From Bench to Bosnia: Bringing a Thin Film Platform to Market Remotely By Irnela Bajrovic-Jasarevic

In an inspiring journey that bridges science, industry, and social impact, Dr. Irnela Bajrovic-Jasarevic has transformed her PhD thesis into a groundbreaking company dedicated to advancing global vaccine equity. Through her story, she offers a unique perspective on navigating the transition from academia to the entrepreneurial world while staying true to personal values and family priorities.

Turning Research Into Reality

Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic’s journey began in the academic halls of her PhD program, where she explored the potential of thin film formulations in biopharmaceutical applications. Her groundbreaking research paved the way for a platform technology capable of revolutionizing vaccine delivery. Thin film formulations offer an innovative solution for stabilizing and administering vaccines, especially in resource-limited settings where cold-chain logistics pose significant challenges.

Recognizing the potential impact of her work, Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic took a leap of faith, transitioning from her role as a researcher to an entrepreneur. With the goal of addressing global vaccine disparities, she co-founded a company to bring her thin film formulation platform to market. This bold move highlights her commitment to translating academic insights into tangible solutions that improve lives worldwide.

Navigating the Transition to Industry

For many scientists, the shift from academia to industry can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic’s experience offers valuable lessons for others considering this path. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, the willingness to embrace new challenges, and the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences—a skill honed through her academic career.

Building a company remotely added another layer of complexity. Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic’s ability to collaborate across borders and time zones underscores the significance of leveraging technology and fostering a global network. Her experience demonstrates how innovation and determination can overcome geographical and logistical barriers, enabling impactful contributions from anywhere in the world.

Balancing Career and Family

Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic’s story is not only about professional achievement but also about personal fulfillment. As a mother and entrepreneur, she is deeply aware of the challenges of balancing career aspirations with family commitments. Her advice to others in similar situations is to define success on their own terms and seek paths that align with their values and priorities.

By building her career remotely from Bosnia, she showcases the possibilities of integrating personal and professional lives. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that geographical location and family responsibilities need not limit one’s ability to make a global impact.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic’s success story offers inspiration to students, researchers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. She encourages others to take ownership of their career paths, seek mentorship, and embrace opportunities for growth—even those that might initially seem daunting. Her dedication to improving global vaccine access demonstrates how science and innovation can drive meaningful change.

In sharing her journey, Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams while remaining grounded in their values. Whether in a laboratory, a corporate office, or a remote home office in Bosnia, the possibilities for impact are boundless for those who dare to innovate and persevere.

Dr. Irnela Bajrovic-Jasarevic’s remarkable transition from academic researcher to entrepreneur illustrates the transformative power of applying science to solve real-world challenges. Her thin film formulation platform stands as a testament to the potential of innovation to promote equity and improve lives. Through her example, she lights the way for others to follow, proving that with determination and vision, the bench can indeed lead to a better world.