Fifteen-year-old Heman Bekele has been named TIME’s Kid of the Year 2024 for his groundbreaking work in developing a soap infused with immunotherapy drugs to fight skin cancer. This innovative solution stems from Bekele’s early observations of workers in Ethiopia, constantly exposed to the harsh sun, sparking his interest in protecting skin from UV radiation. Now living in Annandale, Virginia, Bekele was inspired by the lack of affordable skin cancer treatments, which led him to envision a more accessible alternative. His soap, which incorporates the drug imiquimod mixed with lipid-based nanoparticles to ensure it remains on the skin even after rinsing, offers a potentially revolutionary way to deliver treatment to those in the early stages of the disease.

Bekele’s journey into science began at the age of four when he experimented with household chemicals, a curiosity his parents nurtured. His breakthrough came when he entered the 3M Young Scientist Challenge in October 2023, winning the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and a $25,000 prize. This victory opened new opportunities, including collaboration with Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins. Bekele is now focused on thorough testing, patenting, and obtaining FDA certification for his soap, with hopes to bring it to market by 2028 at an affordable price of $8.50 per bar. His work exemplifies the power of youthful innovation and the endless possibilities of science to address global health challenges.