17-year-old junior researcher Tom Binkle from the Helmholtz grammar school in Zweibrücken, came second in the German research contest 'Jugend forscht' for his research subject "Paradise Apple or Mediterranean Trojan? On the allergenic potential of red and yellow tomatoes", in the category of 'Chemistry'. At the federal state level, he even ranked first. He was able to perform his scientific investigation using the most up-to-date methods of measuring in the lab of Dr Stephan Scheurer at the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. Dr Scheurer and his research co-worker Dr Andrea Wangorsch, who perform research on the molecular structures of allergens, supported the junior researcher.
In its role as federal institute, PEI is responsible for the research, marketing authorisation and testing of biomedicines, which also include test and therapy allergens and supports junior researchers in their efforts to implement their first scientific projects.
Vice president Professor Stefan Vieths, who is responsible for the research group Molecular Allergology, is very pleased with the award: "It is one of our particular concerns to win young people for science in the sign of health. We are happy about Tom Binkle and his success."
Mr Binkle is invited to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel together with other participants in September.
Updated: 29.05.2018
