Two professors and researchers from Peruvian Union University (UPeU), a Seventh-day Adventist school in Ñaña, Perú, won a silver medal at an international exhibition earlier this year. Daniela Ayala, dean of the School of Architecture, and Vanesa Ayala were awarded a silver medal at South Korea’s 17th International Women’s Inventions Exhibition (KIWIE 2024).
The two professors were recognized for developing an innovative educational device, the “magnetic corner paper clip with writing utensil holder.” The multifunctional device solves common problems in writing by protecting the ends of notebooks and books and facilitating arm movement for both right-handed and left-handed students, the inventors said. Developed in the workshops of UPeU’s School of Architecture, the project demonstrates the university’s commitment to practical educational solutions, school leaders said.
International Recognition
During the event, Peru’s National Institute for the Defence of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property (INDECOPI) also recognized the inventors. INDECOPI executive president Alberto Villanueva highlighted the women’s achievement, stressing that “they have raised the name of Peru to a high international level.” Peru was the only Latin American country represented in the competition and also stood out for the number of inventions presented.
At the ceremony, organizers highlighted the researchers’ creativity and effort, which, they said, placed them as a go-to reference in educational innovation. Among the leaders and officials who attended the ceremony were South Korean ambassador to Peru Han-il Cheon, and Soonsun Kim, president of the Association of Women Inventors of South Korea.
Representatives of Peru’s National Institute for the Defence of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property with Daniela Ayala and Vanesa Ayala. [Photo: Peruvian Union University Lima] South Korea’s Ambassador to Peru, Han-il Cheon attended the medal awards ceremony. [Photo: Peruvian Union University Lima] Representatives of Peruvian Union University with the award-winning professors Daniela Ayala and Vanesa Ayala. [Photo: Peruvian Union University Lima]
Innovation and Commitment to Education
The winning patent is the result of months of work, school leaders said. From its initial development in 2023 to its formal presentation in April 2024, researchers overcame technical and creative challenges. The device is now useful not only to protect educational material but also to enhance students’ writing experience, the two winning professors said.
They also highlighted the importance of looking at everyday problems as opportunities to innovate. “For a member of the UPeU community who loves innovation, there’s nothing that is impossible to achieve when you are in God’s hands,” Daniela Ayala reminded colleagues and students. This international recognition drives the development of products with a positive impact on education, she said.
Next Steps Toward an International Patent
Now, with the support of the UPeU Innovation and Patent Office, researchers are seeking to apply for the International Patent (PCT), which will allow the device to be commercialized internationally, the researchers explained. “This step will strengthen UPeU’s presence in the education sector, improving educational quality worldwide,” they said.
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.