Nomaledi Mbambisa, Eskom Expo with Addison Carey

Celbridge student wins international gold award for ground-breaking cyber security project

SciFest winner Addison Carey takes on cyber security in an age of quantum computing
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Nomaledi Mbambisa, Eskom Expo with Addison Carey

14 October 2025

Transition Year student Addison Carey from Celbridge Community School in Kildare, has brought international recognition home to Kildare, winning a Gold Medal at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Carey, who represented Ireland and SciFest, earned top honours for her innovative project on strengthening cyber security in the age of quantum computing, one of today’s most important challenges for digital safety.

Her project, Advancing Post-Quantum Lattice-based Cryptography by Developing Efficient Shortest Vector Problem Approaches, explored how to make future encryption systems more secure against quantum computer attacks.

 

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“It was an incredible experience to represent Ireland and SciFest on such a global stage,” said Carey. “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. Winning a gold medal was beyond what I ever expected – it’s truly an honour. I’d like to thank my parents, my teacher, Ms Zita Murphy, and the entire SciFest team for all their encouragement and support along the way.”

Carey was selected for the international event after winning the SciFest best project award at TU Dublin Tallaght earlier this year. She is the first Irish student to compete in person at the Eskom Expo, marking a historic milestone for Ireland’s growing presence in international STEM competitions.

SciFest founder and CEO Sheila Porter said: “A huge congratulations to Addison on being awarded a Gold Medal at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair. 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.”

TechCentral Reporters

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