Introducing the team representing Australia at the 2025 International Earth Science Olympiad!
Congratulations to the team of students selected to represent Australia at the International Earth Science Olympiad, which will be held from 7 to 16 August 2025 in Jining, China.
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 Leslie Almberg, and Deputy Co-Program Directors, Wayne Wong and David Brown, along with a team of Earth science enthusiasts. This includes the expertise and influence of Greg McNamara, who retired in February 2025 after dedicating over 10 years as Program Director, Earth and Environmental Science Olympiad. The team will be supported by Leslie and Wayne 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 Earth Science Olympiad in 2025. Your dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring, and we have full confidence in your abilities. Best of luck!
Leo Buckle
Camberwell Grammar School, VIC
At Summer School, Leo loved having his burning questions answered in a way that went above and beyond the ‘high school curriculum’ approach. He also enjoyed being around passionate science students, all fuelled by intense curiosity.
Leo loves Earth science, especially how it questions the very nature of our world as a constantly growing and evolving field of science. Outside of Earth science, Leo is a dedicated swimmer, jazz musician, teacher, and Minecraft enthusiast.
Leo’s tips? “Listen to your mentors and teachers… but have fun along the way.”
Tiffany Gao
Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney, NSW
Tiffany loves to have a rock in her hand. For her, the highlight of ASO Summer School was the practical activities, where she used her investigative skills to figure out the ‘whats and whys’ of Earth science.
Tiffany is interested in learning what geology and Earth science mean to people of other cultures through the International Earth Science Olympiad. She is passionate about geology, especially the problem-solving and storytelling elements, some of which she has learned playing Minecraft.
Tiffany’s message to future Earth scientists? “So much of the world is Earth science, so just be curious about all of it. Oh, and play more Minecraft!”
Jeffrey Tang
North Sydney Boys High School, NSW
For Jeffrey, having the opportunity to see geological phenomena in person, handle specimens, and connect the theoretical with the practical side of Earth science was the highlight of Summer School. He loved engaging with subject experts through guest lectures and immersing himself in the world of Earth science.
Jeffrey has a passion for astronomy, having been captivated since a young age by astronomers like Brian Cox. He can’t wait to meet like-minded peers from across the globe and collaborate to tackle the International Earth Science Olympiad’s uniquely challenging team exercises.
Outside of science, he enjoys Minecraft, ultimate frisbee, Tetris, computers (hardware), programming and cooking.
Alex Zhuang
The King’s School, NSW
Earth science, for Alex, is the product of every other science working together to explain how our world works. For him, geophysics and computer modelling are of particular interest, and he draws inspiration from the pioneering work of early climate modellers.
The collaborative element of the International Earth Science Olympiad is especially appealing, having the opportunity to interact with others in a setting similar to modern academia.
On the side, Alex enjoys the methodical and process-oriented task of cooking, with the added bonus of food, of course!
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 Earth Science Olympiad on their website ieso2025.cn
For updates on the Australian team during the International Earth Science Olympiad, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our ASI News e-letter.
