The Rolex Awards for Enterprise are designed to recognize, encourage, and empower individuals who make a significant difference in methods of approach for significant human challenges. Some of the Rolex Laureates have taken novel (and seemingly impossible!) approaches to conservation. Some have worked hard to prevent injuries in non-electrified areas of the world. Some have revolutionized access to clean water and nutrition. Some are involved in remarkable medical treatment.
Australian scientist Mark Kendall decided to use rocket technology when it came to vaccines. The process improved delivery of the vaccines in a pain free way and also a logistically easier way. Kendall won the Rolex Award in 2012 for his work on this delivery system, the Nanopatch.
The Nanopach is a sticker smaller than a fingernail. It’s coated with dry vaccine powder. When the sticker is placed on the skin, the vaccine is delivered. Since the Nanopatch doesn’t require refrigeration, it can reach areas other vaccines cannot. Since it is delivered so easily, it doesn’t require professional medical providers either.
Kendall tested the patch in rural Papua New Guinea. This was enabled by the money from the prize and the exposure from the media. The trials went very well and Kendall now has backing from the World Health Organization, a number of philanthropic trusts, and industry. Clinical trials are underway for the patch now for a number of viruses.
Another advantage of Rolex’s process is that it invests in individuals. Kendall is already hard at work on new technology, wearable like the sticker, that may be able to diagnose medical issues and, in particular, give immediate early warning about heart attacks. Success might revolutionize approaches to cardiac medicine. Kendall says quite plainly that he owns all of his success to the Rolex Award because it all owed him to bypass a great many financial and bureaucratic steps in order to get right to the work.
So, the next time you look at the Rolex on your wrist, remember you’re wearing something significant.
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