Southland Teen Wins PM’s Space Prize for Innovative Healing Solution

A remarkable achievement has emerged from Southland, New Zealand, where 17-year-old Sophie Ineson has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour. This prestigious accolade, valued at $50,000, recognizes her innovative project aimed at improving wound care for astronauts. Ineson’s creation, called HydroHeal, addresses a critical issue: the slower healing of wounds in microgravity environments.

Ineson developed HydroHeal in response to the unique challenges faced by astronauts during space missions. While a minor injury like a paper cut may seem trivial on Earth, it can have serious implications in space due to reduced oxygen delivery to wounds, slower cell growth, and compromised immune systems. “On Earth you can put a band-aid on and it heals in a few days, but it’s a completely different story in space,” Ineson explained.

Wounds in space not only pose health risks but can also impact crew morale and performance. Additionally, lunar regolith, or dust, creates further complications if it enters wounds. With NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon and future plans for Mars exploration in mind, Ineson began her research to create a wound dressing that meets stringent space requirements.

To tackle these challenges, Ineson designed a two-layered, jelly-like dressing. Her research led her to choose a combination of chitosan, a natural polymer known for its antibacterial properties, along with Southland-sourced hemp seed oil and lecithin to enhance moisture retention and reduce inflammation. The result was a product that impressed the judging panel, which described her project as “a well-thought-out and independently carried-out project.”

Ineson received the award at Parliament on March 15, 2024, highlighting her commitment to science and engineering. She developed HydroHeal just a short drive from the Awarua Space Ops site, where scientists conduct essential work for orbiting satellite calibrations and data transmissions. Her school, Southland Girls’ High School, has fostered a partnership with the nearby New Zealand Aluminium Smelters to promote engineering careers among young women.

In addition to her project, Ineson has established a club called innovatHer at her school. This initiative mentors students to participate in science fairs and encourages them to explore careers in space. Her commitment to empowering young women in STEM fields is not new; she previously won the Fair Go Consumer Heroes competition in Year 7 for her project advocating for more women in space careers.

Ineson’s aspirations extend beyond product development. She plans to pursue studies in neuroscience and psychology, focusing on how space travel affects mental health. “I’m looking at how being in space can affect people’s mental health, and how that may be different to someone who is on Earth for the same period,” she stated.

As she reflects on her journey, Ineson emphasizes that the opportunities available today for young people are vast. “It’s to have the confidence to reach out and take that opportunity,” she said. With her innovative spirit and commitment to science, Sophie Ineson is poised to make a significant impact, both in space exploration and in healthcare on Earth.