Pakistan Secures Bronze at International Physics Olympiad

Pakistan has achieved a bronze medal at the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), representing a notable accomplishment in the nation’s scientific endeavors.

The International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) took place in France from July 17 to 25.

Daniyal Shahzad Hamid, a scholar from The Science School, T Chowk, GT Road, Rawat, Islamabad, secured the bronze medal for Pakistan.

Furthermore, Muhammad Bilal from Sundar STEM School, Lahore, was granted an Honourable Mention. Simultaneously, Eiman Fatima from Fazaia Inter College, PAF Base Nur Khan, Rawalpindi, received the distinguished Thales Solidarity IPhO Award.

The award encompasses a €5,000 educational grant accompanied by one year of mentorship aimed at bolstering inclusivity within science and technology.

The STEM Careers Program, a collaborative venture between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), sponsored the Pakistani team. Prof Dr Shahid Qamar and Dr Muhammad Irfan, both affiliated with PIEAS, provided training and leadership to the team.

PIEAS, operating under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), conducts the National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) annually across four disciplines: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The NSTC evolved from the National Physics Talent Contest (NPTC), initiated by PIEAS in 1995 and consistently held since 2003.

These contests are designed to cultivate emerging talent at the intermediate level and prepare them for engagement in the International Science Olympiads (ISOs).

Annually, students hailing from 19 cities throughout Pakistan undergo shortlisting and training at designated institutions. PIEAS provides training in Physics, NIBGE-C in Biology, the HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry at the University of Karachi in Chemistry, and COMSATS Lahore in Mathematics. The top 4 to 6 students in each subject proceed to represent Pakistan in the ISOs.

Since Pakistan’s initial participation in the IPhO in 2001, and subsequently in other Olympiads, over 365 students have represented the country on an international stage, acquiring 139 medals. More than 240 training camps have been conducted, benefiting roughly 4,500 students through the STEM Careers Program.

This year’s achievement at the IPhO reinforces Pakistan’s dedication to promoting scientific excellence and empowering its youth through international platforms.