Phase 1 submissions closed on January 22, and the Lead Detect Prize received 21 concepts from teams across the United States, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The concept papers proposed a range of high-potential solutions, from adapting techniques such as spectroscopy and microfluidics to translating approaches used in detecting lead and other heavy metals in the environment.
Judges will evaluate Phase 1 submissions against the six official evaluation criteria. The distinguished group of judges includes experts in analytical chemistry, device development, diagnostic testing, pediatrics, and toxicology. The challenge team thanks the judges for contributing their time and expertise to help enhance testing for lead in children.
- Haja Sittana El Mubarak, Ph.D., Wasela Diagnostics, LLC
- Deanna Jones, Ph.D., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Robert Jones, Ph.D., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Retired
- Matthew McMahon, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health
- Shawn Mulvaney, Ph.D., National Institutes of Health
- Jennifer Sample, M.D., PediaTox, LLC
- Noel Stanton, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Lauren Zajac, MPH, M.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Learn more about the judges as they begin to evaluate submissions. Judges will select up to five winners to receive an equal share of the $150,000 Phase 1 prize pool and an exclusive invitation to participate in Phase 2. The challenge plans to announce Phase 1 winners in March.