The third International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) was held form 2-9 August 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and welcomed 66 participants and representatives from academia and nuclear research institutions. (Photo: Mawhiba)
Held in the lead-up to International Youth Day, the Olympiad offered students an opportunity to test their knowledge, apply scientific thinking and learn more about how nuclear science contributes to areas such as health, food and agriculture, water resource management, environmental protection and energy.
The sixty participating students were joined by team leaders and representatives from academia and nuclear research institutions for a week of scientific competition, practical learning and cultural exchange. The competition was organized by Mawhib, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE), and King Abdulaziz University.
"Bringing together talented young people from around the world to learn, connect and share their passion for science was truly inspiring," said Talal Al Rashid, Educational Supervisor at Mawhiba. "We are proud to have fostered an environment that celebrates youth, scientific excellence and international collaboration," he added.
Faris Patria Chariansyah from Indonesia received a silver medal. (Photo: Mawhiba).
Building Interest in Nuclear Science
Science Olympiads have long provided students with opportunities to test their knowledge, meet peers from other countries and develop confidence in scientific problem-solving. Nuclear science became part of this tradition in 2024, when the first International Nuclear Science Olympiad was held in the Philippines with the support of the IAEA . The second was held in Malaysia in 2025. More than 100 students from 16 countries in Asia and the Pacific participated in the first two competitions and 74 medals were awarded to competing students.
The Olympiad is supported by an IAEA regional technical cooperation project that promotes interest in the nuclear field among secondary school students. It is part of a broader effort to support science education and long-term human resource development and by introducing students to nuclear science at a stage when educational and career interests are beginning to take shape.
"When we began developing INSO with Member States in 2023, our ambition was to create a high-quality platform that would inspire young people to explore nuclear science and technology," said Marina Mishar, Section Head of the IAEA Technical Cooperation Division for Asia and the Pacific and Programme Management Officer for the regional nuclear education project. "Now, in its third edition, we are seeing that vision take shape."
Applying Nuclear Science in Practice
During the competition, students completed theoretical and experimental examinations designed to assess both their understanding of nuclear science and their ability to apply scientific reasoning. Student answered questions on nuclear science, including atomic and nuclear structure, radiation, fission and fusion, radiation safety and peaceful applications of nuclear technology. The experimental component assessed students' ability to apply nuclear science through practical investigation, data analysis, interpretation and scientific decision-making.
The practical exam featured the Reactor Dynamics Educational System, an educational device developed by the Nuclear Engineering Department at King Abdulaziz University with support from Mawhiba, which enabled students to work individually with a simulated reactor system without using radioactive material.
By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the Olympiad encourages students to move beyond rote learning and develop analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Celebrating Excellence
Jana Alsubail of Saudi Arabia, received a gold medal, and in addition, was presented with the Women in Nuclear (WiN) IAEA Special Award for Best Female Olympian. (Photo: Mawhiba)
The third International Nuclear Science Olympiad concluded on 8 August with an award ceremony that recognized students who demonstrated strong knowledge, analytical ability and scientific curiosity. Eight gold, 13 silver and 18 bronze medals were awarded.
Amjed Aldarweesh of Saudi Arabia was named the overall winner and Nuclear Science Olympiad Ambassador, followed by Peera Kulaptip of Thailand in second place and Ayaz Buyukterzi of Türkiye in third place. Jana Alsubail of Saudi Arabia, who also received a gold medal, was presented with the Women in Nuclear (WiN) IAEA Special Award for Best Female Olympian.
"Winning a gold medal and being named Best Female Student is an incredible honour and a moment I will always remember," said Alsubail. "INSO 2026 gave me the opportunity to challenge myself, meet inspiring students from around the world and grow my passion for nuclear science. I'm proud to represent Saudi Arabia and excited to see where this journey takes me next."
"I am most impressed by the quality of the student competitors and their enthusiasm for this vital scientific field," said Hua Liu, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation. "The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is much more than a competition. It gives students an opportunity to challenge themselves, learn from their peers and discover how nuclear science can contribute to society, and I highly commend all the participants and encourage them to continue their efforts."
