In a move to strengthen its commitment to research excellence and innovation, Egerton University has appointed Dr. Winfred Mueni Mulwa as the Intellectual Property Officer (IPO), effective from May 18th, 2023. This significant appointment showcases the university's dedication to protecting and utilizing intellectual property rights while fostering a culture of innovation among its staff and students.
Dr. Mulwa, a highly accomplished physicist with expertise in combined computational and experimental physics within the field of material science, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her extensive research and specialisation in density functional theory and ab initio techniques have garnered recognition and respect within the scientific community. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Physics from the University of the Free State, South Africa, and a Master's degree in Computational Physics from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy, in collaboration with the University of Eldoret, Kenya.
As the IPO, Dr.Mulwa will work closely with the Office Director of Research and Extension, overseeing the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO) and serving as a member of the Intellectual Property Management and Publications committee. Her primary responsibilities will include coordinating the implementation of Egerton University's Intellectual Property Rights Policy, sensitising creators about intellectual property, managing IP contracts, and supervising technology and innovation support centers.
The appointment of Dr. Mulwa signifies a strategic step towards enhancing the university's intellectual property management activities. Egerton University has long recognized the importance of intellectual property in driving research outcomes and promoting academic excellence. The establishment of an Intellectual Property Rights Policy further solidifies the university's commitment to the creation, protection, and utilisation of intellectual property through academic scholarship and research endeavours.
The IPMO, headed by Dr. Mulwa, will play a pivotal role in implementing and strengthening the Intellectual Property Rights Policy. This includes raising awareness among creators about the significance of intellectual property, managing IP contracts to ensure fair and equitable agreements, and overseeing the technology and innovation support centres. These centres will serve as hubs for researchers and innovators, providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to develop and protect their intellectual property.
In her capacity as the IPO, Dr. Mulwa will also coordinate capacity building activities aimed at enhancing the knowledge and understanding of intellectual property rights among the university's academic community. Workshops, seminars, and training sessions will be organised to empower staff and students with the tools and information needed to navigate the complexities of intellectual property management.
Dr. Mulwa's appointment as the IPO is not only a testament to her expertise but also to her dedication to promoting women's involvement in science. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) – Kenya Chapter, further exemplifying her commitment to empowering women in STEM fields.
Egerton University recognizes the significance of Dr. Mulwa's expertise and her contributions to the field of intellectual property. While the appointment is honorary and does not carry direct emoluments, the university has expressed its confidence in Dr. Mulwa's ability to excel in her new role. Her innovative research, patenting experience, and involvement with intellectual property organisations make her a natural fit for the position.
Dr. Winfred Mueni Mulwa's appointment as the Intellectual Property Officer at Egerton University marks an exciting chapter for the institution. With her extensive knowledge and passion for intellectual property rights, she is poised to make a lasting impact on the university's intellectual property landscape. Through her leadership, Egerton University is set to foster an environment where innovation thrives, creators are supported, and intellectual property rights are safeguarded, ensuring the continued growth and success of the institution in the realm of research
