Manu Prakash

Manu Prakash, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University, is renowned for his contributions to "frugal science," a movement aiming to make scientific tools accessible to all, regardless of their geographic or economic status. Born in Meerut, India, Prakash's curiosity was piqued early by makeshift experiments and tinkering, leading him to an illustrious career in science and innovation 【65†source】.

His notable inventions include the Foldscope, an optical microscope made from paper costing less than a dollar to build, and the Paperfuge, a hand-powered centrifuge created from paper and string that costs merely 20 cents. The Foldscope, developed alongside Jim Cybulski, is a testament to Prakash's commitment to democratizing science education and research. It can be assembled from simple components and has been distributed to people in over 135 countries for various research and educational purposes 【65†source】【66†source】.

Prakash's dedication to developing affordable scientific tools stems from his belief in the power of education and curiosity to drive change. His work, ranging from understanding the physics of water droplets to creating inexpensive yet functional scientific instruments, reflects a broad and imaginative approach to problem-solving in the biological sciences. This has garnered him several accolades, including the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2016, recognizing his innovative contributions to global health, science education, and ecological surveillance 【66†source】.

Through initiatives like the Foldscope and the Paperfuge, Prakash is not only making science accessible but is also inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers. His vision for a world where every child has the means to explore the intricacies of the natural world continues to influence educational and scientific communities globally.