In the grand quest to understand why the universe is expanding faster and faster, most scientists point to an invisible force called dark energy. A 14-year-old student from Kingston, Ontario, has taken a different path. Liam Desre, a Grade 10 teenager, proposed a thermodynamic extension to the standard model of cosmology that could explain cosmic acceleration without invoking dark energy. His project, ΛCDM+S: Evaluating a Thermodynamic Extension to Standard Cosmology, won a second prize of €5,000 at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) 2026 in Kiel, Germany, where 144 young scientists from 37 countries presented their work, according to Youth Science Canada News.A bold idea from a high school labLiam Desre is no ordinary teenager. While his classmates are busy with tests and extracurriculars, he’s been diving deep into one of the biggest puzzles in modern physics. His project challenges the prevailing ΛCDM model that relies on dark energy to explain the accelerating expansion of the universe. Instead, Liam explored whether entropy-related thermodynamic effects could produce the same observational signatures.The standard cosmological model treats dark energy as a mysterious component making up about 68 percent of the universe’s energy budget. Yet despite decades of study, its physical nature remains unknown. Liam’s work asked a simple but profound question: could the acceleration we observe be a consequence of how energy and entropy behave on cosmic scales, rather than evidence of a new, invisible substance?
How the thermodynamic extension works
Liam’s approach builds on the ΛCDM framework but adds a thermodynamic layer he labels “S” for entropy. In his model, he used simulations to test whether entropy-driven effects could mimic the expansion history attributed to dark energy. The results suggested that such a thermodynamic extension can reproduce key features of cosmic acceleration without requiring dark energy as a separate entity.This does not mean dark energy is disproven. Liam’s project is a way to test things out that others can interrogate, refine, or contest. His thermodynamic approach to cosmic acceleration opens a new avenue of research to complement or contradict existing hypotheses. His work demonstrates how fresh perspectives, even from young scientists, can contribute to high-level debates in cosmology.
From Canada-Wide Science Fair to the European stage
Liam’s journey to Kiel began at the 2026 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton, where he received the Best Project – Discovery award. That achievement secured his place on Team Canada, alongside Gurnoor Kaur of Waterloo, Ontario, whose project on reducing bias in pulse oximetry won a first prize at EUCYS. Together, they continued Canada’s remarkable streak of winning two core prizes at the contest for five consecutive years, as per the report.The European Union Contest for Young Scientists is one of the most prestigious international STEM competitions for students aged 14 to 20. Participants must first win top honours at national science fairs to qualify. In Kiel, they presented their self-developed research to an expert jury, defended their methods in interviews, and engaged with peers from around the world. Liam’s second prize placed him among an elite group of young researchers recognised for originality, rigour, and scientific promise.
Why this matters for science and society
Liam’s achievement is more than a personal triumph. It suggests the importance of encouraging young people to grapple with complex, open-ended questions. Cosmology is usually thought of as the territory of grizzled physicists with supercomputers and telescopes at their disposal. But Liam’s project demonstrates that teenagers can have meaningful ideas to add to conversations on the world stage if they’re curious and have access to scientific tools and mentorship.His work also demonstrates the importance of alternative hypotheses in science. His thermodynamic model may not ultimately replace dark energy, but it does offer a model that can be tested against observations. This kind of work refines theories, reveals implicit assumptions and can sometimes even produce surprising breakthroughs. Liam’s story is a reminder to students and teachers that age is no barrier to entering the frontiers of knowledge.
A Canadian tradition of excellence in youth science
Canada’s consistent success at EUCYS reflects a strong national ecosystem for youth STEM. Regional science fairs feed into the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which selects Team Canada for international competitions. Teachers, volunteers, and organisations like Youth Science Canada support students through every stage, from idea development to presentation skills. This network has helped Canadian students win core prizes in fields as diverse as cancer research, robotics, medical sensing, and now cosmology.Liam Desre’s thermodynamic alternative to dark energy adds a striking chapter to this legacy. At 14, he has shown that bold questions and careful modelling can earn global recognition. As his work goes on, it could inspire other young scientists to look beyond the old explanations and go into new paths in understanding our universe.
