“This International Nuclear Science Olympiad is more than just a test of knowledge; it is a platform for exchanging ideas, forging friendships, and inspiring the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers,” said Renato Solidum Jr., secretary of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, during the opening ceremony.
About the event: The competition was organized as part of an International Atomic Energy Agency education project, with the Philippines serving as the lead country. The project is designed to promote interest in the nuclear field among secondary school students in Asia and the Pacific.
“The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is a testament to the importance of investing in the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers. It is a platform for students to showcase their talents, exchange ideas and inspire one another. It is also a reminder of the collaborative spirit that is essential to scientific progress,” said Marina Mishar, section head of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific.
A look back: The world’s most talented science students have been participating in these competitions since the first International Mathematical Olympiad was held in Romania in 1959. Since then, Olympiads have been launched in 11 more subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology, and astrophysics.
Nuclear science is the latest addition to the list. As the competition grows, more countries around the world are expected to join. The next International Nuclear Science Olympiad will be held in 2025 in Malaysia.
Participants and winners: Students from Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates traveled to the Philippines to participate. Each participating country sent up to four students who were preselected through national competitions and other competitive processes.
The students attended local training camps in their home countries to hone their technical skills in advance of the Olympiad. From the main event, 8 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze medals were presented. See a full list of medal-earners here.
Mohammad Nur Casib of the Philippines emerged as the top overall scorer and was named a Nuclear Science Olympiad Ambassador. In that role, Casib will help promote understanding and appreciation of nuclear science among students, educators, and the public. He will also serve as a mentor and guide to future participants. Casib comes from a family of scientists, Mindanews reported, and has consistently excelled in science and technology competitions both locally and internationally.
Gold medal awardee Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis, who attends Manila Science High School, said the competition was an amazing experience.
“I was exposed to the beauty of nuclear science and its contributions to agriculture, medicine, and more. Most people are unaware of the benefits of nuclear science. With my experience at the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, I’m eager to share with everyone just how incredible nuclear science is,” Maniquis said.
