Covestro : DIP competition winner praised for research into breast cancer examination kit

A university student from Dublin has been praised for her vision and outstanding product development after the judges awarded her top prize in the 2019 Design Innovation in Plastics competition (DIP).

The results of the DIP competition, which is industry headline sponsored by Covestro, were announced at a ceremony in London on Friday.

Daniella Kaligorsky, a third year Product Design student from Technological University Dublin, came up with CHECKKIT, a kit which shows how to conduct a self-examination for breast cancer. It includes models that simulate the breast and the physical symptoms of breast cancer and it also has a brochure to explain what to do and how to recognise 12 possible symptoms, along with a notebook to log results.

The longest running student plastics design competition of its type, DIP is held every year to encourage university students to come up with brand new products made primarily of plastic.

Competition organisers, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and the Worshipful Company of Horners, this year set the challenging brief of 'Healthy body - healthy world' inviting ideas for improving health, wellbeing or encouraging exercise, with a product which could demonstrate longevity and sustainability.

Commenting on the winner, chairman of judges, Richard Brown, said the panel was extremely impressed with Daniella's thorough research into the medical and practical need; her comprehensive review of materials to get the right texture and touch for her product, along with her analysis of manufacturing methods, costs, end user experience and sustainability. She had also given due consideration to competitor products. 'We felt very strongly that this was a product that would enhance wellbeing and was market-ready to meet Daniella's vision for it,' he added.

Another member of the panel, technical engineer, Mike Stuart, formerly of Covestro, said the well thought through manufacturing and practical presentation would help de-stigmatise the subject of breast examination and make it useable even in schools. 'This product could be put into production fairly quickly, and we feel a possible future application could be a similar kit for testicular cancer,' he explained.

Daniella Kaligorskysaid losing a member of her family to breast cancer had inspired her to look deeper into this subject and try to address the problem. 'It is a great opportunity to be able to pursue product design and be recognised and acknowledged by such a great competition and I am proud that the significance of the problem with cancer is recognised,' she said.

'I've learned a substantial amount about plastics and the manufacturing process. There is still so much to learn, and I am excited to take a step further to discover more about the world of plastics and the benefits that it can provide.' In second place cameKai Wang- 4th year integrated product design student from Brunel University. His product, POTLUCK, is a clever combined cooking and storage device that encourages and simplifies the production of stock cubes using food waste.

Christopher Kay, a 4th year product design student from De Montfort University came third with EnviroJect - a re-usable syringe system, providing a safe and sustainable method of administering medications.

Highly commended awards went to:

Louis Farnsworth, 3rd year product design student from De Montfort University, whose product, Air, is a smart breathing aid for asthmatics to reduce asthma flare up and irritation to the lungs and airway when exercising

Namgyun Ryu, 1st year MSc Integrated Product Design student from Brunel University, with 'Tri Walker' - a walking aid for the elderly providing enhanced mobility improved functionality over conventional walking aids.

The five finalists, who were praised for their concepts and their very high level of professionalism, will all receive cash prizes and short work placements with one of the competition sponsors: Brightworks; Innovate Product Design; PDD and RJG Technologies.

The winner will take a trip to Germany to visit Covestro, and will be joined by Christopher Kay, who was given special recognition by Covestro for his innovation.

About Covestro:
With 2018 sales of EUR 14.6 billion, Covestro is among the world's largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, construction, wood processing and furniture, and electrical and electronics industries. Other sectors include sports and leisure, cosmetics, health and the chemical industry itself. Covestro has 30 production sites worldwide and employs approximately 16,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2018.

Find more information atwww.covestro.com.
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About Design Innovation in Plastics:
Established in 1985,Design Innovation in Plastics is the longest running student plastics design award in Europe. For more information visitwww.designinnovationplastics.org

The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)is a major UK engineering institution and is the professional body for the advancement of materials, minerals and mining to governments, industry, academia, the public and the professions. For more information visitwww.iom3.org

The Worshipful Company of Hornersis one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London and was formed to regulate the horn-working trade. In 1943 it adopted its modern equivalent, the plastics industry. For more information visitwww.horners.org.uk

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