Canadian Annabelle M. Rayson wins Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2022

Rhea-AI Summary

Annabelle M. Rayson from Canada has won the prestigious 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her research on treating harmful algae blooms. HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden announced the winner during World Water Week in Stockholm. Rayson’s work addresses significant issues affecting water quality and ecosystems, which have economic impacts on fishing and tourism. The jury praised her bio-inspired research as a potential solution to a multi-faceted global problem. Xylem, as the founding partner of the prize, encourages innovative solutions to water-related challenges.

Positive

• Rayson won the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for innovative research on harmful algae blooms.
• The jury recognized her work as a potential solution to significant global water quality issues.
• Xylem, the founding partner of the prize, supports initiatives to address water challenges globally.

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• None.

STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Annabelle M. Rayson from Canada receives the prestigious 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her research on how to treat and prevent harmful algae blooms. HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden announced the winner during a ceremony at World Water Week in Stockholm.

Harmful algae blooms plague aquatic ecosystems around the world. They impact water quality and ecosystem diversity, cause dead zones, and cost the fishing and tourism industries millions of dollars.

Rayson’s father, a commercial fisherman, could no longer fish in certain areas due to harmful algae blooms, so she undertook research to find a method to treat and prevent them.

Rayson learned the concept of biomanipulation, and which species of zooplankton was best to treat and prevent algae blooms. For this, she was announced as winner of Stockholm Junior Water Prize, an international competition where students between the ages of 15 and 20 present solutions to major water challenges.

Speaking on winning the prize, Rayson said: “It’s an absolute honour to be here with so many other brilliant young people, representing all the small-town little girls out there, dreaming of her own microscope and lab coat. Hey girls, we can still make it.”

The Jury noted that “the winning entry has a potential solution for a multi-faceted global problem. It is not just an issue for human health, but it also affects water courses and the species that live within them. Of the challenges we face in terms of public health, many are intimately intertwined with water quality, and the winner – dedicated, passionate and creative – has conducted extensive, bio-inspired research to address this pervasive issue.”

The winner was presented with her prize during an award ceremony at World Water Week by HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, the Prize’s Official Patron.

The Diploma of Excellence was awarded to Laura Nedel Drebes and Camily Pereira dos Santos from Brazil, for addressing the issue of period poverty – the inaccessibility to sanitary pads – with their development of sustainable and affordable sanitary pads from industrial by-products.

The People’s Choice Award went to Mishal Faraz from United Arab Emirates, completing the all-female line-up of winners.

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize has been organized every year since 1997 by the Stockholm International Water Institute, SIWI, with Xylem as Founding Partner.

“All Stockholm Junior Water Prize participants show passion and ingenuity that is truly inspiring and an important contribution towards a better future and a more water-wise world. Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these contributions,” said Torgny Holmgren, Executive Director at Stockholm International Water Institute.

Patrick Decker, President and CEO of Xylem, added: “On behalf of more than 17,000 Xylem colleagues around the world, I applaud all Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2022 participants, bringing their passion and their innovation to solve the world’s major water challenges. These students inspire us by embodying what’s possible when innovators from around the world come together – with bold ideas and conviction – to solve water.”

For more information: www.siwi.org/prizes

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220830005886/en/

Andreas Karlsson

Press Manager

Stockholm International Water Institute

Email: andreas.karlsson@siwi.org

Mobile: +46 (0) 720 50 60 04

Source: Xylem Inc.

FAQ

Who won the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize?

Annabelle M. Rayson from Canada won the 2022 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her research on harmful algae blooms.

What was the significance of Rayson's research?

Rayson's research addresses harmful algae blooms, which impact water quality and ecosystems, affecting industries like fishing and tourism.

Who presented the Stockholm Junior Water Prize?

HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden presented the Stockholm Junior Water Prize during World Water Week in Stockholm.

What role does Xylem play in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize?

Xylem is the founding partner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and supports innovative solutions to water-related challenges.