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Women in Science

On 11 February, we celebrate the "International Day of Women and Girls in Science" worldwide. The day of action aims to encourage girls to discover their curiosity for science and pursue their own ideas. At the same time, it honours the achievements of women who drive innovation forward with their expertise and commitment.

Diversity and equal opportunities are also core values for the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. After all, different perspectives strengthen creativity, scientific progress and the protection of intellectual property. At the DPMA, female scientists in the ‘Patent Examination’ department work daily to examine and protect new technical developments. We would like to take this opportunity to briefly introduce some of them.

Dr Eva Melari Davies, patent examiner in the field of medical technology:

After completing my A-levels with mathematics and chemistry as my major subjects, it quickly became clear to me that I wanted to study chemistry. I was fascinated by the idea of using logic, creativity and curiosity to understand complex relationships and make invisible processes visible through experiments. Even after completing my doctorate at LMU, I continued my research on mesoporous systems using fluorescent single molecules during a postdoctoral fellowship. I then decided to become a patent examiner at the DPMA because it combines my technical expertise with analytical thinking and legal issues. My field of examination was initially in chemistry and then developed further in the direction of medical technology. What I find particularly interesting here is that technology and natural sciences are directly linked to human well-being. Innovations in this field often have a direct impact on the diagnosis, therapy and quality of life of patients."

Dr Katharina Karpis, patent examiner in the fields of inorganic chemistry, process engineering and coatings:

"I studied chemistry and biochemistry because I wanted to understand how things really work. I have always been fascinated by science, especially mathematics and chemistry.’ My parents' support had a particularly strong influence on me.

After completing my studies, I did my doctorate on hydrogen catalysts at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research. Today, I work as a patent examiner at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, where I examine technical inventions. These include developments related to electrolysis. The variety of topics and the opportunity to learn something new every day are particularly exciting.

I am motivated by being involved in innovations at an early stage. That's why it's important to me to pass on my enthusiasm for science. Initiatives such as Girls'Day can encourage girls to pursue their own path in science."

Dr Melanie Thyrhaug, patent examiner in the fields of inorganic chemistry, process engineering and coatings:

"I enjoy solving problems and understanding why something isn't working and how it can be improved. That's why I found chemistry, biology and physics particularly exciting at school. Understanding how nature works around us and how we can exploit this technically was something that particularly fascinated me.

After completing my doctorate in physical chemistry, I worked in the R&D department at Siemens in Denmark, where I dealt with a wide variety of problems in the field of wind turbine production.

The examination area for which I am responsible at the DPMA today is very varied and covers areas such as batteries and electrolysis, but also a wide range of coatings for tools, films and automotive components, for example. That's exactly what I find particularly exciting. With almost every new application, I gain insight into a subject area that is new to me."

Dr Stefanie Vucovic, patent examiner in the field of organic chemistry, pharmacy and cosmetics:

"I studied food chemistry and toxicology because I was fascinated by scientific questions from an early age – especially when chemistry becomes very concrete and substances have a real impact on our health and everyday lives.

Before joining the DPMA, I worked in pharmaceutical product development. Today, at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, I examine biotechnological patent applications, such as peptides or antibodies. I find the many creative and innovative ideas behind the inventions particularly exciting. And I particularly enjoy working with intelligent, humorous and helpful colleagues: good ideas and results come more easily in a good team.

If I could invent something myself and had one wish, it would be a medicine for patients who cannot be helped today. For me, that would be the most wonderful application of science."

Dr Julia Wimmer, patent examiner in the field of medical technology:

"I studied biochemistry at university. Both my parents have a technical educational and professional background, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. Conveniently, they always provided me with technical and scientific input in a playful and media-based way during my childhood. I have also always loved building things and putting them into operation – be it Lego, furniture or electronic devices.

I initially worked as a research assistant at Regensburg University Hospital in cancer research and at the Munich Leukaemia Laboratory in the field of molecular genetic diagnostics. Although this was not directly related to my undergraduate studies, biochemistry sparked my fascination with the fundamental mechanisms of animal cells, and it was exciting to explore this topic further (especially with state-of-the-art technical equipment).

At the Patent Office, I work in the medical technology department and specifically process applications in the field of infusion and injection devices, orthoses, pressure measuring devices and absorbent articles. My areas of examination are very diverse and I am constantly familiarising myself with subjects that I am not actually an expert in. But my curiosity and ability to quickly grasp important concepts help me immensely. I'm just used to constantly getting involved in new things. And that's what makes my work as a patent examiner so exciting.

What would I like to invent myself? My son recently had a good idea: flying filter devices for pollutants in the air – but maybe they already exist."

Dr Anita Winter, patent examiner in the field of optics:

"I studied physics because it was one of my favourite subjects at school and I was fascinated by both the theoretical concepts and the practical experiments. I have always found science exciting – even as a child, I wanted to know how rainbows are formed or where stars and planets come from. My enthusiasm for electronics kits and later my studies in astrophysics meant that science and technology never lost their appeal for me.

Before working at the patent office, I was a research assistant at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, where I worked on the manufacture of mirrors for X-ray telescopes, a technically very diverse and demanding field of work. At the patent office, I now examine eye measuring devices and endoscopes, as well as audiometry and temperature measurement, among other things. For audiometry, I recently had the opportunity to read up in more detail on the formation of beat tones, which I found particularly exciting as a hobby musician. And what I also really enjoy is leading training courses for young examiners. No two training days are the same, and you always learn a lot yourself when explaining things to others.

If I could invent something myself, it would be a solution to the climate problem – and perhaps also a machine that gives the day more hours."

Bild 1: UNESCO, Further images: DPMA/private

Last updated: 11 February 2026