16/09/2026
🌿 Exploring Intellectual Property Rights: From Knowledge to Practice!
The Environmental Sciences Program at the Asian University for Women (AUW) recently hosted an inspiring Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Awareness Session and Certificate Distribution. The event offered our students a valuable opportunity to delve into the importance of safeguarding ideas, creativity, and innovation in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Dr. Mosae Selvakumar Paulraj, Director of the Environmental Sciences and Biological Sciences programs, kicked off the session by introducing the fundamental concepts of IPR. He highlighted how crucial protecting intellectual property is across academic, professional, and innovative landscapes.
We were also thrilled to hear from AUW students Afrida Tahsin and Aqsa Noorya Rokna. They shared their firsthand experiences and key takeaways from recently completing the prestigious General Course on Intellectual Property Rights (DL101), offered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy—a specialized agency of the United Nations.
Importantly, the session emphasized how understanding and actively practicing IPR tools serves as a vital shield for women in STEM and research. By mastering these frameworks, women can successfully avoid the Matilda Effect—the historical bias where women's scientific breakthroughs and creative achievements are overlooked or wrongly credited to male counterparts. Securing legal ownership of their innovations not only ensures rightful recognition but also directly drives women's socioeconomic advancement by unlocking economic opportunities, funding, and leadership roles.
The inspiring evening concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, celebrating the dedication of our students who successfully completed the WIPO course. Congratulations to all the recipients for their commitment to expanding their academic horizons, protecting their ideas, and reshaping the future of innovation! 🎓✨
