Leadership Course on Intellectual Property, Science and Innovation for Women Scientists and Innovators

Prof. Rajaa CHERKAOUI EL MOURSLI was awarded the 2015 L'Oréal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science for her contribution to the discovery of the particle responsible for the creation of mass in the universe: the Higgs boson within the ATLAS experiment. She was also recognized for establishing the first master's degree in medical physics in Morocco and developing research and innovation in Medical Physics. During her tenure as vice-president of the university, she played a key role in creating the first university center for entrepreneurship in 2015. She has always worked to ensure that Morocco joins other international organisations in order to develop innovation in Morocco.

The greatest impact comes from those who never stop learning and never stop helping. Let compassion and knowledge guide your path to making a difference.

Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz, a National Scientist and Professor Emerita at UP Diliman's Marine Science Institute, is renowned for her pioneering research on marine cone snail venoms. Collaborating with Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera, she explored the biochemical nature of these venoms, leading to the discovery of diverse Conus neuropeptides. Her work, which started in 1973, involved advancing peptide analysis techniques and resulted in groundbreaking findings published in Science. This research has significantly impacted drug development, including the creation of Prialt, a potent pain medication. Dr. Cruz has received numerous accolades, including the 2022 Golden Goose Award and the 2010 L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science. She also contributed to the establishment of the Natural Products Society of the Philippines and has been active in various national and international scientific organizations.

Prof. Habiba BOUHAMED CHAABOUNI is awarded for her groundbreaking achievements and contributions to scientific progress in genetic and hereditary disorders. In particular, her research in cytogenetics and molecular biology had a positive impact on affected people and families leading to effective prevention of a large proportion of inherited and congenital diseases.

Women are to Science What Science is to Life, a factor of development and a guarantee of fulfillment.

Dr. Diana CAPDEVILA leverages structural biology to unravel how bacteria evade their hosts' immune defenses. By applying these insights, she is advancing the development of innovative sensors for detecting water contaminants and creating cutting-edge point-of-care diagnostic tools.

While science alone cannot solve the challenges facing our society today, it is indispensable—without it, those solutions remain out of reach.

Mesha MBISANA is acclaimed for her efforts to enhance the safety of food crops in Africa. Through her dedicated research, she has pioneered methods for analyzing mycotoxins in food and feed. Her work has made a significant impact by mitigating health risks associated with contaminated food and advancing food security in the region.

Nurturing young scientific talent through mentorship and financial support is essential for building a sustainable and innovative future.

Dr. MEDEIROS developed an innovative, award-winning interdisciplinary framework designed to promote the popularization of neglected and underutilized food plants. This initiative aims to support small-scale farmers and gatherers while contributing to biodiversity conservation and fostering healthier diets.

While high-quality science can benefit specific groups, only inclusive and diverse high-quality science can truly serve society and address systemic inequities.

Dr. M. Francisca BARAKE SABBAGH is a distinguished medical researcher devoted to advancing public health. She has conducted groundbreaking studies on the impact of autoimmune diseases on the brain and is now at the forefront of developing new cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines for her country. Her work underscores the vital role of scientific research in shaping public health policies and improving societal well-being.

Science becomes real for people when it transforms knowledge into health.

MSc. Lien LOPEZ MATILLA is recognized for her expertise in evaluating the patentability of innovative biopharmaceutical products for cancer immunotherapy and other non-communicable diseases, as well as for drafting and prosecuting successful patent applications.

The most challenging difficulties foster profound personal growth and experience.

Dr. Nowsheen GOONOO is renowned for her research and expertise in developing innovative biodegradable polymers and utilizing biopolymers in the design of wound dressings. Specifically, she is focused on optimizing the physicochemical properties of skin tissue engineering nano-scaffolds to enhance wound healing while minimizing scar formation.

Empowering African women researchers is key to unlocking innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of our continent, ensuring that the future of Africa is shaped by those who know it best.

Building on her extensive research into the workings of the vascular system, Dr. Bhama Ramkhelawon has made pivotal discoveries about the causes and dangers of aortic aneurysms, shedding light on why they pose such a grave threat to life. Her unwavering dedication to reducing human suffering positions her to make profound contributions to global health—advancements that hold the potential to benefit all of humanity.

Healing begins with awareness, where even small steps in science can one day transform humanity.

Dr. Sonia Mayra PEREZ TAPI is an expert in the innovation, development, evaluation, and regulation of biological and biotechnological products for human use in Mexico. She has driven the establishment of UDIBI as a specialized laboratory for biotherapeutics, notably including Transferon®, a polyspecific immunomodulator patented in 39 countries and currently marketed in Mexico. Transferon® has significantly enhanced the quality of life for thousands of people with allergies and respiratory diseases. Dr. Pérez Tapia leads the development of innovative therapeutic antibodies in Mexico, integrating multidisciplinary teams of scientists and technologists. She is one of the most prominent representatives of Mexico’s new generation of entrepreneurial scientists.

Dr. Hanae is recognized for her contributions to the valorization of plant and agro-food by-products, particularly through the identification and quantification of bioactive compounds and the exploration of their potential biological activities. With her innovative spirit and commitment to sustainability, she has developed methods that facilitate the application of these by-products in food, cosmetics, and therapeutics, ensuring the long-term viability of plant and waste resources while maximizing their economic and environmental benefits.

Pushing the boundaries, women scientists lead the way to breakthrough innovations.

Building on her experience in using theater for education, and her academic training in physics and environmental science, Aya leads the science communication and public relations team of the University of the Philippines' Marine Science Institute. She uses digital and social media, tabletop games, exhibits, and engagement with media and arts practitioners to translate research output to communication products that are understood and applied by decision makers, institutions, and the public.

There is a gap between the academe, industry, and government. The more these sectors understand each other, the more science adds value.

Joanna SULKOWSKA , an esteemed researcher at the University of Warsaw, specializes in the mechanisms of protein folding and its effects on biological functions using tools from biophysics, biochemistry, and knot theory. Her groundbreaking work has advanced the understanding of protein properties, crucial for both fundamental science and medical applications. Notably, her research has been featured in leading journals such as Nature S&MB and PNAS, and she has successfully led multiple high-impact grants, including the EMBO Installation grant. Sułkowska has also made significant contributions to interdisciplinary research and international scientific communities through conferences and workshops.

Dr. Bernadeta SZEWCZYK is widely recognized for her pioneering research on the role of zinc in treating depression. Her dedicated work has significantly advanced the field by revealing how zinc supplementation can enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. With her commitment to uncovering the intricate mechanisms that drive mental health treatments, she has made notable strides in improving our understanding of depression.
Currently, Dr. Szewczyk is leading a groundbreaking study exploring the potential link between zinc deficiency and treatment-resistant depression, with the hope of uncovering new avenues for more effective therapies.

True progress in mental health requires bridging the gap between basic science and clinical practice. My goal is to leverage my research and passion to bring hope and effective treatments to those suffering from depression.

Dr. Pantana TOR-NGERN is acclaimed for her research on the effects of climate variability and change on water and carbon cycling in forests. Using custom-made sensors, she monitors water flow in trees across various forest ecosystems to evaluate their responses to environmental changes and conduct long-term data tracking. Her work provides invaluable insights into ecological studies in Southeast Asia, where rapid land-use changes have created a complex landscape and elicited diverse responses to climate change.

Complex global issues require collaborative solutions through multidisciplinary expertise, allowing us to innovate and create lasting change.

Building on her expertise as a molecular biologist, cytogeneticist, and physician, Dr. Myriam Chaabouni is developing a correlation between breast cancer and the genetic profiling of affected populations and tumors. Her research explores the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic dimensions of cancer, aiming to offer comprehensive and personalized care for women impacted by the disease.

Women in science unlock the mysteries of life, shaping the future with every breakthrough.

Saba AL HEIALY is recognized for her research on the impact of obesity on respiratory diseases, including asthma and COVID-19. Her dedication and passion for scientific inquiry have significantly advanced our understanding of how obesity influences inflammatory responses and steroid responsiveness in these conditions. Notably, her work has made a profound impact by elucidating the increased expression of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor (ACE2), the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, in the lungs of obese patients, offering critical insights into the heightened vulnerability of this population.

By actively engaging and supporting women across diverse fields like sciences, we can amplify their representation and unlock their fresh ideas and innovative solutions, driving progress and enriching our collective future.

Dr. Mikyoung Park is recognized for her findings into the cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory. She has dedicated herself to discovering critical molecular and cellular links between physiology and pathology that will ultimately have a significant impact on innovation and industry related to cognitive functions of the brain.

Advances in the life sciences should ultimately translate into healthy lives for living organisms, including humans.

Dr. Sun Young "Noh researched and developed robots capable of performing maintenance in nuclear power plants and responding to emergency situations in place of humans until last year.

She is now transferred to the Nuclear Education Center, where she conducts training using nuclear power plant simulators.

Dr. Tae Hee KIM is a principal researcher at Korea Institute of Industrial Technology. She has expertise in the development of polymeric materials for a diverse range of biomedical applications, including biomedical textiles, drug/gene delivery systems, cancer therapy and imaging, and tissue engineering.

Collaboration with people from diverse fields in research transforms ideas into reality

As an expert in the field of convergence research encompassing materials, bio, and environment, Dr. Jinyoung JEONG is dedicated to research on health impact of environmental pollutants such as microplastics and particulate matters using cells and zebrafish as a laboratory animal model.

Curiosity and love for nature and life lead our lives and the environment in a better direction.

Dr. Soon Ah KANG is an esteemed Emeritus Professor at Hoseo University, with over decades of experience in food and nutrition science. Holding a Ph.D. from Purdue University, she has significantly contributed to research in fermented foods, clinical nutrition, and biophysiological assessments. Dr. Kang currently serves as the Chairman of the Korean Jang and Culture Association and Director of the International Slow Food Korea Association, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing Korean food culture and nutrition.