Gitanjali Rao: Time magazine names teenage inventor its first ‘kid of the year’

 The 15-year-old scientist has used technology to address contaminated drinking water, opioid addiction and cyberbullying

A 15-year-old scientist and inventor has been named as Time magazine’s first “kid of the year”.

Gitanjali Rao, from Denver, Colorado, has invented new technologies across a range of fields, including a device that can identify lead in drinking water, and an app and Chrome extension that uses artificial intelligence to detect cyberbullying.

She said she hoped she could inspire others to dream up ideas to “solve the world’s problems”.

Gitanjali was chosen from a field of 5,000 US-based nominees, which was whittled down to five finalists by a committee of young people alongside comedian and TV presenter Trevor Noah.

She and the other four finalists will be honoured in a TV special next Friday.

In an interview with actor and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, Gitanjali said: “I don’t look like your typical scientist. Everything I see on TV is that it’s an older, usually white, man as a scientist.

“My goal has really shifted, not only from creating my own devices to solve the world’s problems, but inspiring others to do the same as well.

“Because, from personal experience, it’s not easy when you don’t see anyone else like you.

“So I really want to put out that message: If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone can do it.”

Time began awarding its man of the year honour in 1927, later updating it to person of the year, but this is the first time it has named a kid of the year. Time, which also produces the child-friendly Time For Kids, teamed up with children’s TV channel Nickelodeon for the new award.

Last year, climate activist Greta Thunberg became the youngest ever person of the year when she was given the honour at age 16.

The Guardian, 4th Dec 2020