Seven of our students took part in the inspiring European Patent Office Girls’ Day, a program designed to open doors into the world of science, technology, and innovation. Through a series of engaging activities and conversations, the day encouraged participants to imagine themselves not only as future scientists, but also as inventors and problem solvers.

 

They began by meeting Khaoula Ben Ahmed, whose work focuses on enabling individuals with severe mobility impairments to move independently. Her story demonstrated how a single idea, driven by empathy and determination, can transform lives. Students also explored the world of patents and innovation, discovering how creativity is protected and brought to life.

 

The program celebrated the achievements of pioneering women inventors. Among them was Marie Perrin, who developed a sustainable method to recover rare earth metals from used light bulbs, offering an alternative to environmentally damaging mining. Students also learned about the Mashouf sisters, who draw inspiration from nature to create innovative textiles, and Hedy Lamarr, whose work laid the foundation for modern GPS and wireless communication.

 

One of the key messages of the day was clear: you don’t need to follow a traditional STEM path to innovate. A strong idea, motivation, self-trust, and perseverance are what truly matter. Throughout the sessions, students were encouraged to speak up, take risks, and believe in their ability to create meaningful change. At ASH, this mindset is deeply embedded in the learning experience, where experimentation is valued. “Failure” is seen not as an endpoint, but as a vital part of the process; an opportunity to learn, adapt, and try again.When imagining themselves as future inventors, the desire to come up with solutions to address global challenges was common such as access to clean water, sustainable shelter, and nutritious food.

 

As our students described, this experience left our students inspired. The EPO Girls’ Day reinforced the importance of diverse perspectives in STEM: when more voices are included, innovation becomes richer, more inclusive, and more impactful.

 

A single word sums up this day: “Everything!” is what one of our students answered about what they had enjoyed about their visit.