SciFest 2025 winners excel on world stage with six awards at ISEF in Phoenix
This year marks the first time SciFest has had three projects progress to the competition, with three students travelling to Phoenix, Arizona, to take part in Regeneron ISEF 2026.
18 May 2026 – Ireland has achieved unprecedented success at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, with all three SciFest student projects winning awards.
This year marks a first for SciFest, with three student projects progressing to the competition in Phoenix, Arizona, to take part in Regeneron ISEF 2026. They are Addison Carey from Celbridge Community School, Co. Kildare, whose project explores post-quantum lattice-based cryptography; Zack O’Leary from Clongowes Wood College, Co. Kildare, SciFest STEM Champion 2025 for his project M.A.N.T.I.S., which uses muon analysis, simulation and AI for non-invasive tomography; and Ronan Lyons from Lanesboro Community College, Co. Longford, whose project CAPILL is an innovative medicine dispenser designed to improve medication compliance, safety and independent living for people managing long-term conditions.
Regeneron ISEF, which ran from 9–15 May, is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, bringing together more than 1,700 students from over 60 countries, regions and territories to compete for more than $7 million in awards and prizes.
Speaking about attending ISEF, SciFest STEM Champion Zack O’Leary said:“It has been an amazing experience to represent Ireland at Regeneron ISEF this year. Getting to travel to Phoenix and present our projects at the biggest science competition in the world was something I’ll never forget. I’m really proud that all three Irish projects came home with awards - it’s a huge achievement for Ireland and for SciFest.
I’m absolutely delighted to have won a First Place Category Award and a Special Award for my project, M.A.N.T.I.S. It was great to share the experience with Addison and Ronan. We all worked really hard on our projects, and it was amazing to see Irish students doing so well on an international stage. We met loads of brilliant students from around the world and learned so much during the week. We’re so grateful to our teachers, schools, families and friends, and especially the SciFest team, who supported and encouraged us every step of the way.”
Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO commented: “We are incredibly proud of Addison, Zack and Ronan, who made history this year, with all three students representing Ireland to participate in Regeneron ISEF. To be shortlisted for the world’s largest international pre-college science competition is an outstanding achievement and a testament to their talent, creativity and commitment to STEM.
To win no fewer than six awards is truly remarkable and we offer them our heartiest congratulations. Regeneron ISEF is an amazing opportunity for young scientists to showcase their work on a global stage, and each of the students has been a wonderful ambassador for Irish science. I would also like to thank the organisers, judges, teachers, families and supporters who make this experience possible, and who continue to encourage and inspire the next generation of STEM talent.”
Zack O'Leary received a First Place Award in the Software Design Category and also two Special Awards, one from the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence and one from INCOSE, for his project M.A.N.T.I.S. Addison Carey received a Fourth Place Award in the Software Design Category and also a Mawhiba Award for her project exploring post-quantum lattice-based cryptography. Ronan Lyons received The Broadcom Coding with Commitment Award of $10,000 for his project CAPILL.
Supported by Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific, EirGrid, Keenova, and the Department of Education and Youth, SciFest is the largest, most inclusive all-island STEM fair programme for second-level students in Ireland.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, SciFest is free to enter and open to everyone across the island of Ireland, regardless of background or circumstances. The most important focus for SciFest is the participation of students and fostering their interest in STEM in a fun and engaging way.
SciFest National Final will take place in November this year, in which the STEM Champion will go on to represent Ireland at Regeneron ISEF in 2027.
L to R: Zack O’Leary, Addison Carey and Ronan Lyons
