Jayshree Seth

A corporate innovator and first-ever Chief Science Advocate, Jayshree Seth is an award-winning scientist, prolific inventor, author, TEDx speaker and accomplished thought-leader. With 80 patents and over three decades of ‘in the trenches’ experience developing innovative products and technologies at 3M, she provides a unique and practical perspective on the topics of innovation, leadership, culture and careers. Dr. Seth has been instrumental in proposing over 50 actionable frameworks and mental models, useful for corporate innovators, managers and leaders. As a science advocate, she also speaks and writes about the need for science-based sustainable innovation and the role of management in fostering a culture that empowers employees to be innovative. She studies the public perception of science and its impact on society, and her research includes work on understanding how to create a robust pipeline of talent to shape our collective future. Dr. Seth speaks on a multitude of topics at events, keynotes conferences, and delivers lectures at educational institutions, where she shares insights and perspective to inspire the next generation of scientist, engineers, innovators, and leaders, against the backdrop of her own journey.

Dr. Seth is also the author of The Heart of Science trilogy published by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and all sales proceeds go to a scholarship for women in STEM administered by SWE. The first book in the series, "Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints" combines her personal experiences with practical advice to encourage more people to pursue careers in science and engineering. Her second book, "Engineering Fine Print," zooms in on the issues of science and leadership through a lens of personal and professional transitions, reflections and actions. The final book in the trilogy, "Engineering Blueprint," is an immersive mentoring experience empowering readers to master skills, develop talent and strategies to thrive in a complex world.

Dr. Seth received a PhD in chemical engineering from Clarkson University. She is the fourth woman and first female engineer to be inducted into the Carlton Society, the 3M "Hall of Fame" in 2019. She is the recipient of the Highest Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers, presented in 2020, and the first-ever winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the Female Thought Leaders of the Year category in 2021. In 2025, she was named to the Thinkers50 Radar List.