Women in leadership positions in science should not be viewed as an exception, nor should it come as a surprise. According to Dr. Jayshree Seth, Corporate Scientist at 3M (USA) and a member of the VinFuture Prize Pre-Screening Committee, it is simply the natural state of our time.

Dr. Jayshree Seth, who holds more than 80 patents and has made significant contributions to the development of advanced products and technology platforms applied at an industrial scale, was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in February, one of the highest distinctions in engineering.

Behind this recognition lies a journey of perseverance and overcoming stereotypes, inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in science. On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, Dr. Jayshree Seth shares her reflections on the invisible barriers that can persist in STEM fields today.

Systemic changes can help women continue to move forward

– Congratulations on being elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE). What does this achievement signify for you personally, and how does it reflect the journey of your scientific career?

Dr. Jayshree Seth: First of all, it is truly a profound honor. It is incredible to be inducted not only for my innovations, but also for my persistent advocacy for STEM education. In a way, it validates not just the technical work but advocacy – the idea that championing STEM education in itself is a form of engineering excellence.

(Dr. Jayshree Seth was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in February, one of the highest distinctions in engineering.)

– Drawing from your own journey, what are the biggest challenges that women still encounter in STEM fields today and how can they be addressed?

Dr. Jayshree Seth: Progress has been made but a few challenges persist. The first is that women are often underrepresented in STEM fields. This numerical underrepresentation can create a vicious cycle of sorts – it can further fuel the other persistent challenge of bias. STEM stereotypes – what a scientist looks like, who fits in engineering, and how they succeed can contribute to biases that many women encounter.

Sometimes you just have to pursue and persist and these experiences can shape how you think, and how you can help others who may be following this path.

But individual efforts alone are not sufficient. Systemic changes ensure that women not only enter STEM fields, thrive in their careers and are also able to advance into positions of influence and decision-making.

In my Heart of Science book trilogy, I often talk about the “E’cosystem” – a set of elements that all begin with the letter E: Exposure, Encouragement, Education, Economics, Empowerment, Empathy, Ethics etc. These can have a profound impact across the STEM spectrum from early age through employment.

For instance, in education there could be more rethinking of how we teach STEM topics from the earliest ages, making it more connected to real-world impact and more reflective of the broader range of people in science. I know I would have benefitted from that.

Encouragement means fostering societal and work cultures where young girls and women feel actively supported in STEM- not just invited to participate but also considered for leadership roles.

And empowerment could signify having the platform and the authority to lead – not just seats at the table, but voices that are heard and truly heeded.

VinFuture sends a new message about the role of women in science

– What inspired your journey to the VinFuture Prize Pre-Screening Committee in 2025, and what made you decide to contribute to the mission of the Prize?

Dr. Jayshree Seth: My role as a scientist in industry gives me insight into the process of taking scientific discoveries and translating them into practical innovation. This perspective is particularly relevant to VinFuture’s goal, as it seeks to bridge the gap between research and reality.

As the Pre-Screening Committee, we are responsible for reviewing qualified nominations and shortlisting them according to the selection criteria set forth by the Prize Council. This requires scientific rigor to ensure that the science is sound, reproducible, and grounded in solid research. At the same time, we also ask: Does it truly impact people’s lives? Can the innovation scale? And is it sustainable? And that translation from lab to life is where the magic happens.

The launch of VinFuture – an international science prize founded in Vietnam with global stature – marks a remarkable milestone. Beyond recognizing outstanding scientific achievements, the Prize also contributes to shaping a well-structured and forward-looking scientific ecosystem with long-term impact.

It also positions Vietnam as an emerging global hub for cutting-edge technology, development, and collaboration. Increasingly, such hubs are shifting toward becoming creators rather than merely consumers of technology and science. This transition represents a significant evolution in the global innovation ecosystem. Countries that were once on the peripheries of scientific advancement are now making meaningful contributions to solving global challenges.

(Dr. Jayshree Seth spoke at the “Science for Life” symposia hosted by the VinFuture Foundation in December 2025.)

– VinFuture Prize is one of the few major global science prizes that includes a Special Prize for women scientists. From your perspective, what is the significance of establishing such a category in today’s scientific landscape?

Dr. Jayshree Seth: As I mentioned, women are often underrepresented in STEM fields, including in STEM leadership roles, and persistent STEM stereotypes that do not get dismantled continue to create powerful psychological barriers. Over time, all of this compounds to create a large gap.

For this reason, a dedicated prize for women innovators matters. It helps to address a systemic gap and does several things at once – It makes women’s contributions visible on a global stage and provides role models for the next generation. It also sends a clear institutional signal that women’s scientific leadership is valued and expected – not something exceptional or surprising.

(Dr. Jayshree Seth (third from right) emphasized that recognizing women scientists helps bring their contributions to light and inspire the next generation in STEM.)

–  As International Women’s Day on March 8 approaches, what message would you like to send to women in STEM around the world?

Dr. Jayshree Seth: I would say: Go for it! Keep at it! There are many problems waiting to be solved and many challenges looking for fresh ideas. Pursue your passions, blaze trails, and shape your own career path. Bring your interests into STEM, just as I did when I wove my passion for the humanities and social sciences into my work in engineering.

And we can challenge outdated constructs, dismantle archetypes, and shatter the stereotypes of who enters, who persists, and who excels in STEM.

This message echoes the spirit of the VinFuture Prize: honoring scientists whose work delivers positive impact for humanity, while contributing to a robust, equitable, and sustainable global scientific ecosystem – one in which talent is recognized not by your slice of demographic detail, but by the value your innovation brings to the world.

Thank you very much!