From the intricate world of polymer chemistry to banknote innovation, Priya Subramaniam's career is a remarkable testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to inclusivity. Priya has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired change in both industry and academia.

A continuous journey of innovation

After earning her degree in chemical engineering overseas, Priya sought to further her education with a higher degree in science with a PhD project in Polymer Chemistry at Monash University's Faculty of Science.  This expertise led her to a role with the Reserve Bank of Australia, where she worked on a top-secret project to redesign Australian banknotes.

“Monash has definitely prepared me through my education to face the real-world challenges.”

As a lead researcher, she played a pivotal role in introducing advanced security features ranging from first line defence through to machine readable for improvising the security of banknotes and tactile dots to improve accessibility for the vision-impaired community. These innovations now feature prominently on the Australian banknotes in circulation.

Later, as Senior Manager of Technical Services, Dr. Subramanian led a global note evaluation program and managed multimillion-dollar projects in the Asia-Pacific region and developed frameworks that bridged the gap between invention and commercial application.

"Working in an industry beyond research helped me to understand the stages required in transforming inventions to an industrially ready platform," Dr Subramanian said.

In 2020, she founded ProSquare Solutions, her own consulting firm, offering technical services in grant applications, product development, commercialization, and project management to start-ups and government-funded Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) followed by a stint in the world of adhesive working for leading adhesive supplier Henkel managing their technical services for Australia New Zealand across three sites and 6 steering business units.  And today she heads the Research Commercialisation portfolio for DuluxGroup.

A catalyst for change in STEM

Priya says that one of her biggest challenges was balancing her global career and being a parent. During her stint managing the research and global note evaluation program in the banknote world, Priya travelled to several countries over 12 years - sometimes being away for weeks to months. She recounts a moment of juggling responsibilities when her partner was flying in from Santiago as she prepared for a work trip to Amsterdam. With the nanny calling in sick and with no other alternative, Priya brought her son to the airport, handing him over to her partner just hours before her departure. "It wasn’t easy" she reflects, "but you learn to adapt and keep moving forward.

As a woman of colour in STEM, Priya is deeply aware of the systemic challenges that others like her face. “Opportunities in engineering were once very limited for women,” she reflects. “I wanted to create space for myself and pave the way for others.”

Dr Subramanian's experience shaped her commitment to diversity and inclusion in science, including the challenges of limited university placements and the intake of female students. As an advocate for inclusion, she serves on the advisory panel of STEM Sisters, a networking platform supporting women of colour and immigrants in STEM fields. As part of this initiative, Dr Subramanian plays a crucial role in helping women break down barriers, build meaningful connections, and grow their careers in STEM and transition successfully from academia to industry

“Just keep pursuing and don't fear rejection, and don't see this as a failure. You learn from rejections and failing".

Her own experiences fuel her passion for mentorship. “Take internships for the sake of experience and learning,” she advises aspiring scientists. “Learn the skills you need for your field.

Inspiring a new generation

Today, she leads research commercialisation at DuluxGroup, focusing on sustainable solutions and advancing high-quality products for market impact. In this role she champions inclusivity of women in research and Development portfolios and has succeeded in achieving gender balance in 2023 as part of the Dulux Group initiatives towards diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Priya Subramanian’s story is one of scientific brilliance, resilience, and a commitment to inclusion. She is not just a trailblazer in her field but also a role model for women in STEM, proving that with determination and support, barriers can be broken, and new possibilities can be realised.

“Every day in STEM is a chance to challenge norms, create solutions, and make a difference,”

Dr. Subramanian’s journey continues to inspire a new generation of thinkers, innovators, and changemakers who dare to imagine a more inclusive and innovative future.