University of Limerick graduate wins James Dyson international award

A University of Limerick graduate has been announced as the winner of a major international design award for a hair-loss prevention device for chemotherapy patients.

Olivia Humphreys (24) from Pallasgreen, Co Limerick is this year’s global winner of the 2024 James Dyson Award under the Medical Devices category, the first Irish winner of the global competition since it began in 2006.

Olivia, who recently graduated with a degree in Product Design and Technology from UL’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, developed the device, Athena, as part of her final year project. 

The prize comes with an award of €38,000 from the James Dyson Foundation to help fund further research and development of her invention.

The UL graduate had witnessed how upsetting it is for patients who face losing their hair during chemotherapy when her mother, Vicky, was sadly affected by cancer in 2019. Spending time with her mother during her treatment inspired Olivia to reimagine the way scalp-cooling can be done.

Scalp cooling is intended to help prevent hair loss, known as chemotherapy-induced alopecia, for people undergoing chemotherapy. It works by limiting blood flow to the scalp. This can reduce the amount of chemo treatment that reaches the head, in turn protecting hair follicles from the drugs. 

Olivia noticed the shortage of scalp-cooling machines in the hospital her mother was in, as well as how limited the existing solutions were. Current products require the patient to arrive 30 minutes early and stay for 90 minutes after treatment. Athena offers a solution through its cost-effectiveness and portability, without compromising on quality.

The James Dyson Award forms part of a wider commitment by inventor Sir James Dyson to demonstrate the power of engineers to change the world. 

Speaking about Athena, James Dyson, Founder of Dyson said: “You can freeze your scalp which you have to do in special facilities, but these aren't always available, are costly and it’s very painful. This year’s Medical Winner, Olivia Humphreys, has tackled this problem by designing Athena, for portable scalp cooling. You can wear it while you travel, you can wear it in the car to and from hospital, you can use it at home – it’s a low-cost alternative available to everybody, with the potential to make a real difference.”

Olivia is currently working with Galway company Luminate Medical on advancing Athena, as well as other cancer care projects. On winning the James Dyson Award, she said: “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work, ambition, and commitment that went into creating Athena. 

“The recognition from the James Dyson Award validates not just my efforts, but also the stories and insights shared by people who’ve experienced cancer treatment. My mum inspired this journey, and it’s incredibly emotional and rewarding to have my project reach this level. The award has motivated me to recognise my potential, and it opens up exciting opportunities for me as a young designer and innovator.”

Acting President of University of Limerick, Shane Kilcommins, commended Olivia’s achievement. 

“This recognition is a celebration of the exceptional talent and creativity fostered within our community. It highlights the importance of our collective efforts in developing solutions that make a real difference in our region, our country, and across the globe. Olivia’s success is a shining example of how our university empowers students to transform challenges into opportunities for positive impact.”

Commenting on the win, Professor Niall Deloughry, Head of Discipline for Product Design at University of Limerick said: “All the staff, from lecturers to the technical officers and support staff in the School of Architecture and Product Design are so happy for Olivia on her well-deserved success. ‘International James Dyson Award Winner’ really has a lovely ring to it! Olivia’s design, Athena, was the major project of her BSc in Product Design and Technology at University of Limerick and addressed a real-world need uncovered in her research. 

“Her creative and innovative design solution reflects the human-centred approach that is fundamental to our course philosophy. Through a process of rigorous research, prototyping, testing and refinement Olivia brought the project through from initial idea to where it is today. We are very excited to follow the development path of Athena.”

Speaking about the impact of such a device in cancer treatment, Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, said: “I want to congratulate Olivia for creating the mobile scalp cooling device and being awarded this year’s global winner of the James Dyson Award. Any invention that can help prevent hair loss for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy would be so positively received. 

“When I went through cancer, there was no option for me to use a scalp cooling device, and losing your hair can be one of the most devastating impacts for most people. This device offers new hope, and it could make a real difference for those facing chemotherapy in the future."

UL's School of Architecture and Product Design is renowned for producing internationally recognised innovators who, year after year, continue to lead the way in providing solutions to real-world problems.