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Science Olympiads
The Science Olympiads are international competitions for secondary-school science students, where teams from 80 countries battle it out for gold, silver and bronze medals.
Every year Australian Science Innovations selects and trains three teams to compete at the Science Olympiads. The biology and chemistry teams have four members and the physics team has five.
Competing in the Science Olympiads is a huge head start in launching a possible career in science. Back in Australia, team members find themselves targeted for prestigious university courses, prizes and scholarships.
The Science Olympiads are held in July in a different country each year. Competing countries take turns to host the event. Olympians are treated as VIPs and meet senior ministers and heads of state as well as experiencing the culture of the host country.
The competition is based on both theory and laboratory work, and our teams are trained at residential camps at Monash University in Melbourne. Most of the team members are in Grade 11, although some may be younger.
Being selected for the Science Olympiads teams
- The first step is to enter the National Qualifying Exam (NQE) in biology, chemistry or physics. These are held in August and are organised by ASI. Students enter through their schools.
- Students who do exceptionally well in the NQEs are invited to attend the Summer Science School. Seventy students come to Monash University for a 14 day residential school, where they attend lectures and work at the laboratory bench. Staff members are made up of experienced teachers and former Olympians.
- The Science Olympiad teams are chosen from the Summer School students, selected on how well they did at the Summer School, and on their performance in the Final Selection Exam. The new teams come together in April for five-day intensive training session.
- Teams are formally announced at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra, when blazers are presented by the Minister. This is held in late May. ASI issues a media release to announce the names.
- The teams meet in July for a few days before the international competitions for a final training session. This may be held in Australia, or in the country hosting the Science Olympiads that year.
- They then fly straight on to the Science Olympiads.
Meet the teams
Biology - South Korea Program Director: Dr Mary Oliver
Jingchun has always had a fascination for science, and remembers from the age of eight years old she just liked asking "why". This led to her great love of reading any science related books, magazines and comics. Her other interests include art, textiles and writing. Jingchun is looking forward to her first trip overseas, the challenge of the international competition as well as meeting people from all over the world.
As a young boy Paul remembers visiting the local library to borrow science books instead of picture books, and devouring sections of encyclopaedias. He was always taking apart everything at hand to discover how things worked. He has a keen interest in biology and also likes the esoteric nature of quantum physics and fluid mechanics. In 2007 he was the winner of the ASX national share market competition. Paul other talent include javelin, singing and piano.
Vivian believes that science gives an insight in to the world. Her interest in science was ignited by her teachers, who imparted their knowledge and love of learning with great passion. Vivian would like to publically acknowledge them. She is interested in the current research in genetic modification and stem cells. One day Vivian would like to pursue research that will improve the quality of life and change the way we live.
When Gina was in primary school she dressed up as Alfred Nobel. A former student has inspired her at her school: Elizabeth Blackburn, who was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. Gina has enjoyed the Olympiad training, particularly the dissections. In the future she hopes to become a doctor and work with Medecins Sans Frontiers. Gina is looking forward to meeting people from other countries and experiencing life in Korea.
Chemistry - Japan Program Director: Dr Mark Ellison
Allan's interest in science was sparked by his brother who returned from the 2004 Summer School full of enthusiasm for Chemistry. This made him determined to follow in his footsteps. Allan enjoys the laboratory experiments and solving problems. He is hoping to study for a Bachelor of Science. Allan is looking forward to experiencing the beauty of Japan.
Kelvin was awarded a bronze medal at the 2009 International Chemistry Olympiad and this year he is going for gold! Kelvin's other interests include football, swimming and bushwalking. In the future he would like to become an eye surgeon and work in rural Australia.
Stuart has achieved top of the state awards in many science competitions. He plans to study a degree in science whilst also pursuing his other passion – music. Stuart has been involved in Melbourne Youth Music, school ensembles and is currently music captain at Melbourne High. Stuart is looking forward to visiting Japan, meeting interesting young people and the challenge of completing two difficult exams.
The use of the Internet and the influence of his teachers and Olympiad tutors have had a powerful impact on Cyril and his perception of the field of science. New worlds of organic chemistry, astrophysics, and marine biology have made him more curious to understand how things work and why things happen. Cyril enjoys hanging out with friends, computer games, reading fantasy books and entertaining family guests by making origami polyhdera. He is keen to succeed in Japan whilst also enjoying the cultural and social experiences that await.
Physics - Croatia Program Director: Mr Matthew Verdon
Madeleine was motivated to continue with science because of the influence of her teachers who are here today to help celebrate her achievements. She is also a talented musician who plays first violin in the Melbourne Youth Orchestra. Madeleine has been concertmaster at Music Summer schools and is currently the Music Captain at MacRobertson Girls High. She is fascinated by the mystery of quantum physics and finds electromagnetism elegant! Madeleine can't wait for the chance to look at some really interesting physics problems in Croatia.
Hilary has always been interested in science and is keen to pursue a career in a science related field. She is an avid reader and enjoys travelling, experimenting with different types of food and learning about other cultures. Hilary is looking forward to the international competition in Croatia because it's not often you get the chance to experience the camaraderie between such a diverse and bright group of students whilst also exploring the local culture.
Andrew delights in exploring the world of physics for example studying the technology involved in the various effects that occur on a molecular level in crystals. He has a wide range of interests from playing bridge, poker and golf to enjoying being swimming captain and singing in the school capella group. Having received an Honorable Mention at the Asian Physics Olympiad, Andrew is looking forward to the competition in Croatia.
Olivia has only recently developed an interest in science. Last year she began learning physics and was hooked by the logic and analytical skills she developed. In April Olivia successfully competed in the Asian Physics Olympiad. In September, she heads to Princeton University to continue her education. She plans to study economics, applied mathematics and of course, Physics. Her other interests include learning foreign languages - German, Japanese and Spanish, military history, volleyball, philosophy and debating.
Alex has always had an affinity for science. He is particularly interested in relativity and quantum physics. Questions about the origins of the universe and how it will end are topics that excite Alex. This year he was awarded a bronze medal at the Asian Physics Olympiad. He is looking forward to the cultural experiences in Croatia. Next year Alex is thinking about studying law. He enjoys playing cricket, soccer and golf.
Ishraq remembers being inquisitive from a young age. Like Alex London, he too is keen to explore fundamental questions about our origins and why the universe takes the form it does. He admires Galileo for persisting with his ideas and scientific beliefs. Ishraq was a member of the Asian Physics team and cherished the opportunities to meet other teenagers from around the world who also had a genuine interest in science. Next year he plans to study science possibly at the University of Sydney.
Iris did not pay much attention to science until one of her teacher's sparked an interest by using analogies to explain complicated scientific concepts. Now, her favourite subject is physics! Other interests include playing the piano and clarinet, singing in a capella choir and soccer. Iris intends to further her studies at university doing an engineering degree possibly aerospace engineering or a science degree.
In Year 7 Bob can remember a history lesson in which he learnt about the Scientific Revolution and the influence of Isaac Newton and Galileo Galilei. He began to see the magic of science and the development of ideas. Currently he is keen to learn more about nanophysics and its extensive range of applications from the use of carbon nanotubes in creating space elevators to the application of nanotechnology in combating disease. Bob is also interested in international affairs, Australia's relationship with the world and the mechanisms of the global community. In the future he would like to pursue a career in diplomacy.
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