Hannah Gough, Associate Mechanical Engineer at Planet Innovation, is gaining international attention by being selected in the Top 20 entrants globally for the esteemed James Dyson Award for her invention SyriSter – a portable UV-C (Ultraviolet-C) sterilization device designed to make syringe reuse safer in crisis zones. SyriSter eradicates pathogens in syringes within 60 seconds, providing a practical alternative when access to sterile equipment is limited.

SyriSter started as a final year university project but has now picked up a swathe of awards including being named a Winner in the prestigious Australian Good Design Awards’ Next Gen category, as well as being a Finalist in the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards 2025.

Reflecting on the recognition, Hannah said, “I am so incredibly proud of this achievement and to be recognized amongst such talented young engineers. These types of awards are great because they encourage young designers and engineers to pursue their ideas, and hopefully they will encourage others to pursue their dreams, especially when it comes to making a difference to people’s lives and improving healthcare.”

Donna Green, James Dyson Award Australia National Judge, said: “SyriSter tackles one of the most urgent but often overlooked health challenges: safely reusing medical equipment in crisis zones. Hannah’s simple, low-cost UV-C device shows how young engineers can take on tough problems with creativity and care, helping stop disease spread and making safe treatment possible in vulnerable communities. It’s a clear example of engineering making a real difference in people’s lives.”

In developing countries, 70% of injections are given with re-used, unsterile syringes. Developing countries and areas in crisis are consistently struggling with supply disruptions and access to clean medical products. The need for an intermediary system was necessary to prevent syringes from ending up in either landfill or being re-used unsafely and infecting a patient.

Initially, there were challenges, especially with finding a sterilization technology that would work. After conducting interviews with search and rescue workers and paramedics, Hannah was left with a very narrow options – she could not use common sterilization methods, like any consumables, rely on supply chain, or use water and gas.