A De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) researcher and lecturer has been named as one of Forbes’
30 Under 30 Europe – which features 300 people transforming 10 sectors including technology, industry, finance and art.
Dr Philippe Wilson, VC2020 Lecturer in Biological Chemistry and Cheminformatics, was chosen for the list of 30 young innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in the science and healthcare field.
His research in computational biochemistry includes collaborations with
Professor Martin Grootveld at DMU, in changing the way that blood samples could be used in order to provide early warning signs of diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular issues. Dr Wilson’s work also involves reducing wastage in laboratories, a major cause of chemical hazards, using computer modelling.
The Forbes team first contacted Dr Wilson a few months ago, to let him know he was on their short list – but he did not think anything would come of it. Then, he was invited to the 30 under 30 Europe launch party in London, hosted by Forbes editor and Content Creator in Chief, Randall Lane and featuring VIP guests such as pop star Drake, boxer Anthony Joshua and Little Mix.
Dr Wilson said: “When the list came out, I was scrolling through and I came to page 28 and thought, ‘oh well, it was nice to be invited and then there I was on page 29 – I couldn’t take it in at first!. It has been amazing. It feels like being part of a family in a way.”
As part of the 30 Under 30 programme, Dr Wilson will attend and present at the inaugural Under 30 Summit Europe in Amsterdam in September. It will bring together around 300 of the region’s most influential young changemakers from the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe lists. In addition, he will attend the International Under 30 Conference in Tel Aviv later on this year, to network and coordinate with colleagues from across the globe.
Dr Wilson, who joined DMU in December 2016 as an Early Career Academic Fellow from the University of Bath, was made a VC2020 lecturer last year.
Forbes editor Mr Lane, who is also chief content officer for Forbes Media, said: “The Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list comprises the most impressive young entrepreneurs that are reshaping Europe, and the world, for the better.
“In addition to receiving thousands of online nominations, our reporters combed the European continent for leading innovators in all ten fields. Our industry-leading judges distilled the shortlist to 300 outstanding individuals that are changing the world for the better.”
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DMU research on healthiest oils revealed on BBC30 Under 30 honorees are judged on leadership and disruption; entrepreneurial mind-set and results; and the likelihood of changing their field over the next half-century. To qualify for the list, honorees must have a strong connection to Europe. Their connection to the continent is determined through citizenship, birth or residence.
This year’s list is the most diverse Forbes has ever released geographically, with 69 countries represented. Notably, it is the first-time citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Albania, Belarus and Macedonia have appeared on the list.
Posted on Thursday 1 February 2018