Irish student to have an asteroid named after him after winning at science fest

Adam Kelly took home several awards at this year’s ISEF in Phoenix

Adam Kelly, a student from Dublin, is set to have an asteroid named after him after winning several awards at this year’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

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The 17-year-old Skerries Community College student joined thousands of other students in Phoneix, Arizona for the annual ISEF, which is described as “the world’s most powerful STEM talent pipeline” by Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News.

At ISEF, Kelly was named as one of the three winners of the Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award, which is considered one of the competition’s top 5 most prestigious accolades.

As such, Kelly will be one of only 25 students to attend the week-long Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS) where he will get the chance to meet Nobel prize winning scientists. He is also set to have an asteroid named after him.

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The Irish student was also awarded a First Place prize and a Best in Category award for his project entitled 'Improved Gate Level Simulation of Quantum Circuits.'

Additionally, Kelly was also given an honorable mention in the Systems Software special awards category, which “recognize exceptional research that demonstrates world-class skills in mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, physics, and neuroscience while promoting research that can assure and protect cyberspace.”

Of his experience at ISEF, Kelly said to the Irish Times:  “I really enjoyed meeting young people from all over the world and seeing the different projects that they are working on.”

“This was a wonderful opportunity to share ideas and to learn, and I am so thankful to my family, friends, teachers and everyone at SciFest who have supported me up to now.”

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You can watch Adam Kelly receive his award here: