To celebrate 2025's International Day of Women and Girls in Science, FICPI's DEIA committee invited FICPI women members who are active in science fields to share how they journeyed from academic studies in areas from biochemistry to physics, to enter the intellectual property profession.
Their stories are inspirational and we are delighted to share them with you. Read on to find out more about Mariana Bullrich, Claire Gregg, Neeti Wilson, Renate Weisse, and Alicia Alvarez-Berkenwald.
She gives us an insight into her move from biochemistry to intellectual property.
Mariana says, “I started my professional career as a biochemist working both in research and clinical laboratories. For years, I dedicated myself to exploring and deepening my knowledge in areas related to life sciences, driven by my curiosity to understand chemical and biological processes.
“Intellectual property was something completely unknown to me, and I came across it almost by chance. I discovered a new field where I could combine my scientific background with the legal aspects of this profession, where not everything is black and white. Learning to navigate grey areas was one of the challenges of my career in IP.
“I don’t regret having left the bench behind. IP lets me stay connected to innovation while working on exciting challenges from a completely different perspective.”
The picture shows Mariana (at the back) and colleagues in the Immunology lab of the National Academy of Medicine where she started working when she completed her biochemistry degree. This group, led by Dr. Maria Elena Estevez, was the first group to diagnose and treat patients with AIDS in Argentina.
Mariana says, “I still remember using those glass pipettes and accidentally swallowing a patient’s white cells!”
Before joining Noetinger & Armando, Mariana was a researcher and lecturer in the Oncology Immunology section of the Hematological Research Institute (Mariano Castex, National Academy of Medicine), where she conducted teaching, research, and assistance activities (1984-1989). As a staff biochemist, she led the Molecular Biology and Cellular and Humoral Immunology teams at Buenos Aires LAB (1984-1998).
With her background and experience, Mariana specialises in chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostic kits, and pharmaceutical products. However, her extensive work in the patent field has given her significant expertise in various technical areas, making her highly versatile in handling patent matters across different technologies.
Mariana also heads the Models and Industrial Designs department and coordinates the filing and prosecution of Plant Varieties at INASE.
Mariana is an active member of FICPI’s Study and Work Group on Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, known as CET 5. She speaks Spanish, English and French.
Claire shares her journey to combine her love of chemistry with that of intellectual property law.
She explains, “I grew up wanting to be a lawyer, but throughout the course of my studies I became enamoured with the complexities of organic chemistry and devising strategies for synthesising new drugs to provide improved treatment options for cancer patients. But my desire to work in the legal profession never abated, so when I found out what a patent attorney does, I knew it was the perfect career for me to combine my loves for chemistry and the law.
“Now, I’m privileged to devise strategies to protect incredible innovations for a wide range of clients, from the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies to exciting up-and-coming local innovators across a variety of chemistry subdisciplines.”
Claire began her scientific career at Flinders University studying a Bachelor of Technology (Forensic & Analytical Chemistry) followed by a Bachelor of Science with first class honours, for which she was awarded the University Medal. She then completed a PhD in organic chemistry, focusing on the total synthesis and structural elucidation of complex biologically active natural products.
Her research in synthetic organic chemistry continued at the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute of the University of Melbourne, before she took up a postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University in the United States. Her postdoctoral research focused primarily on hit-to-lead optimisation of small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions in highly validated cancer targets, as part of a multidisciplinary team in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute.
Claire has been awarded the prestigious John McLaren Emmerson QC Essay Prize (formerly the Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand (IPSANZ) Prize) three times: first prize in 2014 for her essay on the patentability of isolated nucleic acids in Australia; second prize in 2017 for her essay exploring whether Swiss-style claims should be eligible for patent term extension; and first prize in 2019 for her essay on Australia’s controversial ‘best method’ requirement.
She is an active member of FICPI’s Study and Work Group on Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals, known as CET 5. Claire spoke at the 2024 FICPI Open Forum in Madrid on the differences between jurisdictions in procuring and enforcing rights for products containing cannabis and other psychedelics, identifying regions where rights may be easier or harder to establish, and also in addressing recent updates in the law.
Neeti is a lawyer with a Ph.D in applied sciences.
She shares her journey transitioning from science to Intellectual Property law which she describes as a journey of growth and learning.
Neeti says, “Before I was introduced to the world of patents, I was a true science nerd. My passion for applied science started during my Master’s degree when I received a special training on the latest advancements in Molecular Biology techniques and was captivated by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). I remember being thrilled by Mullis’s story of filing the patent for PCR, and how the simplicity of the invention belied its profound industrial impact. This early exposure sparked my interest in the intersection of science and law.
“My professional journey took a pivotal turn during my PhD, where I again encountered the power of patents while designing experiments on AFLP fingerprinting using the Vos et al. 1995 paper alongside its corresponding patent, which deeply influenced my understanding of IP law. This early experience opened my eyes to the transformative power of scientific innovation, which could be protected and monetized through IPRs and made me decide to take the leap.
“I was fortunate to have a guide who was incredibly supportive of exploring cutting-edge, application-based research. The mentorship and encouragement of both men and women who believe in the potential of women excelling in their chosen fields, play a key role in women empowerment and bringing gender equality.
“For me, life is all about learning and embracing new challenges. The shift from science to IP law has allowed me to continue growing, applying my knowledge in a new domain, and contributing to the protection of innovation and its broader impact on society.
“I hope my journey inspires other women to follow their passion, continuously evolve, and pursue their career aspirations."
Neeti is an active member of FICPI’s Study and Work Group on International Patent Matters.
She has been selected as UN Consultant for developing training Manual for Intellectual Property Management and Technology Transfer Licensing with ESCAP-APCTT. She was a member of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Committee for Developing Guidelines for IP Management and Commercialization of Technologies.
Neeti regularly attends national and international conferences and is keen on spreading awareness related to IPM, Licensing and Biological Resources.
Renate is a Patent Attorney (Germany, EPA), Trademark Attorney, and Physicist.
Find out about her journey from a physicist into the field of intellectual property.
She says, “My father and my grandfather were patent attorneys when it was my time to decide which subject I would study.
"Following my father’s advice (he was a physicist) I dismissed a career as a teacher of German and Sports and started with physics. This was not an easy task – somehow the knowledge of theoretical physics was not in my genes, and so I then switched to chemistry. There were several overlaps of the curricula and I ended up with intermediate degrees (“Vordiplom”) in both Physics and Chemistry.
”Chemistry is a lot of fun, but I wanted to inherit my fathers firm where physics was the better choice. It turned out to be more interesting with time! I decided to try a little research and ended up with “Dr.-Ing.” Title.
“While I was pregnant the first time during research, I was pregnant the second time when my patent attorney exams were due. I travelled back and forth on the night train from Berlin to Munich where German Patent Attorneys are trained. It sounds challenging and it was challenging. But oh my, it was worth it.
“Now I am active in showing women what it is like to be a female patent attorney whenever the opportunity arises. I have written a book about female inventors and try to strengthen networks of women in IP.”
Renate earned her doctorate in engineering from the Institut für Spektroskopie und Spektrochemie Adlershof (Institute for Spectroscopy and Spectrochemistry Adlershof), following her degrees in Physics and Chemistry.
During her scientific research in the field of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy she created two patented inventions for her employer Perkin Elmer Corp.
She is author of a book about female inventors, a German and European Patent Attorney and holds a PhD in Engineering. She acts as a role model to promote STEM subjects and her profession to women. She spoke at a FICPI webinar on female inventors and encouraging women to become innovators which can be found at: https://ficpi.org/on-demand/videos/747
In addition to her daily patent and trade mark attorney work, Renate is a lecturer at the Berliner Hochschule für Technik, and is an active participant in “Girls-Day” where young girls are informed about professions typically occupied by men. She is also active in FICPI’s webinar committee, organising webinars on practice management and technical topics, with speakers from around the world.
Find out about her journey into science and intellectual property:
She says, "I graduated in Chemical Engineering and specialised in Metallurgy during one of the darkest periods in Argentine history: a dictatorship where many disappeared, artists and scientists emigrated or left their positions in universities and research centres. In addition, it was a man's world at the time.
"My first professional job was in an R&D project where my boss was a female scientist. She brought together young professional women and soon became my role model.
"Years later, I got a job at a National Materials Science research center and, while I was preparing for it, a lawyer sought my help to analyse a patent. It was by mere chance that I opened doors to IP and I never looked back; I have worked in the IP field ever since. Moreover, for years to follow, I was the only female partner leading the patent practice at an Argentine firm.
"I am very grateful to all the women who inspired me, and I hope that I’ll also serve as inspiration to other women!"
Alicia earned her Degree in Chemical Engineering (1980) from the Universidad Tecnológica Nacional in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. She holds a Postgraduate Degree in Iron & Steel (1981) from the Instituto Argentino de Siderurgia and is also a registered Patent and Trademark Agent at the National Institute of Industrial Property.
She has published several articles related to her practice and co-authored a book entitled “Patent Law. The new legal regime of inventions and utility models”, which reviews the new argentine Patent Law issued in 1996.
As postgraduate professor, she used to lead a Workshop on Patents of Invention (1998-2009) at the Intellectual Property Posgraduate Course from the Universidad de Buenos Aires.
Alicia is an active member of FICPI’s Study & Work Group (CET 5) on Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals.
FICPI’s view and involvement
FICPI is the only organisation exclusively for independent IP attorneys, bringing practitioners from around the world together to connect, share knowledge and grow, through occasions such as the FICPI World Congress, as well as events such as the Open Forum and regular FICPI webinars. IP attorney members can get involved with FICPI work to promote common solutions and advocacy for private practice through FICPI Working Groups and Committees.
Find out more
- UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science: https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-and-girls-in-science-day 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.
- Consider getting involved with FICPI's DEIA Committee, find out more at: https://ficpi.org/commissions/deia-committee
- FICPI members in the sciences may also be interested in joining one or more of our special Study and Work Groups on subjects from trade marks to biotech & pharma.