Limerick student wins young scientist award for artificial intelligence project
The 17-year-old fifth-year student from Coláiste Chiaráin in Croom, Limerick, has emerged as the winner of the prestigious young scientist award for his groundbreaking project focused on detecting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in written work. Séan’s project not only impressed the judges but also outperformed the seven most popular AI content detection systems, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 85%.
Séan’s innovative software analyzes written work by utilizing stylometry, which involves studying an author’s writing style. By feeding the text into a Siamese neural network, the system can accurately determine if AI was used to create the content. Moreover, his creation has the potential to detect plagiarism and identify if someone other than the intended author contributed to the work.
The young scientist was inspired by the challenges the world has faced in accurately detecting AI-generated content since the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. Séan’s project took a different approach compared to previous attempts, utilizing past examples of an author’s writing style to detect AI content.
Education Minister Norma Foley presented Séan with the top prize at the award ceremony, acknowledging his exceptional achievement. Thousands of proud and anxious parents filled the RDS venue, representing students whose projects spanned various sciences and topics, including AI, vapes, climate change, and other technologies.
Delighted with his victory, Séan expressed his belief that his software, called VerifyMe, could be used globally across different sectors impacted by the use of AI, such as content creation and detection. His project represents months of trial and error, with Séan attributing its success to countless iterations and a genuine passion for the subject matter.
In recognition of his outstanding work, Séan will receive not only the sought-after trophy but also a monetary prize of €7,500. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.
Séan’s accomplishment highlights the immense potential of young minds in the field of artificial intelligence. As AI technology continues to advance, their innovative ideas and projects will play a crucial role in shaping the future. With VerifyMe leading the way in detecting AI content, the impact on various industries could be significant, ensuring authenticity and accountability.
The young scientist’s project stands as a testament to the power of ingenuity and perseverance in the face of complex challenges. Séan’s achievement is not only a cause for celebration for his school and community but also a source of inspiration for aspiring young scientists worldwide.
In a world where the use of AI is becoming increasingly prevalent, Séan’s project provides a valuable tool for both detecting AI-generated content and combating plagiarism. As AI continues to evolve, the need for innovations like VerifyMe will undoubtedly grow, making Séan’s award-winning project not only timely but also highly relevant to today’s society.
Congratulations to Séan and all the participants who showcased their exceptional talents at the young scientist award ceremony. Their contributions serve as a beacon of hope for scientific progress and innovation, reminding us of the incredible potential and promise held by the next generation of researchers and inventors.
