Pakistan Shines at International Science Olympiads

Pakistan marked a significant milestone at the International Science Olympiads this year, with students securing the nation’s first gold medal and a bronze medal in two highly competitive global science competitions.

Historic Gold Medal Win

Abdul Raffay Paracha, representing Siddique Public School, achieved a gold medal at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO), hosted in the Philippines from July 20 to 27. This victory marks a historic achievement for Pakistan.

Bronze at International Physics Olympiad

Concurrently, Daniyal Shahzad Hamid from The Science School, Rawat, Islamabad, earned a bronze medal at the 55th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) held in France from July 17 to 25.

Support and Training

The STEM Careers Programme, a collaborative effort between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), sponsored the national teams. Students received training and mentorship from leading scientists at PIEAS and affiliated institutions.

The IBO team was guided by Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Asma Rehman from the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), a part of PIEAS. Ayyan Aslam from Government College University, Lahore, received an Honourable Mention, with Sadia Zulfiqar (Siddique Public School, Rawalpindi) and Arooj Fatima (Fusion College, Shakargarh, Narowal) also representing Pakistan.

At the IPhO, Muhammad Bilal from Sundar STEM School, Lahore, was awarded an Honourable Mention. Eiman Fatima from Fazaia Inter College, PAF Base Nur Khan, Rawalpindi, received the Thales Solidarity Award, which includes a €5,000 grant and a one-year mentorship.

National Science Talent Contest

PIEAS, operating under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), conducts the annual National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Originating as the National Physics Talent Contest in 1995, it has expanded to prepare students for international competitions.

Since 2001, over 380 Pakistani students have participated in the International Science Olympiads, winning 140 medals. More than 4,500 students have been trained via 240+ STEM training camps nationwide.

These recent accomplishments highlight Pakistan’s increasing emphasis on science education and its commitment to fostering young talent for the international arena.