Matthias Schmitz-Pfeiffer

Nominated by: Keith Nugent, Australian National University Presented by: Vanessa Vongsouthi

The constant growth of our population, finite resources, and a linear flow of materials as we know it, are no longer compatible. Looking ahead, the human approach of take, make, and dispose must be replaced by a circular one, and science and entrepreneurship can help. In this Falling Walls Circle,…

The human brain is certainly the most complex known object in the universe. It is the control centre of our entire being, the seat of our consciousness, and yet we do not fully understand how it works. These mysteries are the essence of neuroscience: how does the human brain work?…

The nominating institution Under the Microscope on the breakthrough: In most African countries, there is a lack of sophisticated diagnostic devices & limited expertise in high-tech diagnostics of infectious diseases. This hinders the clinical decision-making ability of healthcare providers. The Nyan- test is portable, affordable, fast & easy to use…

Tom Bieling and his team at the Design Research Lab developed a communication technology for deaf-blind people, through which they can interact with anyone at any time. The Lorm Hand is an installation, which connects deaf-blind people with X or other social networks. Using touch sensory technology, the Lorm Hand…

Particle accelerators are often thought of as large, expensive facilities or instruments. Typically, these machines have a variety of uses from fundamental science and medical applications to manufacturing semiconductors. How can particle accelerators be reinvented and downsized by the use of advanced nano fabrication and laser technologies? Additionally, what significance…

The mental health crisis needs new thinking – especially during a pandemic. Art Works pedagogy integrates research from psychology and neuroscience to design unique art exercises that provide a mental break, foster focus and energize the mind. Using science in art (brain imaging, brain waves, and neurobiology) enables health care…

The nominating institute German Center for Research and Innovation in São Paulo on the breakthrough: With Nanox, Simões develops and markets nanostructured inorganic composite antimicrobial materials. He has already proven the efficiency of two products against COVID-19. The US-patented Ag+Fresh was the first to have this property certified, according to…

Eya Boughanmi is addressing the increasing threat of leishmaniasis, a dangerous zoonotic disease, by developing a miniaturised medical analysis device based on biosensor technology. This point-of-care device aims to provide a rapid, accurate, and affordable diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis, ultimately reducing the spread of infectious diseases in Tunisia and protecting…

An estimated 2 billion people consume insects worldwide, and yet the appeal – and commercial availability – of this foodstock remains very limited, especially in the West. With more than 2,000 edible insect species on this planet, packed with high-quality protein, amino acids, vitamins, calcium, zinc, iron, oils, antioxidants and…