Southland Teen Wins Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Innovative Band-Aid Design

A 17-year-old student from Southland, Sophie Ineson, has been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister’s Space Prize for Student Endeavour, which includes a grant of $50,000, for her innovative project aimed at improving wound care for astronauts. The award ceremony took place on October 30, 2023, in Parliament, where Ineson showcased her groundbreaking design of a wound dressing called HydroHeal.

In space, even minor injuries can lead to significant complications. Ineson’s work began as an entry for the NZAS Southland Science and Technology fair, where she identified the challenges astronauts face with wound healing in microgravity. “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,” she explained. The lower oxygen levels and slower cell growth in space can hinder the healing process, potentially leading to reduced crew morale and performance.

Ineson’s project is particularly relevant as space agencies, including NASA, prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars, such as the upcoming Artemis missions. To address these challenges, she designed a two-layered jelly-like dressing that meets specific requirements for use in space. The dressing needs to be applied while wearing gloves and remain intact during extended use.

After extensive research, Ineson developed HydroHeal using chitosan, a natural polymer with antibacterial properties, along with hemp seed oil and lecithin for their anti-inflammatory effects and moisture retention. The judging panel for the Space Prize praised her project, describing it as “a well-thought-out and independently carried-out project” that demonstrates a clear commitment to both medical and engineering fields. They noted it has real potential for use in space missions and healthcare on Earth.

Ineson’s achievements come from her dedication to science and engineering, fostered by her education at Southland Girls’ High School. The school has built a partnership with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters to inspire more girls to pursue careers in engineering. She has also established a club named innovatHer, which encourages fellow students to participate in science fairs and explore opportunities in the space sector.

Her passion for space-related careers began early; she won the Fair Go Consumer Heroes competition in Year 7 for her project aimed at increasing female representation in space professions. Ineson emphasizes that the future holds vast opportunities, not just in engineering and the sciences but also in areas such as “space law,” which will require a new generation of legal experts skilled in the complexities of space exploration.

Looking ahead to her university studies, Ineson plans to delve into neuroscience and psychology, particularly examining how space travel affects mental health. “I’m looking at how being in space can affect people’s mental health, and how that may differ from someone who is on Earth for the same period,” she stated.

Her journey reflects a commitment to both personal growth and community engagement. Ineson believes that the opportunities in the space sector are abundant and encourages others to seize them. “It’s about having the confidence to reach out and take that opportunity,” she concluded.