Want to feel old? Here are some young people who are already making waves in the world of science and seem destined for great things.
1. Maanasa Mendu
At 13 years old Mendu won the 2016 Young Scientist Challenge for her project on a cost-effective and efficient device to harness renewable energy.
She went on to be named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for 2017 in the energy category, and is working to commercialise her device.
2. Peyton Robertson
Robertson won the Young Scientist Challenge in 2013 for his invention of a “sandless sand bag” that could be used in natural disasters.
Now aged 16, he has been named on the 30 Under 30 for 2018 in the science category and already holds five patents.
3. Roxanne El-Hady
El-Hady won the 2016 UK Young Scientist of the Year prize at 18 years of age for her involvement in a project looking at historical climate change.
She has since won an award at the 2016 EU Contest for Young Scientists and given talks encouraging young women to go into STEM.
4. Sahil Doshi
Doshi won the Young Scientist Challenge 2014 at the age of 15 for his invention of a battery that uses recycled materials and carbon dioxide to generate electricity.
5. Sarah Sobka
Sobka was the 2015 UK Young Scientist of the Year at 17 years old for her research into creating new drug treatments for people with cystic fibrosis.
She has since been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe for science and healthcare, and is studying medicine at the University of Sheffield.
That’s only a few. But with talented young people like them coming through all the time, the future looks bright.
Header image by Brad K.
This article was written as part of my November writing challenge, a NaNoWriMo-inspired attempt to write one short, snappy article a day in November. Please excuse brevity, but let me know if I’ve missed anything important!