became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to science in the UK and Europe.
Professor Eva Malone
Eva Malone is Professor of Bioscience Education and Immunology at Edinburgh Napier University. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and was awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in 2021 in recognition of her impact on teaching and student outcomes in higher education in the UK.
Her research career has spanned immunoparasitology, nanotoxicology and exercise immunology. Her current work focuses on science communication and public engagement with a particular emphasis on supporting young people to make informed decisions about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
With more than 20 years’ experience designing and delivering immunology teaching and learning materials, she is deeply committed to student success and inclusive, research-informed education.
Dr Jennifer Keenahan
Dr Jennifer Keenahan is an Associate Professor in Civil Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD). She specialises in computational fluid dynamics and wind-related environmental flows, with applications spanning the built environment, civil infrastructure and coastal-marine systems.
She has a Professional Diploma in University Teaching and Learning and is Vice-Principal for Teaching and Learning for the College of Engineering and Architecture. She teaches first, second and third year multidisciplinary student cohorts (engineers and architects) through team-based learning and assessment.
She is currently Deputy Chair of WITS Ireland (Women in Technology and Science) and has been a board member since 2020.
