Prof. Ita Richardson Lero | University of Limerick – Winner of WMB Empowering Women Award
18th November 2024
This week we hear from Prof. Ita Richardson, Lero | University of Limerick. Ita was presented with the WMB Empowering Women Award 2024. Recently she stepped down from her position as Deputy Director of Lero as she will be retiring from University of Limerick at the end of this year. When asked what legacy she would like to leave behind, she said: “That I have encouraged young women to face their challenges and that I have helped them to attain their ambitions.”
Q: You are a Full Professor in the Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) Department at University of Limerick. For our readers, how unique is your position given that only c27% of Professors in Irish Universities are women?
I work closely with many female and male colleagues when doing my research and teaching. There is a growth in the numbers – as we are getting closer to gender balance, there are lots of other female professors that I know, in UL, nationally and internationally.
I look forward to the day when women can focus on their research and teaching, rather than to have to fly the ‘woman’ flag.
Q: How can we achieve sustainable change in the representation of women in the senior professor grades?
My focus is on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), particularly Software Engineering / Computer Science. Starting with Undergraduate student enrolment numbers, we are in the region of 20% female nationally. If you consider that these numbers go down as one progresses through levels, it is obvious to me that we need to really get across the message to teenagers that software engineering and computer science is really important, and is a really interesting job.
It concerns me that when I talk to schoolgirls, what they are hearing are perceived difficulties [about a career in STEM]. This is why it is important for them to have role models who can tell them about the excitement and achievement in these jobs.
From the academic perspective, we need to ensure that early career women are given opportunities. We need to ensure that our systems include supports – for example, in UL, we give a Research Returner’s grant, where people who return from medium-term caring leave (maternity, looking after parents etc) get a grant to help them get back into their research. Interview and promotion boards need to be gender-balanced, and processes need to support women throughout their careers. Higher Education Institutes in Ireland now strive for Athena SWAN awards, which is causing management to consider how they support gender equality within their organisations. We are proud that UL is the first University in Ireland to obtain a Silver Athena SWAN award.
Q: What are the biggest challenges facing women in academia?
Starting into a research career is difficult, mainly because there are so many contracts.
Therefore, the pressure is on all early-career researchers to stretch themselves, very often by working long hours or taking up international positions. This is difficult on all, but, particularly for young women who might like to start families, this is of concern – how can they build their careers, look after families, move away from other family support?
Q: And what are the opportunities for change?
It would be great to see this piecemeal contract work change. It is very difficult, as research is dependent on funding, and funding bodies will only pay for a fixed length of time. But more work needs to be done on this – a creative solution is needed.
Q: Last year, University of Limerick was the first institution in Ireland to receive a Silver SWAN, having already secured Bronze status. As a previous Special Advisor on EDI and also lead on Lero and CSIS at UL’s Athena SWAN committee, how important is this recognition?
There has been huge work done in the Irish Higher Education Institutes to support women in their careers, mainly through the Athena SWAN awards. Many structures have changed – for example, interview boards are gender balanced, mentoring and leadership courses are available.
Some Universities, including the University of Limerick, have brought in a Returner’s Research Grant, where those who have been on medium-term carers’ leave, including Maternity leave, get a grant to support them in returning to research, which can be difficult after taking a break.
Promotions’ boards take leave into account. In my field, Software Engineering, we really need to encourage more schoolgirls to enter the profession. Athena SWAN supports us in doing that – in promoting subjects in schools.
Q: Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, brings together expert software teams from universities and institutes of technology across Ireland in a co-ordinated centre of research excellence with a strong industry focus. You were Deputy Director until recently – the first female to hold the position since Lero was founded in 2005. What did the role entail?
I was the first female Deputy Director of Lero until September 2024 when I stepped down, as I am retiring from my position in UL in December 2024. I was responsible for the day-to-day running of the centre, supported by a General Manager and Operations Team. We made decisions about grants and industry partners, and I worked with the Lero Executive Committee to ensure that the strategy was implemented.
As a Principal Investigator, I led a research team consisting of researchers and PhD students, working on projects funded by agencies such as Science Foundation Ireland, Irish Research Council and European Union, and funded by industry and public bodies.
Q: Over the years, Lero research has been responsible for the creation of several successful spin-out companies. One such entity is world-leading cybersecurity solutions company Nova Leah, founded by Dr. Anita Finnegan. Is there a sufficient pipeline of female entrepreneurial talent in STEM?
Nova Leah is indeed a great Lero success story, and we are very proud of Dr Anita Finnegan who founded the company and has led its growth.
I do some work with Entrepreneurship Researchers here in UL, who host STEM workshops for girls – recognising that there is a lack of women in STEM Entrepreneurship.
We held a really interesting workshop with female STEM researchers earlier this year, and from this, we have published about how female entrepreneurs should be educated, having identified that they have some different requirements to men.
Q: You actively work to increase female participation in STEM – in particular, in computer science. What are the perceived barriers facing young women and how can these be overcome?
I spoke at a workshop for Transition Year students last week, and the questions I was asked were about how difficult it is for women in the Software industry.
There is a perception that the career will be lonely and difficult, a worry that they will not be able for it, and maternity leave will be an issue. It always worries me when I hear these comments, because developing software is much more than sitting at a desk programming – how do you know what products people want if you don’t talk to them? Software engineers work in teams, sometime locally, sometimes globally. If you love your subject, then difficulty is not an issue. And, girls need to remember that when they are taken on by a company, management have already invested in those girls’ careers, and so, they will only be delighted to provide supports when you come back from Maternity leave.
Girls should talk to women who are working in the industry at any chance they get and should listen to talks from those of us who love this subject.
The other concern they express is that they are not helping people – this is so far from the truth.
Computing is everywhere nowadays, who can work without it? I’ve done lots of work with medical people, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists….. the list goes on. And, again, to be able to work with people from other professions is very exciting.
Q: You offer the following advice: “It is incumbent on those of us who have been able to make our choices and to have successful careers, to support and encourage those women following us.” How do you think, we can do this?
I think that we need to watch out for others. Are there early career people you know who might like some advice over a coffee? Could you review a CV for someone? Are there meetings that you can bring someone to so that they get a chance to see how this world works?
When we were invited to the Women Mean Business event, we brought a group of early-career researchers to join us. They got the benefit of attending this very interesting event and hearing excellent speakers. Sometimes, support is easy, we just have to recognise where it is needed.
Q: Mentorship is something that you are passionate about. How important is it to ‘throw back down the ladder’?
I have been a mentor through formal mentoring schemes many times.
I believe that it is very important for us to support those coming behind us, I have had help from others, now others can have help from me.
I have also been an informal mentor – if someone asks me a question or wants a discussion over coffee, I am willing. Sometimes, another person’s viewpoint can make a big difference to someone. I know that I have had a positive effect on many people’s lives, just because I’m willing to take the time with them.
Q: You are a previous recipient of Lero Director’s Prize for Diversity and Inclusion (2022). How important are such accolades?
Accolades such as this give a nice feeling – it is always good to be appreciated. But, it also shows people that when you do take time out to support others, then it can lead to you getting something back. This may be an encouragement for others to take up the mantle.
Q: Do you feel, as women, we sometimes lack confidence and even self-sabotage?
Yes, there are many times when I have thought – I won’t get this if I apply! But, I have had to learn to get over this, to put myself forward, and to be in that competition.
Of course, I have had many unsuccessful attempts at appointments, promotion, research grant applications etc, but it is about getting up and starting over again. This may take days or months, but it is worth it in the end.
Q: Recently you were presented with the WMB Empowering Women Award. How did you feel about receiving this recognition?
I was very delighted and surprised to receive this award. The competition was very strong, and I was very pleased that I was shortlisted. Thanks to Rosemary and her team for making this happen. It was well received within UL, and I received congratulations from around the campus, particularly in the department, Lero and the faculty.
Q: Our conference theme this year was ‘Be the Change’. How did this theme resonate with you?
I think we are still in the situation where change is needed. I would love to think that our work is done, but sadly, that is still not the case, and the statistics show that.
We need women to support women, and we also need men to support women. A diverse world is much stronger.
Q: Who are your role models?
I have many role models, each of whom has taught me different things. There are three in particular who have had a fundamental effect on my career:
Sr Concepta Murtagh, Loreto Sisters, who taught me maths and computer programming;
Emeritus Prof Pat O’Connor, University of Limerick, who supported me in many ways during my career;
My cousin, Marian Magrane, Toronto, who showed me that a woman could have a family and a career.
Q: Who supports you in your career and life ambitions?
My husband Bob, children David and Niamh and their families, my 5 siblings, many friends.
Q: What legacy would you like to leave behind?
That I have encouraged young women to face their challenges and that I have helped them to attain their ambitions.
The lighter side of ‘you’
If you were a superhero who would you be?
Jean Butler – I’d love to be able to dance!
Alternative career choice, no limits?
I really could not think of one – I’ve been very happy in my job, and come to work each day with a smile in my heart.
Name three things you’re passionate about (e.g. sustainability; great wine; world domination).
Women in sport, Life-saving, Music & Singing.
