An assistant professor, a PhD candidate, an alumnus and a former TU Delft student were recently honoured by inclusion on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.
This was the first time in five years that the 30 Under 30 included a list focusing on Europe. American business magazine Forbes calls it “the premier spotlight on the entrepreneurial-minded bright young stars who are transforming the world.” The honourees were chosen from thousands of nominations and decided by a panel of judges, this year comprised of three professors from Johns Hopkins University; the Max Planck Institute for Molecule Genomics, Berlin; and Autonomous University of Barcelona, respectively.
TU Delft’s own Bas Hensen (29), PhD candidate in Applied Sciences, was recognized in the Science & Healthcare category for his research on the fundamental aspects and applications of quantum physics using tiny defects in otherwise perfect diamond crystals. Hensen explained that using two or more of such diamonds, one could build what is called a quantum network, allowing, amongst other things, communication that is fundamentally impossible to eavesdrop. On being recognized by Forbes this year, Hensen said, “I felt honoured to be included, even Adele is on the list!”
Assistant professor Anna Smith (27) was recognized in the Industry category for her research on future fourth generation nuclear power plants using molten salt reactors. Working at the Reactor Institute Delft, part of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Smith’s research focuses on sodium-cooled fast reactors which many hope will prove safer and more efficient than current reactor technology.
Also included in the Science & Healthcare category was TU Delft alumnus Alec Momont (24), who earned his MSc in Industrial and Product Design in 2014. Momont founded Drones for Good, an organization that leverages drone technology to improve global health. One of his inventions, the Ambulance-Drone, was the result of his graduation project. It is a high speed drone network that delivers emergency supplies to any location within minutes.
Finally, former Aerospace Engineering student Boyan Slat (21), was recognized in the Science & Healthcare category as an entrepreneur and inventor who creates technologies to tackle global issues of sustainability. As founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, Slat and his team are developing the world’s first feasible method of removing plastic waste from the oceans “to extract, prevent, and intercept plastic pollution by initiating the largest cleanup in history”.
You can see the full list on the Forbes website.
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