Acceptance speech: 18th Frontiers of Knowledge Awards in ICT

Acceptance speech by Joan Daemen, winner of the 2025 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Information and Communication Technologies, who was honored alongside Vincent Rijmen for the design of cryptographic technologies, and in particular “AES,” the algorithm that has become the international standard used in billions of connected devices around the world.

Daemen explains how the Rijndael algorithm, standardized as AES, has become one of the world’s most reliable encryption systems and protects numerous everyday services and devices. He also highlights the value of open research, rigorous testing and public support as essential pillars for ensuring the security of digital life.