Margarita Salas as European inventor 2019

Most of the research carried out in recent decades in the field of genetics would be unthinkable without the contributions of this inventor, in particular without the advancement of the characterization of DNA polymerase of phph 29.

From SAN MARTIN we want to join this recognition. And we also want to take this opportunity to reflect on the role of women in science.

Women inventors

There is no doubt that things have changed a lot since Margarita Salas began her career as a researcher. However, we wonder how close we are to achieve this desired situation of parity in science.

According to the data just made public, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in its annual report, while the number of women appearing as inventors in PCT international applications continues to grow, it still represents only one 17% of the total. The data show an upward trend that is certainly promising, but they point to the long road that remains foward.

One noteworthy point is the percentage of women among inventors of PCT international applications originated in Spain. This is far above from the average, at 24%. According to the same source, more than 35% of the applications filed involve women as researchers.

Patents are just one of many parameters by which we can measure the current contribution and representation of women in science. Still, it can give us interesting clues about general trends. This report notes that the areas where there are the highest percentage of women inventors are biotechnology, pharmacy, food technology, biological materials analysis and organic chemistry. Meanwhile, other areas of knowledge more closely linked to engineering, especially mechanics, are relegated to the latter positions.

In view of the situation reflected in this data, we consider it essential to recognize the work and carrer of great figures such as Margarita Salas.

The visibility given by these awards helps to generate benchmarks and encourage new generations to follow in her footsteps. And from here, we send her our congratulations.

La entrada Margarita Salas: A reference for women in science se publicó primero en San Martín.