Addison Carey, a transition year student from Celbridge Community School in Kildare, has achieved international recognition by winning a Gold Medal at the prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg. The young innovator represented Ireland with her groundbreaking project focused on strengthening quantum cybersecurity for the digital future, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern data protection.
Quantum Computing Security Breakthrough
Carey’s award-winning project, titled ‘Advancing Post-Quantum Lattice-based Cryptography by Developing Efficient Shortest Vector Problem Approaches,’ explores innovative methods to safeguard encryption systems against the threat of quantum computing attacks. As quantum computers continue to develop with unprecedented processing power, current encryption methods face potential obsolescence, creating urgent need for quantum-resistant solutions.
“It was an incredible experience to represent Ireland and SciFest on such a global stage,” Carey stated following her victory. “Quantum computing poses both exciting opportunities and serious security challenges. Through this project, I wanted to explore how we can stay ahead of those challenges and keep our data safe in the years to come.”
International Recognition for Irish STEM Talent
The Eskom Expo International Science Fair represents Africa’s largest scientific competition, attracting top young researchers from around the world. Carey earned her place at the event after winning the SciFest Best Project Award at Technological University Dublin earlier this year. Her success continues Ireland’s strong performance at the international science fair, following last year’s achievements by two other Irish students.
Sheila Porter, CEO and founder of SciFest, praised Carey’s accomplishment: “Her success is a tremendous honour for her school, her teacher, SciFest and Ireland, and a powerful testament to the excellence and creativity inspired by science in Irish schools.”
The Growing Threat of Quantum Cyberattacks
Recent developments in computing technology have highlighted the urgency of Carey’s research. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has already issued guidance on preparing for quantum-driven cyberattacks, urging organizations to transition to quantum-resistant encryption methods by 2035. This timeline underscores the importance of early research in post-quantum cryptography.
The security implications extend beyond traditional computing, with industry experts note that AI systems will also require quantum-resistant protection. Meanwhile, according to recent analysis, the AI industry faces its own challenges that could impact development timelines for advanced computing systems.
Community Support and Educational Impact
Carey acknowledged the crucial support system behind her achievement, thanking her parents, teacher Ms Zita Murphy, and the entire SciFest team. The Celbridge community has rallied behind the young scientist, whose work demonstrates the powerful impact of STEM education initiatives.
SciFest, established in 2006, continues to foster scientific interest among Irish students through partnerships with industry and academia, supported by funding from the Department of Education and Research Ireland. The program has become a vital pipeline for developing Ireland’s next generation of innovators and researchers.
Ireland’s Growing Presence in International Science
Carey’s gold medal continues Ireland’s successful streak at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair. Last year, two Irish students received awards:
- Maura Moore-McCune from The King’s Hospital School in Dublin won a Gold Medal and Best in Category Award for her assistive technology project
- Kamaya Gogna from St Joseph’s Secondary School earned a Silver Medal in computer sciences for her machine learning dental imaging project
These consecutive successes highlight the strength of Ireland’s STEM education system and its ability to compete on the global stage. As data from technology investment trends indicates, sustained support for young innovators remains crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in emerging fields like quantum computing and cybersecurity.
Carey’s achievement not only brings honor to her school and country but also contributes valuable research to the global effort of securing digital infrastructure against future quantum threats. Her work in lattice-based cryptography represents a meaningful step toward protecting sensitive data in the coming quantum computing era.
