Abdull Abubakar

27 September 2007

Sixteen-year-old Somalia-born schoolboy Abdul Abubakar took first prize at the finals of the 19th European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Valencia last week.

As reported in The Voice last January, Abdul, who attends the Christian Brothers school on Synge Street Dublin was hailed Ireland's 'Young Scientist Of The Year' when he won the BT sponsored competition.

His entry was a system to crack what had previously been the world's most secure computer encryption in the world, the RSA system.

Entitled 'An Extension of Weiner's Attack on RSA Encryption', Abdul's system used complex mathematics to challenge the security of keys associated with encryption.

Using cutting edge mathematical research, he succeeded in decreasing the security of the safe keys, used to decode mathematical messages. Experts say that Abdul's discoveries have many practical applications in the areas of IT and internet safety.

Abdul, beat 120 other talented young scientists from 32 countries to scoop the trophy and €5,000. (£3,492 approx).

blown away

Interviewed at the award ceremony he said, "I am completely blown away by the news and can't believe it. To win at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in January was an amazing moment.

'But to come here and win again is incredible. I saw some really interesting projects from across Europe so I am so excited that mine was chosen by the judges."

Chief Executive Officer of BT Ireland, Chris Clark, adds "We're delighted to hear the result from Valencia and wish Abdul continued success with his area of research.

'In January, Abdul's project struck the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition judges as being innovative and advanced while having many practical applications in our technology driven world.

'Abdul is a fantastic ambassador for the sciences and for Ireland and his success will hopefully inspire other young Irish people to enter the 2008 BT Young Scientist which closes for entries on 5th October.'

Source: The Voice