A young innovator from Virginia has transformed a regular bar of soap into a groundbreaking approach in the fight against melanoma. Heman Bekele, honored as America’s Top Young Scientist, devised a budget-friendly soap aimed at increasing access to skin cancer care.
His inspiration traces back to his early years in Ethiopia, where he witnessed people exposed to the sun for extended periods without sufficient protection. After moving to the U.S. at age four, these experiences motivated him to tackle an urgent health issue.
Skin cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally. Data from the National Institutes of Health indicate approximately 1.5 million new cases worldwide in 2020. Heman’s vision was to develop a simple, economical, and user-friendly solution.
That concept evolved into the Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), earning him the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge title. His innovation gained attention for blending scientific principles with a common household product.
Transforming a Memory Into a Scientific Breakthrough
Heman Bekele selected a problem rooted in his past for his competition submission. Observing individuals laboring outdoors under intense sun in Ethiopia raised concerns about prolonged sun exposure. He proceeded to study skin cancer and the barriers to treatment that many face.
“I was looking into the issue of skin cancer and the fact that, especially in third-world countries, people living under the poverty line just can’t afford the treatment necessary for skin cancer,” Bekele told Afrotech.
Rather than designing an intricate medical instrument, he opted for a familiar item: soap. His aim was to craft a product that integrates seamlessly into daily routines.
A press statement from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) detailed his months-long experimentation that led to a soap prototype capable of reactivating dendritic cells. These immune cells are often compromised by cancer, and the soap aims to restore their defensive role.
One of the project’s key advantages is its cost-effectiveness. Heman estimates producing each bar at just 50 cents, a stark contrast to the approximate $40,000 price tag for skin cancer surgery in the U.S.
Innovative Concept Wins Top Honors
During the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a contest for middle schoolers organized by 3M and Discovery Education, Heman showcased his initiative.
After a rigorous four-month competition, he triumphed at the final event held in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 9 and 10, 2023. Along with being named America’s Top Young Scientist, he earned a $25,000 award.
“I wanted to make my idea something that not only was great in terms of science but also could be accessible to as many people as possible,” explained Heman, as quoted by the Washington Post.
For Heman, winning the accolade marked just the start. The recognition elevated his project’s profile and fueled further development efforts beyond the contest.
“More than anything, winning the 3M Scientist Challenge has given me even more motivation,” said Bekele . “It’s empowered me to realize that science can get you somewhere and science is a viable option. It’s also taught me that people want to hear about my ideas, and I’m allowed to create. At first, this bar of soap just was a random idea by a 14-year-old and look where it’s gotten me.”
From a Young Innovator to a Future Science Visionary
Following his victory, Heman has persisted in refining his soap idea and investigating new avenues for its application. In 2024, TIME honored him as Kid of the Year for advancing affordable and reachable healthcare solutions for underserved populations.
He also secured a part-time role at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he has begun preliminary trials linked to his soap and explored innovative methods for medication delivery via soap formulations. Developing a scientific idea into a functional medical product requires extensive research and testing. Heman continues collaborating with experts while expanding his knowledge.
“By 2028, I hope to turn SCTS, which is right now just a passion project into more than that. I hope to turn it into a nonprofit organization where I can provide equitable and accessible skin cancer treatment to as many people as possible,” he added during an interview with Afrotech.
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