With the distinguished participation of researchers, academic leaders, and representatives from Puerto Rico’s scientific ecosystem, the event “Women Researchers: From Lab to Patent” brought together leading scientists to discuss the process of transforming discoveries into protected intellectual property with commercial impact potential.
The event served as a strategic platform to educate and highlight the role of intellectual property (IP) in the country’s scientific development. Discussions explored how patents help protect inventions and discoveries, facilitate technology transfer, and transform years of research into assets with both economic and social value.
The event is part of the ‘Spark Sessions’ series, led by engineer Lucy Crespo, Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, as an inspirational space designed to foster innovation on the island.
More than 60% of the patents managed by the Trust include women inventors—well above the global average.
Data from the Trust’s regional Technology Transfer Offices (TTO) program reflects an encouraging outlook for female participation in local scientific innovation. From 2008 to 2026, the program has managed 237 patent applications, of which 62.9% (149) include at least one woman inventor. Additionally, 9.7% (23) correspond to all-female teams, while 37.1% (88) were developed exclusively by male teams.
Regarding granted patents, 73 inventions have been awarded, and 67.1% of them include at least one woman inventor—demonstrating strong female participation in the generation of intellectual property in Puerto Rico.
These figures become even more significant when compared to the global landscape. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), women represent approximately 13% of inventors worldwide, and only 4% of patents globally are filed by exclusively female teams.
“When we protect science, we protect talent and the country’s economic future. Patents are not just legal documents; they are strategic tools that allow the knowledge generated in our laboratories to translate into real solutions for society. This discussion is an opportunity to closely understand how Puerto Rican talent is making its mark through innovation and intellectual property. At the Trust, we feel extremely fortunate to have the leadership of these women researchers, who are not only advancing science but also building a legacy for future generations,” expressed engineer Lucy Crespo.
The panels featured participation from Dr. Suranganie Dharmawardane, a cancer biology researcher and co-inventor on multiple biomedical patents; Dr. Idhaliz Flores, a leader in women’s health research; Dr. Dalice M. Piñero, an expert in coordination chemistry and nanomedicine; Dr. Beatriz Zayas, a toxicology researcher with diagnostic applications in cancer; and Dr. Michelle Martínez, a biochemist and co-founder of a science-based company built on academic research.
Through their experiences, panelists shared the challenges and lessons of the patenting process—from identifying discoveries with commercial potential, collaborating with Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), protecting inventions, and evaluating market opportunities. They also emphasized the importance of mentorship, specialized legal guidance, and institutional support to navigate the complex intellectual property landscape.
“As scientists, we often think first about publishing our discoveries. But when a researcher also takes on the role of entrepreneur, the question changes: it is no longer just what we are discovering, but whether that discovery can solve a real problem. Patenting before publishing allows us to protect innovation, conduct the proper evaluation process, and create the fastest path for that knowledge to eventually reach patients and the market,” said Dr. Idhaliz Flores, one of the panelists.
The event underscored the importance of expanding women’s representation in patent generation and leadership within scientific innovation initiatives with commercial potential. Despite progress, women still represent only about 13% of inventors globally, making it essential to create more opportunities for education, mentorship, and visibility.
“Protecting science is a way to amplify its impact,” was one of the central messages of the session, reaffirming the Trust’s commitment to strengthening Puerto Rico’s innovation ecosystem through an inclusive, strategic, and economically driven approach.
The full session will be available on YouTube via:
https://www.youtube.com/@FideicomisoTV1