Cordula Weiß

BioFun is creating the first device that breaks down recalcitrant pollution with enzymes of unique fungi, stopping these harmful compounds from making their way into the environment.

The nominating institution SLAC on the Science Breakthrough: ChEM-H at Stanford brings together Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine to address long-range challenges in Human health. The institute focuses on molecules, allowing researchers to study human biology at a more fundamental level than cells, thereby paving the way for new tools to…

PRESENTED BY Michael Marthaler NOMINATED BY Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren e.V. Tags: Quantum Algorithms, Molecule Simulation, Quantum Physics, Quantum Tech, Materials Development, Structural Design

Frontiers for Young Minds is a unique science journal for kids, in which each article is peer reviewed by young students aged 8-15. We publish clear, engaging science, written by top researchers, to inform and inspire the next generation of scientists and engaged citizens of tomorrow. Fully and freely accessible,…

SOFA proposes a more efficient system to distribute research funding than the present grant proposal review process. All researchers periodically receive an equal and unconditional base amount of funding, but they have to donate a fraction of everything they receive to other researchers of their choice. As such, funding circulates…

The nominating institute iGEM Foundation on the breakthrough: Wright’s Entrepreneurship Programme is a bootcamp for budding student entrepreneurs in the synbio field. We leveraged our network to create a truly global programme spanning regions, and fostered teams working across regions, while driving partnerships between stakeholders and mentors.

Bruna Enne is addressing the educational challenges faced by the deaf population in Brazil, where only a few have access to quality education, significantly reducing their chances of entering higher education. Her solution, “Sinaliza Enem,” is an online prep school committed to tutoring deaf candidates in Brazilian Sign Language, with…

The nominating institution Chinese Academy of Sciences on the breakthrough: Exploitation of heterosis is one of the most important applications of genetics in agriculture. Dr. Bin Han used an integrated genomic and forward genetic approach to construct a genome map for elite hybrid rice varieties and revealed the genomic architecture…

Using silver and natural plant polyphenols (the molecules behind hard-to-remove wine stains), JJ Richardson creates antimicrobial coatings that stick to any surface and neutralize viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Richardson’s universally adherent antimicrobial coatings can be sprayed on by non-experts in the home or hospital, are so thin you can’t see…

Science Talks Africa is a platform aimed at creating a vibrant community of African scientists through conversation and collaboration. We host weekly science talks with experts in various science fields around current science topics and African perspectives to global scientific issues. Tags: Citizen Science, Digital Health, Digitalisation, Diversity, Education, Global…