Heman Bekele is a student researcher and health equity advocate focused on expanding access to healthcare through innovation. At 14, he developed a low-cost, soap-based treatment concept designed to improve the accessibility of skin cancer treatment, inspired by global disparities he observed in healthcare access growing up in Ethiopia. His work earned him recognition on the cover of TIME Magazine as their “Kid of the Year”.

Beyond research, Heman is passionate about empowering young people to see science as a tool for impact and problem-solving. He speaks internationally about innovation, youth leadership, and the responsibility of using creativity and science to address real-world challenges. Through his initiatives and public work, he aims to make scientific advancement more inclusive and accessible for all.