Ireland’s Addison Carey from Celbridge Community School in County Kildare stood out as one of the top international participants at the 45th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.
Representing SciFest, Ireland’s national STEM fair, Carey earned a Gold medal in the Computer Sciences and Software Development category, a remarkable achievement that showcased her innovative thinking and global scientific potential.
Carey’s journey to the ISF began with her love for coding and computer science. “I have always been interested in how technology and mathematics can be combined to solve real-world challenges,” she said. After winning the Best Project Award at SciFest@College in TU Dublin Tallaght earlier in 2025, she was selected to represent Ireland at the Eskom Expo ISF in South Africa.
“I was immediately drawn to the opportunity because it brought together young scientists from around the world and allowed me to share my work on an international stage,” she added.
The ISF, now in its 45th year, serves as South Africa’s premier platform for young scientists to showcase their research and innovation alongside international peers. The event attracts top learners from across the country and abroad, highlighting projects that tackle global challenges through science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI).
Reflecting on her experience, Carey described the week-long fair as “unforgettable.”
“Meeting so many like-minded young scientists from different countries and hearing about their projects was incredibly inspiring,” she said. “Representing Ireland in person for the first time made the experience even more special. Visiting Johannesburg and experiencing South African culture was another highlight that made the trip truly meaningful.”
Winning a Gold medal was a moment of immense pride for the 17-year-old. “It felt amazing to have my research recognised on an international level. It wasn’t just a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for my school, SciFest, and Ireland,” Carey said.
Carey’s fascination with STEMI is rooted in her curiosity about how things work and her desire to create solutions that make a difference. “I’ve always loved mathematics and computer science, and over time I became fascinated by cryptography and the challenges posed by quantum computing,” she explained. “STEM allows me to combine logic, creativity, and problem-solving, all of which keep me motivated to explore further.”
To aspiring young scientists, Carey offers profound advice: “Follow your curiosity and choose a project that genuinely interests you. Don’t be afraid of challenges, the learning process is just as important as the final result. Science fairs are about connecting ideas, so enjoy the experience no matter the outcome,” she said.
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