First Nuclear Science Olympiad Held in Philippines ahead of International Youth Day

Since the debut of the International Mathematical Olympiad in Romania in 1959, global competitions have expanded to include subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and astrophysics.

The inaugural International Nuclear Science Olympiad took place in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines, just ahead of International Youth Day. Supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), this new addition to the series of global science competitions saw 55 high school students from 14 Asian countries showcase their nuclear science expertise.

Since the debut of the International Mathematical Olympiad in Romania in 1959, global competitions have expanded to include subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and astrophysics. The International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) joins this prestigious list, drawing participants from Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the UAE. Observers from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Syria also attended.

The event, organized under an IAEA-led education project aimed at fostering interest in nuclear science among secondary school students in Asia and the Pacific, featured both theoretical and experimental examinations. The competition also included visits to nuclear facilities in the Philippines, such as the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

Renato Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, emphasized the Olympiad's role as more than a test of knowledge, describing it as a platform for idea exchange, friendship, and inspiration for future nuclear scientists and engineers. Marina Mishar, Section Head of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific, highlighted the event’s importance in cultivating the next generation of scientific minds.

The competition concluded with an awards ceremony where medals were presented: eight gold, thirteen silver, and sixteen bronze. Notable awardees included Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis and Caleb Chia, both of whom received gold medals and shared their enthusiasm for nuclear science. Mohammad Nur Casib from the Philippines earned the title of ‘Nuclear Science Olympiad Ambassador’ for his exceptional performance, while Singapore’s Tran Doan Duy Phuc was recognized for the highest score in the experimental component.

INSO 2024, aligning with International Youth Day on August 12, underscores the vital role of young people in the global scientific community, particularly in the nuclear field, which is eager to welcome the next generation of innovators and researchers.