Olivia Humphreys Wins James Dyson International Award in Medical Category
13th November 2024
In September Limerick woman Olivia Humphreys was announced as the National Winner of the James Dyson Award 2024 for her product Athena – a portable and accessible scalp-cooling device for patients getting chemotherapy at risk of hair loss. As a result, she progressed to the international stage of the James Dyson Awards.
Today, it was announced that Olivia, a graduate of University of Limerick, has won the James Dyson International Award, valued at c€36k in the Medical category – she is the first Irish person to do so since the Awards were launched.
Athena is a portable, thermoelectric, patient-managed cooling device consisting of a carry case and a wearable headpiece. It aims to provide a more accessible and effective option for scalp cooling thus supporting patient quality of life during chemotherapy.
To elevate Athena to the next level, extensive research and development is required and Olivia will aim to commercialise this product by producing a fully functional, technologically integrated prototype.
She is currently undertaking an internship at award-winning Galway company, Luminate Medical as a research and development engineer. The company is dedicated to minimising the side effects of chemotherapy so this is a great fit for all involved.
