Introducing the team representing Australia at the 2025 International Biology Olympiad!
Congratulations to the team of students selected to represent Australia at the International Biology Olympiad, which will be held from 20 to 27 July 2025 in Quezon City, Philippines.
The team was celebrated at the Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra on 23 June 2025. The ‘blazer ceremony’ was attended by the students and their families, program teams and distinguished guests from science, math and informatics communities. The team was congratulated by Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Science, and Professor Tony Haymet, Australia’s Chief Scientist.
Their journey started by sitting the nation-wide Australian Science Olympiad (ASO) Exam in July 2024 before being selected to attend ASO Summer School in January 2025, onsite at the Australian National University. These four students have outperformed thousands of other students in qualifying exams and intensive training to earn their place on the team.
The team have gained immense knowledge and skills during the last year, under the guidance of Program Director, Dr Julie Cooke, and Deputy Program Director, Juliey Beckman, along with a team of biology enthusiasts. Jacob Gome, IBO Team Leader, along with Julie and Juliey, will support the team when they compete overseas.
The students have been supported by their teachers and schools, along with their families and friends, to reach the prestigious achievement of being selected to represent Australia.
We want to extend our sincere wishes to the Australian team representing us at the International Biology Olympiad in 2025. Your dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring, and we have full confidence in your abilities. Best of luck!
Aidan Chan
Balwyn High School, VIC
Whilst he enjoyed the learning aspect of Summer School, Aidan loved the independent, university-like experience that ASO Summer School provided.
Aidan’s favourite science is chemistry, where he is fascinated by the beautiful simplicity of the periodic table – although his true passion lies in maths and the fundamental underpinnings of all science.
Aidan is also a gifted pianist, having attained an Associate Diploma in Music in 2024. He composes his own music and is inspired by such names as Rachmaninoff, Bach, and Chopin.
Outside of science and music, Aidan loves strategy and puzzle games, design and creative work.
Gina Chen
James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
Gina has been involved with Big Science Competition and Junior Science Olympiad Exams through her school, before undertaking ASO Exams. She is an ASO Summer School veteran, having attended the 2023 and 2024 Earth and Environmental Science Summer Schools before taking part in Biology this year. She has loved the experience of putting life aside for two weeks to learn from both knowledgeable mentors and peers.
Gina says she has been very lucky to have had amazing science teachers who initially pushed her towards the Olympiads. She has a passion for gender equality in STEM and is fascinated by how biology affects the social climate we live in.
In her spare time, Gina likes “finding funky new places to eat, reading Agatha Christie novels, or going to the gym, attending poetry nights and watching plays.”
Gina is excited to have the opportunity to forge new bonds with peers from around the globe while exploring the subject they all love.
Oliver Downing
Melbourne High School, VIC
In 2020, Olly was introduced to ASI programs when he sat the Big Science Competition (BSC) through his school. His performance in this, and subsequent BSCs, earned him an invitation to the JSO Training Squad, and later he also completed the JSO Academy.
Olly’s dedication, scientific abilities and outstanding performance earned him a spot on the teams representing Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad. In 2022, he was selected but unfortunately, the team did not compete as the IJSO was held in Colombia. In 2023, he represented Australia in Thailand, where he won gold. The team was not only successful with their results, they also had an amazing experience.
He says, “The main highlight of the JSO Spring Schools and ASO Summer Schools has been the practical work. Having the chance to work in uni labs as a high school student is invaluable.
Matthew Wu
Melbourne High School, VIC
Initially, Matthew signed up for the Olympiads to beat his brother, a 2020 International Chemistry Olympiad alum, but he fell in love with biology along the way.
Having the opportunity to use real, lab-grade equipment and apply analytical methods like gel electrophoresis and PCR was the highlight of Matthew’s ASO Summer School experience.
He is looking forward to seeing new places and trying new foods at the International Biology Olympiad.
Outside of academics, Matthew swims and plays on his school’s water polo team.
Matthew is enamoured by the intersection of biology and chemistry. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine one day, either in research or patient care.
Australian Science Olympiads (ASO) programs are run by Australian Science Innovations, a registered not-for-profit proudly delivering science extension programs for over 35 years. Each year we select and support the teams representing Australia at the International Science Olympiads.
The ASO program is supported by our Major Funder, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and our University Partner, The Australian National University.
Learn more about Australian Science Olympiads program here.
Learn more about the 2025 International Biology Olympiad on their website ibo2025.org
For updates on the Australian team during the International Biology Olympiad, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our ASI News e-letter.
