The HidroQapa project aims to produce a waterproofing bioplastic made from shrimp shell waste, and won fourth place in the Chemistry category.
Young Portuguese scientists were in the spotlight at the Regeneron ISEF - International Science and Engineering Fair 2024, held in Los Angeles, USA, where they won two major prizes.
Madalena Filipe, Frederico Mauritty and Jéssica Nunes, students at Colégio Valsassina in Lisbon, developed the HidroQapa project, which won fourth place in the Chemistry category, a remarkable achievement in the world's largest competition for young scientists and engineers.
The project was supervised by teacher João Carlos Gomes and aims to produce a waterproofing bioplastic from chitosan extracted from shrimp shell waste, promoting the blue and circular economy.
The young scientists also received an award from the Mary Kay Inc. company, which awards scholarships and STEM learning opportunities.
In addition to the award in the Chemistry category, the young Portuguese scientists received a special prize from Mary Kay Inc., which awards scholarships and STEM learning opportunities. This double recognition reinforces the potential and relevance of the HidroQapa project, opening doors for the future development of research and innovation in this area.
Winning the gold medal at the National Science Exhibition 2023, organised by the Youth Foundation, enabled the group to be selected to represent Portugal at the Regeneron ISEF 2024 Fair.
Until 25 May, the Alfândega do Porto Congress Centre is hosting the National Science Exhibition 2024, which will feature more than 330 young scientists. In this edition, around 100,000 euros in prizes are up for grabs, which in addition to cash prizes include unique experiences and the chance to represent Portugal in science competitions around the world.
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