Already ranked as the leading European university in terms of the number of patents filed over the last twenty years, the Université Grenble Alpes (UGA) has confirmed its leadership in innovation. In the latest study by the European Patent Office on the role of women in innovation, the institution ranks first among European universities for the proportion of female doctoral students filing patents during their thesis (11%) and after their doctorate (10%). UGA also ranks among the top five European universities for the proportion of female doctoral students who have filed patents during their doctorate in the fields of mathematics, computer science and physics.

Women still under-represented in technological innovation

Published ahead of International Women's Day on 8 March, the EPO study highlights the progress made but also the persistent inequalities in women's participation in innovation activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). While women account for a growing proportion of doctoral graduates in these disciplines, they remain significantly under-represented among inventors, founders of deep tech start-ups and professionals in the patent system

The key role of universities in unlocking the potential of women innovators

In this context, the results obtained by the Université Grenoble Alpes illustrate the decisive role that higher education and research institutions can play in promoting women's access to innovation and technology transfer activities. French universities are among the best-performing institutions in Europe in terms of patent filings by women during and after their doctoral studies. By encouraging female doctoral students to promote their research through patent filings and collaborations with industrial and economic players, the university is helping to foster a new generation of female inventors and innovators.

This European result is in line with the implementation at the Université Grenoble Alpes of a strong and successful policy to reduce gender inequalities, particularly in scientific careers. Between 2021 and 2025, the proportion of women promoted to university professor has increased by more than 25%.