Fifteen-year-old Heman Bekele, an Ethiopian-born student living in the United States, has been named TIME Magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for his innovative research aimed at making skin cancer treatments more affordable and accessible.

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Bekele moved with his family to the U.S. at a young age. Growing up, he showed a natural curiosity for science and medicine, often conducting experiments at home and immersing himself in scientific literature. His interest deepened as he learned about global health disparities – particularly the challenges faced by people who lack access to affordable medical care.

Bekele’s research journey began in earnest after his own family experienced the harsh realities of healthcare costs. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, he turned his attention to skin cancer – one of the most common cancers worldwide. Recognizing that current treatments can be prohibitively expensive and out of reach for many, especially in lower-income communities, he began developing a novel approach: a bar of soap capable of delivering cancer-fighting medication directly through the skin.

With guidance from mentors and access to laboratory resources, Bekele worked on refining his concept, incorporating compounds designed to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells. Though the soap remains in the early research and testing phase and is not yet approved for clinical use, the scientific community has acknowledged the potential of his work.

Bekele’s innovation stood out among thousands of submissions to TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year program, which honors young individuals making significant contributions through creativity, leadership, and scientific achievement. His selection underscores the power of youth-driven innovation in tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

In addition to his scientific pursuits, Bekele is also actively involved in community outreach, where he encourages other young students to explore STEM fields and problem-solving through research and experimentation.

Bekele’s recognition by TIME places him among a growing group of young changemakers whose ideas and passion have made a meaningful impact, offering hope and inspiration for future advances in medical science.