Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old from US’ Virginia, has been named TIME's 2024 Kid of the Year for his groundbreaking work in developing a soap that could potentially transform skin cancer treatment. Bekele, who has been passionate about chemistry and cancer research from a young age, created a soap infused with imiquimod, a drug already approved for treating certain skin cancers, including melanoma. Inspired by his observations of people working under the harsh sun in Ethiopia without skin protection, Bekele began exploring the impact of sun exposure on skin. After moving to the US, he received a chemistry set at age 7, which sparked his interest in chemical reactions. As he grew older, he delved into skin cancer research and sought to create a more accessible way to deliver medication, ultimately leading to his invention. Bekele's soap aims to treat early-stage skin cancer by delivering imiquimod through a medium almost everyone uses daily—soap. While the product has not yet been approved for clinical use and could take up to a decade to become a recognized treatment, Bekele remains optimistic about its potential. He is actively promoting his invention while balancing his school activities, including playing in the marching band and chess. TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024: Ajay Banga, Satya Nadella, Alia Bhat and Sakshi Malik Included; Check List.

TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year

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