Fionn Ferreira
{{Short description|Irish inventor, student of chemistry}}
{{use Irish English|date=August 2021}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Fionn Ferreira
| image = Fionn Ferreira Headshot.jpg
| birth_date = {{Birth based on age as of date|18|2019|07}}
| caption = Headshot of Fionn Ferreira on the Irish Coastline, July 2021
| birth_place = Ballydehob, Ireland
| nationality = Irish
| website = https://www.fionnferreira.com/
|field = Chemistry
|workplaces = ETH Zurich
University of Groningen
University Centre in Svalbard
}}
Fionn Miguel Eckardt Ferreira (from Ballydehob, County Cork, Ireland) is an Irish inventor, chemistry student and Forbes 30 under 30 listee. He is known for his invention of a method to remove microplastic particles from water using a natural ferrofluid mixture.{{Cite web|title=Fionn Ferreira – Finalist, Young Inventors Prize 2023|url=https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/meet-the-finalists/fionn-ferreira|access-date=2025-04-29|website=European Patent Office|date=2023|language=en}}
Early life
Fionn Ferreira, whose full name is Fionn Miguel Eckardt Ferreira,{{cite web|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191108210547/https://student.societyforscience.org/drug-chemical-associated-technologies-association-dcat-0 | archive-date = 8 November 2019 | url = https://student.societyforscience.org/drug-chemical-associated-technologies-association-dcat-0 | website = student.societyforscience.org | title = Intel ISEF 2018 Special Awards Organization Profile }} was born in Cork to boat-builder and modeller Anne Eckardt, from Germany and West Cork,{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Kate |title=This is what I do - Anke Eckardt, model builder |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/this-is-what-i-do-6vpwk6l9jx8 |access-date=16 August 2021 |work=The Sunday Times |date=23 November 2014 |quote=I was born in Germany and my parents moved to the Ballydehob area of west Cork in 1980, when I was nine, ...met my partner, Rui Ferreira, in England and we both moved back to west Cork. We were boat builders ... my son Fionn}} and boat-builder Rui Ferreira from Portugal, who had met in the UK in 1994 and settled in Ballydehob, County Cork.{{cite web |title=West Cork Boats |website=West Cork Boats |url=https://www.westcorkboats.com/ |access-date=16 August 2021 |quote=We met at the International Boatbuilding Training College in England in 1994, where we obtained our City and guilds in wooden boatbuilding.}}{{cite magazine |author= |title=Irish Teen's Magnetic Solution To Ocean Microplastic Problem Nets Major Google Science Prize |url=https://afloat.ie/itemlist/tag/Fionn%20Ferreira |magazine=Afloat (afloat.ie) |location=Dublin, Ireland |publisher= |date=30 July 2019 |access-date=16 August 2021}} He was brought up in Ballydehob and attended St James' primary school in Durrus and subsequently Schull Community College in Schull, completing school at the age of 18 in 2019.{{Cite web|last=Quann|first=Jack|title=Cork student wins Google Science Fair in California|url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/cork-student-wins-google-science-fair-california-888633|access-date=2021-05-26|website=Newstalk}}
Ferreira spent part of his childhood kayaking around remote coastal areas of Ireland with his dog India, noticing an increasing amount of plastic washing up on the coastline. He created a methodology to quantify and collect plastic pollution, with a focus on microplastics. He built several inventions using LEGO, bits of wood and some microcontrollers to test for these microplastics.{{Cite web|title=Fionn wins again – on home soil|url=https://www.southernstar.ie/news/fionn-wins-again-on-home-soil-4181613|access-date=2021-05-26|website=The Southern Star|language=en}} He entered the national science fair, the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, three times, with two of his projects being Let Sanils do the cleaning, An investigation into the antioxidant concentration of different berries using the Briggs-Rauscher reaction in conjunction with a photometer and An investigation into the removal of microplastics from water using ferrofluids.{{Cite web|date=2019-08-13|title=One of world's top young scientists among Cork students collecting results|url=https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40145360.html|access-date=2021-05-26|website=echo live|language=en}} Ferreira worked as a curator at Schull's planetarium.
Microplastic removal technology
Ferreira is best known for inventing a novel method to remove microplastics from water using magnetism. The technology, which he began developing as a teenager in rural Ireland, involves the use of a magnetic ferrofluid that binds to microplastic particles, allowing them to be extracted from water using a standard magnet. Ferreira stated that the idea was inspired by a 2014 article by Fermilab physicist Arden Warner, who developed a magnetic approach for oil spill remediation.{{cite news |last1=Armitage |first1=Hanae |title=Accelerator physicist invents new way to clean up oil spills |url=https://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/archive/archive_2014/today14-07-30.html |access-date=15 August 2021 |work=Fermilab Today |publisher=Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory |date=30 July 2014}}
After hundreds of experiments and refinements, Ferreira developed a working prototype with microplastic extraction rates of up to 87% (+/- 1.1%), with the highest efficiency recorded for polyester-based particles.{{Cite web|title=Full Abstract|url=https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/Home/FullAbstract?ProjectId=14829|access-date=2021-05-26|website=abstracts.societyforscience.org}} His approach specifically targets microplastics that conventional filtration systems struggle to remove, particularly very small particles.
He first exhibited the project at the 2018 Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Ireland, where he received the Intel Award, Best in Category, the Intellectual Ventures Award, and a first-place prize.{{Cite web|last=Nace|first=Trevor|title=Irish Teen Wins 2019 Google Science Fair For Removing Microplastics From Water|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2019/07/30/irish-teen-wins-2019-google-science-fair-for-removing-microplastics-from-water/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=Forbes|language=en}}
File:Fionn Ferreira Removing Microplastics (2).jpg
Later that year, he competed at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2018, receiving the 1st place American Chemical Society award, 2nd place in Chemistry, and additional honors.
In 2019, Ferreira showcased an improved version at the Google Science Fair, winning the Grand Prize of $50,000 for his innovation.
Following these successes, Ferreira co-founded Fionn & Co., collaborating with the Green Journey Coalition to scale up the technology. Together, they have developed a **continuous flow prototype** capable of processing contaminated water in real time, a critical advancement toward industrial and municipal deployment.{{Cite web|title=Fionn Ferreira – ChangeNOW 2025 Speaker Details|url=https://content.changenow.world/speaker-details/?speakerID=rec7eeZ4jx6WnEZJM|access-date=2025-04-29|website=ChangeNOW|language=en}} Unlike earlier batch methods, this system operates continuously, making it more efficient and suitable for integration into wastewater treatment plants.
As of 2025, Fionn & Co. and the Green Journey Coalition are actively raising funds to develop a **full-scale commercial prototype**. Their goal is to deploy the technology globally, targeting both municipal wastewater facilities and coastal remediation projects.{{Cite web|title=Sustainable productivity – how I get stuff done|url=https://fionnferreira.substack.com/p/sustainable-productivity-how-i-get|access-date=2025-04-29|website=Substack}}{{Cite web|title=New Year Carbon Neutral Goals – Fionn's 2025 Plan|url=https://fionnferreira.substack.com/p/new-year-carbon-neutral-goals-fionns|access-date=2025-04-29|website=Substack}}
Ferreira has emphasized that the focus is not just on extraction efficiency but also on sustainability, ensuring the system uses minimal energy, is made from recycled materials where possible, and can be deployed globally at accessible cost.
His work remains central to international efforts to integrate microplastic removal into sustainable water systems and promote broader ocean health initiatives.
Education
In autumn 2019, Ferreira began a BSc in Chemistry at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and graduated in 2022 with Cum Laude honors.{{cite web|last=Boomsma|first=Christien|date=2019-09-01|title=The boy wonder who will save us from plastic|url=https://www.ukrant.nl/magazine/the-boy-wonder-who-will-save-us-from-plastic/?lang=en|access-date=2021-05-26|website=UKrant.nl}} {{cite web|last=Ferreira|first=Fionn|date=2022-11-25|title=I have graduated with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Groningen with a Cum Laude|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CkIoSShNAJP/|access-date=2023-03-25|website=Instagram}}
He is currently pursuing an MSc in Chemistry at the University of Groningen. As part of his master's studies, Ferreira conducted a research project in the molecular inorganic chemistry group of Professor Edwin Otten, focusing NMR for organic Redox Flow Batteries.{{cite web|title=Fionn Ferreira LinkedIn Profile|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionn-ferreira-098338164/|access-date=2025-04-29|website=LinkedIn}}
In 2023, he participated in a field-based project in Arctic chemical oceanography at the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), investigating the biogeochemical processes influencing plastic degradation and pollutant transport in polar marine environments.{{cite web|title=Fionn Ferreira – Arctic chemical oceanography experience|url=https://fionnferreira.substack.com/p/sustainable-productivity-how-i-get|access-date=2025-04-29|website=Substack}}
In 2025, Ferreira began a second MSc research project at ETH Zurich, working in the laboratory of Professor Alexander Barnes. His work focuses on the development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), with an emphasis on sustainable instrumentation and improving energy efficiency in scientific research.{{cite web|title=Sustainable productivity – how I get stuff done|url=https://fionnferreira.substack.com/p/sustainable-productivity-how-i-get|access-date=2025-04-29|website=Substack}}
Business
In 2020, Ferreira founded a business, Fionn & Co., focused on microplastic removal technology.{{Cite web|title=Fionn Ferreira {{!}} and& 2021|url=https://www.andleuven.com/en/fionn-ferreira|access-date=2021-05-26|website=www.andleuven.com|language=en}} In 2020 and 2021 his work was featured by the global campaign by Hewlett-Packard: For every dream.{{Cite web|title=HP's Best - Premium Quality, High Performance Laptops for 2020|url=https://www8.hp.com/us/en/laptops/premium-high-performance-laptops.html|access-date=2021-05-26|website=www8.hp.com|language=en-us}}
Recognition
In 2018, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory named a minor planet after Ferreira, following his being awarded 2nd place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.{{Cite web|title=Google prize for West Cork student who found eco-friendly way to remove microplastics from water|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/google-prize-for-west-cork-student-who-found-eco-friendly-way-to-remove-microplastics-from-water-1.3974663|access-date=2021-05-26|website=The Irish Times|date=2019-07-29|language=en}}
In 2021, he was named a National Geographic Society Young Explorer; he has since been working on a new platform for youth in the space of invention with the help of funding from the society.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-20|title=The Ocean Plastics Pollution Solutions Contest|url=http://www.nationalgeographic.org/activity/ocean-plastics-pollution-solutions-contest/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=National Geographic Society|language=en}}
That same year, he was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Science and Healthcare category.{{Cite web|title=Fionn Ferreira|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/fionn-ferreira/|access-date=2021-05-26|website=Forbes|language=en}}
In September 2021, Ferreira received the Premio Internazionale Giuseppe Sciacca award for his conservation and ecological efforts.{{Cite web|title=Bando e Brochure 2021|url=https://premiosciacca.it/edizioni/bando-2021-announcement-2021/|access-date=2021-10-12|website=Premio Internazionale Giuseppe Sciacca|language=it-IT}}
File:Fionn Ferreira at ChangeNOW 2025.jpg
Ferreira has spoken at several international forums, including:{{cite web|last=Fleming|first=Sean|date=2020-01-17|title=Meet the teen science star using magnetic liquid to remove microplastics from water|url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/ocean-plastic-pollution-magnetic-liquid-irish-scientist/|website=World Economic Forum}}
- 2019 Global Plastic Health Summit
- 2020 World Economic Forum
- 2020 Smithsonian Institution Earth Optimism Summit
- 2020 GreenTech Festival Berlin
- 2021 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals ISEF
- 2021 Young Plastic Pollution Challenge
- 2021 Leuven Conference
- 2021 Viva Technology
- 2021 Infoshare Conference (Poland)
- 2021 YOUTHTOPIA Younite
- 2022 ChangeNOW
- 2022 Ativa-te
- 2023 House of Lords
- 2024 ChangeNOW
- 2025 Quantum Delta NL Masterclass{{Cite web|title=Quantum Delta NL Masterclass 2025 - Speaker Lineup|url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/centre-for-quantum-and-society_quantumforgood-quantumsensing-microplastics-activity-7305973009394135042-Y4wR/|access-date=2025-04-29|website=Quantum Delta NL|language=en}}
- 2025 ChangeNOW {{Cite web|title=Fionn Ferreira – ChangeNOW 2025 Speaker Details|url=https://content.changenow.world/speaker-details/?speakerID=rec7eeZ4jx6WnEZJM|access-date=2025-04-29|website=ChangeNOW|language=en}}
Ferreira has received several awards and recognitions:
- 2019 Google Science Fair Grand Prize
- 2020 World Economic Forum Change Maker
- 2021 Plastic Action Champion by the Global Plastic Action Partnership
- 2021 Premio Internazionale Giuseppe Sciacca
- 2021 National Geographic Young Explorer
- 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30
- 2022 Renaissance Award
- 2023 European Patent Office Young Inventor's Prize
Television
In 2024, Ferreira began presenting *What’s Next? Science*, an educational television series on RTÉ designed to engage children and young adults with the future of science and sustainability. The show, aired as part of RTÉ Kids programming, features Ferreira exploring topics such as climate innovation, clean energy, ocean science, and space, while encouraging viewers to think critically and creatively about solving global challenges.{{Cite web|title=RTÉ Kids – What’s Next? Science|url=https://www.rte.ie/learn/home-school-hub/2024/1112/1480532-rte-kids-whats-next-science-/|access-date=2025-04-29|website=RTÉ Learn|date=2024-11-12|language=en}}
The series blends interactive demonstrations, storytelling, and guest appearances by scientists and changemakers to highlight the power of youth innovation and science communication. It was well received for its accessible approach to complex topics and its positive representation of young scientists.{{Cite web|title=What’s Next? Science – Official Trailer|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so5GBIXuSTM|access-date=2025-04-29|website=YouTube|publisher=RTÉ}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official|https://www.fionnferreira.com/}}
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYAfOFaQg7I Interview and summary of invention concept]
- [https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210825-how-to-fight-microplastic-pollution-with-magnets Interview on invention process] with BBC
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Category:People from Ballydehob
Category:Scientists from County Cork
Category:21st-century Irish chemists
Category:University of Groningen alumni