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According to WIPO, only an estimated 16% of inventors named on patent applications filed in 2022 were women [1]. While WIPO’s data shows an increase in the number of female inventors named on patent applications since 2020, a significant innovation gender gap still exists.
In recognition of International Women’s Day, this article celebrates female inventors who have achieved success and paved the way for further female-led innovation.
Katalin Karikó, Nobel Prize Winner, 2023 and European Inventor ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award Winner, 2022
Katalin Karikó, alongside her co-worker Drew Weissman, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their ground-breaking research into the chemical modifications of messenger RNA (mRNA). This research has expanded the field of mRNA-based therapeutics.
Genetic information is encoded in DNA; this is subsequently transcribed into mRNA, which is used as a template for protein synthesis. mRNAs encoding therapeutic proteins or viral antigens are promising as candidates for the treatment and prevention of disease, however, previous mRNA-based therapies were hindered due, in part, to the initiation of inflammatory responses in mammals.
Karikó and Weissman discovered that the nucleoside bases of mammalian mRNAs are often chemically modified, which enables mRNAs from the mammalian cells to evade destruction by the host immune system. In contrast ‘foreign’ RNAs, which can be derived from viruses and bacteria or in vitro transcription in a laboratory, lack these modifications and therefore promote inflammatory responses when injected into the host. Karikó and Weissman set about preparing synthetic mRNAs with these modifications to determine their efficacy as therapeutics.
The modified mRNAs were successfully found to avoid the initiation of inflammatory responses, and increase protein production, when compared to previous mRNA-based therapeutics. This work by Karikó and Weissman has enabled the use of mRNA in therapeutics and vaccines, a discovery that was essential for the rapid development of mRNA vaccines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll, European Inventor Award Winner, 2023
Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll were awarded the European Inventor Award in 2023 for the development of a composite material that reduces noise transmission, protecting against the detrimental effects of noise pollution.
Approximately 20% of the European population is exposed to chronic levels of noise that is considered harmful to health [2]. Long-term exposure to high levels of noise has been found to adversely affect both physical and mental health, and has been linked with tinnitus, impaired cognitive performance, and sleep disturbances.
Togher and O’Carroll developed the sound absorbing material SoundBounceTM. The material is made up of cellular scaffold with a thixotropic gel embedded within the cells. As sound reaches the material, the thixotropic gel absorbs the incident sound energy causing a decrease in the viscosity of the gel. This process dampens the transmission of sound waves through the material.
The material is currently used in headphones and ear protectors, but it could also be integrated into machinery and vehicles to minimise noise transmission in industry and transport. Togher and O’Carroll are currently collaborating with the European Space Agency, to incorporate their technology into launch vehicles.
Erin Smith, Young Inventors Prize 2022
Erin Smith was awarded the Young Inventors prize in 2022 for her work in FacePrint, a technology that can predict indicators of early onset Parkinson’s disease using artificial intelligence.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that impairs movement, cognitive function, and sensory functions. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, however rehabilitation, and medication can improve the symptoms.
FacePrint is an app-based technology that uses facial recognition and artificial intelligence to analyse facial expressions of individuals, and look for markers of Parkinson’s disease including hypomimia (also known as facial masking). The technology is able to identify minute indicators of early-onset Parkinson’s disease, and can predict disease onset with 95% accuracy.
The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled in the past 25 years, and is steadily increasing internationally [3]. Smith’s technology is predicted to make a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals with Parkinson’s disease, by providing them with an early diagnosis.
Elena García Armada, European Inventor ‘Popular Prize’ Winner 2023
Inspired by a young child who was paralysed following an accident, Elena García Armada, a robotics expert at the Spanish National Research Council, began developing exoskeletons for children. This device is designed forchildren with neuromuscular disorders, assisting them with walking and standing upright. This support is intended to prevent and/or ameliorate the medical complications that arise from the frequent use of a wheelchair, which include muscle degradation and spinal deformities.
The exoskeleton is an adjustable suit worn by the user, containing a number of sensory systems that monitor the movement of the user’s exoskeleton and muscular movements, and a user interface which receives input on the movement intention of the user. The information from the user interface and the sensory systems are coordinated by a movement system, that ultimately drives the movement of the limbs of the suit.
García’s invention is expected to improve the quality of life of children suffering with neuromuscular disorders and/or mobility problems, and promote rehabilitation following surgeries and hospital stays. The device could also reduce the cost and burden on the national health services.
A number of national patent offices have taken steps to reduce the gender gap. The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks in India introduced an 80% fee reduction to start-ups and female entrepreneurs [4] , whilst the Intellectual Property Office of Mexico has created a digital community that provides female inventors and entrepreneurs with the opportunities and support to commercialise their technologies[5].
However, further government-led initiatives are required that encourage women to pursue and maintain STEM careers, and provide them with clear support for the protection and commercialisation of their inventions.
1. WIPO (2023). The Global Gender Gap in Innovation and Creativity: An International Comparison of the Gender Gap in Global Patenting over Two Decades. Development Studies Series. Available at: wipo.int/publications/en/details.jsp?id=4653
2. European Environment Agency (2021). Exposure of Europe’s population to environmental noise. Available at: Exposure of Europe’s population to environmental noise (europa.eu)
3. World Health Organisation (2023): Parkinson’s Disease. Available at: Parkinson disease (who.int)
4. Ministry of Commerce & Industry (2021). PIB Mumbai. Available at: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1741227
5. Instituto Mexicano de la Propiedad Industrial. Mujeres Innovadoras. Available at: https://mujeresinnovadoras.impi.gob.mx/Paginas/DejaQueEspecialistasTeAsesoren.aspx
