Joseph Bedard - 2023 Science Breakthrough 1st place
Shaping the Future with Breakthrough Ideas
Joseph Bedard, a Canadian scientist and recent PhD graduate of Dalhousie University, captivated the world with his groundbreaking research, earning the Science Breakthrough of the Year prize in the Emerging Talents category at the 2023 Falling Walls Science Summit. His project, titled "Breaking the Wall of Alternative Plastics," addresses the critical issue of plastic production's reliance on petrochemicals. The quest for alternatives to petrochemical-sourced plastics has driven decades of research, drawing scholars from around the world and tackling modern civilisation’s reliance on synthetic materials. By developing polymers using nitrogen and phosphorus, Bedard's innovative approach aims to create greener, functional materials, paving the way for a fossil fuel-free future in plastics manufacturing. In an interview, Bedard shared his experiences, insights, and the transformative impact the Falling Walls Science Summit had on his career.
Reflecting on the event, Bedard fondly recalls a moment during the first mixer, before the winners were announced. "I remember chatting with a group of fellow Lab pitchers, getting to know everyone a little better. It really struck me what kind of environment I was in - all of the fellow Lab winners I was meeting were so smart, driven, and focused," he said. The realisation that these individuals were not only brimming with innovative ideas but also genuinely believed in their potential to change the world left a profound impact on him. "I really got this sense that we could shape the future," Bedard added.
The Falling Walls Science Summit itself exceeded Bedard's expectations. He was particularly impressed by the exceptional organisation and the high calibre of attendees. The energy at the event was infectious, with a hum of excitement and enthusiasm shared by everyone present, including Nobel Laureates who expressed their eagerness to return in the future. "My biggest takeaway was the palpable excitement and buy-in from just about everyone attending," Bedard remarked, contrasting it with other conferences where attendance can sometimes feel obligatory.
Bedard was also struck by the positivity and optimism that permeated the conference. Despite the competitive nature of working on cutting-edge research, he found that egos and pride were set aside in favour of meaningful connections and the sharing of breakthrough ideas. "It left me feeling hugely optimistic that a room absolutely packed with intellect and high achievers had such harmony," he reflected.
Winning the international Lab competition and participating in the Falling Walls Science Summit had a significant influence on Bedard's future plans and opportunities. The experience at the Falling Walls Science Summit, coupled with the recognition of his moonshot idea, made him realise that its potential for real-world application could happen on a much faster timescale than he had anticipated.
The experience not only boosted his confidence but also led to increased interest in his project from various quarters, both at the conference and back home in Nova Scotia. "Invigorated by my experience at the Summit, we're exploring opportunities to commercialise our tech and launch a company on the back of it," Bedard revealed. He admitted that such a venture was unimaginable to him just six months prior to the Falling Walls Science Summit. The event has opened new avenues and accelerated the timeline for bringing his innovative idea to market.
Joseph Bedard's journey through the Falling Walls Lab Competition and Falling Walls Science Summit underscores the power of innovation, collaboration, and the shared belief in a better future. His story serves as an inspiration not only to scientists and innovators, but to all of us, demonstrating that change can start with a single person and a bold idea. Given the appropriate stage and the right support and environment, even the most ambitious ideas can become reality.
For more information, follow Joseph Bedard on LinkedIn.
