Meet Heman Bekele, TIME's 'Kid of The Year'

A 15-Year-Old Scientist Changing the Game

Credit: Time

In an inspiring tale of innovation and determination, 15-year-old Heman Bekele has been named TIME's 'Kid of The Year' for his groundbreaking work in developing an affordable solution to skin cancer treatment. Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Heman's curiosity and passion for science began at the tender age of four, experimenting with household items like dish soap and detergent.

A turning point came when Heman, then six, created a potentially hazardous "potion" while trying to develop a solution to energy. This experience taught him the importance of safety and responsible innovation. After moving to America, Heman became aware of the dangers of sun exposure and began thinking of ways to help. He discovered imiquimod, a drug used to treat skin cancer, and wondered if it could be made more accessible in the early stages of the disease.

Credit: Bella Naija

Heman's innovative idea was to create a bar of soap infused with the drug, providing an affordable and simple solution to reduce the high costs of skin-cancer treatment. His proposal earned him a spot in the 3M competition, where he pitched his idea and won a $25,000 prize to fund his research.

Heman's journey didn't stop there. At a networking event hosted by the Melanoma Research Alliance, he met Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, who offered him a professional lab to continue his work. With his passion, creativity, and perseverance, Heman Bekele is poised to make a significant impact in the scientific community and beyond