Third International Nuclear Science Olympiad Held in Saudi Arabia

From August 2 to 9, 2026, the Third International Nuclear Science Olympiad was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Sixty secondary school students from 19 countries participated, joining team leaders and representatives from academia and nuclear research institutions for a week of scientific competition, hands-on learning, and cultural exchange activities.

The Third International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) was held from August 2 to 9, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with 60 participants and representatives from academia and nuclear research institutions. (Image: Mawhiba)

The event was hosted by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Education, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and King Abdulaziz University. The competition was supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency and aimed to introduce secondary school students to nuclear science and enhance their understanding of the peaceful applications of nuclear technology in health, food and agriculture, water resource management, environmental protection, and energy.

The competition consisted of theoretical and practical examinations. The theoretical portion covered knowledge of atomic and nuclear structure, radiation, fission and fusion, radiation safety, and peaceful applications of nuclear technology; the practical portion focused on assessing students' abilities in conducting hands-on investigations, data analysis, result interpretation, and scientific decision-making. The practical examination utilized the Reactor Dynamics Education System, a teaching device developed by the Nuclear Engineering Department of King Abdulaziz University with support from the organizers, which allows students to independently operate a simulated reactor system without the use of radioactive materials.

The award ceremony was held on August 8, with a total of 8 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 18 bronze medals awarded. Saudi student Amjad Aldarwish received the overall champion title and the "Nuclear Science Olympiad Ambassador" designation; Thai student Pira Kulaputip received the runner-up position, and Turkish student Ayaz Buyukterzi received third place. Saudi student Jana Alsubaie won a gold medal and was awarded the IAEA "Women in Nuclear" special prize for the best female participant.

The International Nuclear Science Olympiad began in 2024, with the inaugural edition held in the Philippines and the second edition held in Malaysia in 2025. The first three editions have continued the characteristics of science Olympiads that emphasize knowledge application, scientific reasoning, and international exchange, providing a platform for young students to learn about nuclear science and cultivate research interest.