Pakistan Shines at International Science Olympiads

Pakistan achieved 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 of the world’s most prestigious science competitions.

Abdul Raffay Paracha, representing Siddique Public School, achieved a historic victory by winning the gold medal at the 35th International Biology Olympiad (IBO). The event took place in the Philippines from July 20 to 27.

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

The STEM Careers Programme, a collaborative venture between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), sponsored the national teams.

The students received training and guidance from leading scientists affiliated with PIEAS and its associated institutions.

For the IBO, Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Asma Rehman from the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), a constituent institution of PIEAS, led the team.

Ayyan Aslam from Government College University, Lahore, received an Honourable Mention, while Sadia Zulfiqar (Siddique Public School, Rawalpindi) and Arooj Fatima (Fusion College, Shakargarh, Narowal) also represented Pakistan at the IBO.

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 distinguished Thales Solidarity Award, accompanied by a €5,000 grant and a one-year mentorship.

PIEAS, operating under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), annually conducts the National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Initiated as the National Physics Talent Contest in 1995, it has broadened its scope to prepare students for international competitions.

Since 2001, over 380 students from Pakistan have participated in the International Science Olympiads, earning 140 medals. More than 4,500 students have benefited from over 240 STEM training camps held nationwide.

These achievements underscore Pakistan’s increasing emphasis on science education and its dedication to fostering young talents for the international arena.