Australia’s smartest science students have triumphed on the world stage, returning from the 2025 International Science Olympiads with a prestigious haul of medals and unforgettable experiences that will shape their futures.

In June, we proudly announced the students chosen to represent Australia at the 2025 International Science Olympiads. Donning the iconic green and gold, these talented young scientists embarked on journeys overseas, competing in their chosen field and meeting other young scientists and experts from around the world. They also experienced the culture, traditions, history, nature, and food of the regions they visited.

“This year’s International Physics Olympiad in France delivered a truly impressive outcome, with the Australian team earning two gold medals – a feat Australia hasn’t achieved since 2004,” said Australian Science Innovations (ASI) Executive Director Vanessa Kates.

Yichen Eason Yang has been a long-time participant in ASI programs, being selected for the 2022 International Junior Science Olympiad (JSO), as well as the Asian Physics Olympiads and the International Physics Olympiad teams in 2024 and 2025. His experience and dedication culminated in a gold medal this year.

Houlai Zhou showcased his talent at the Asian Physics Olympiad in 2024 and 2025, before being selected for the team representing Australia at the 2024 International Physics Olympiad but unfortunately the team could not travel to Iran to compete. Turning that earlier disappointment into success by earning a gold medal this year demonstrates his determination, and the strength of the program.

Owen Zhai also exemplifies the value of engaging in ASI pathways programs, earning gold at the 2024 International Junior Science Olympiad in Romania, after completing the JSO Academy Program. This extension program has now evolved into the Talent Development Program, a national invitation-only online program offered to high-performing junior science students from underrepresented areas.

Along with their teammates, Matthew and Isaac, the Australian Physics team rose to the challenge of a demanding Olympiad and emerged as winners.

“What makes this even more remarkable is the International Physics Olympiad featured 440 competitors, and boasted participants from over 90 countries, which is one of the largest Science Olympiad events that Australia has participated in. We are proud of the superb effort by the entire team and their support crew,” Ms Kates said.

Besides France, other Science Olympiads were held in the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and China, where our teams built global relations with like-minded peers. The Australian Earth Science team also took a journey, there and back again, to New Zealand to prepare for the challenging competition in China. The immersive experience not only deepened their scientific knowledge and field skills but also fostered teamwork, cultural exchange, and contributed to their success in the Olympiad.

“As is sometimes the case, the medal colours don’t tell the whole story,” Trent Wallis, Chemistry Program Director, explained. “All of our medals for the Chemistry team at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai were at the high end of their categories. Superb performances, and excellent reward for the immense effort all of the students have put in; they really prepared as well as they possibly could have.”

The Biology team celebrated a gold medal for Matthew Wu at the International Biology Olympiad in the Philippines, along with a well-earned medal for each team member. The team was strengthened by the experience of seasoned Science Olympian, Oliver Downing. Olly progressed through the JSO Training Squad, and later the JSO Academy, before being selected for the International Junior Science Olympiad teams in 2022 and 2023.

“All our teams have achieved exceptional results. It’s a reflection of their grit and determination, and a testament to the quality programs delivered by teams who consistently go above and beyond for these students,” noted Associate Professor Stella Clark, Chair of the Board. “We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to share their outstanding results and inspiring moments.”

Australia’s top 17 science students have returned from the 2025 International Science Olympiads with an impressive tally of 4 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze medals.

2025 International Chemistry Olympiad held in the United Arab Emirates in July.

🥈 Silver for Vinay Raghavan
🥉 Bronze for Katherine Lu
🥉 Bronze for Daniel Behrendt
🥉 Bronze for Daniel Lin

2025 International Physics Olympiad held in France in July.

🥇 Gold for Houlai Zhou
🥇 Gold for Yichen Eason Yang
🥈 Silver for Matthew Yan
🥈 Silver for Owen Zhai
🥉 Bronze for Isaac Chan

2025 International Biology Olympiad held in Philippines in July.

🥇 Gold for Matthew Wu
🥈 Silver for Oliver Downing
🥉 Bronze for Gina Chen
🥉 Bronze for Aidan Chan

2025 International Earth Science Olympiad held in China in August.

Individual Test
🥇 Gold for Alex Zhuang
🥈 Silver for Jeffrey Tang
🥈 Silver for Tiffany Gao
🥈 Silver for Leo Buckle

Plus the teams results in the International Earth Science Olympiad categories:

Earth Systems Project
🥇 Gold for Leo Buckle
🥉 Bronze for Jeffrey Tang
🥉 Bronze for Alex Zhuang

International Team Field Investigation
🥇 Gold for Leo Buckle
🥈 Silver for Alex Zhuang
🥉 Bronze for Jeffrey Tang

Congratulations to all! See the medal tally, listed by medal, here.

Media Release

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International Chemistry Olympiad

Held 5 to 14 July in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Find out more about the 2025 IChO Team here.

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International Physics Olympiad

Held 17 to 25 July 2025 in Paris, France.

Find out more about the 2025 IPhO Team here.

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International Biology Olympiad

Held 20 to 27 July 2025 in Quezon City, Philippines.

Find out more about the 2025 IBO Team here.

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International Earth Science Olympiad

Held 7 to 16 August in Jining, China.

Find out more about the 2025 IESO Team here.

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Thank you for all the support!

Over the past year, the teams have gained invaluable knowledge and skills under the guidance of our dedicated Program Directors, Deputy Program Directors, tutors, mentors and support crews.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible for students to participate in our science extension programs. From the inspiring science teachers, school staff, and principals, to the families and support networks behind each student, thank you for being part of this journey.

Thank you to our tireless team and volunteers working behind the scenes, including our Board Members.

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Australia’s International Science Olympiads programs are run by not-for-profit Australian Science Innovations. Thank you to our valued partners, supporters, and sponsors.

Thank you to our Major Funder, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, who recognise the significance of supporting the future of Australian science through programs like the Australian Science Olympiads.

We are grateful for our partnership with the Australian National University, providing our students with access to world class amenities and facilities, along with an invaluable experience of staying, eating, and hanging out on campus.

Learn more about Australian Science Olympiad program here.

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2025 International Science Olympiad Medal Tally

 

Gold medals
Houlai Zhou	Sydney Grammar School	NSW	International Physics Olympiad
Yichen Eason Yang	Trinity Grammar School, Kew	VIC	International Physics Olympiad
Matthew Wu	Melbourne High School	VIC	International Biology Olympiad
Alex Zhuang	The King’s School	NSW	International Earth Sciences Olympiad
Silver medals
Vinay Raghavan	Haileybury College	VIC	International Chemistry Olympiad
Matthew Yan	Balwyn High School	VIC	International Physics Olympiad
Owen Zhai	Brisbane State High School	QLD	International Physics Olympiad
Oliver Downing	Melbourne High School	VIC	International Biology Olympiad
Jeffrey Tang	North Sydney Boys High School	NSW	International Earth Science Olympiad
Tiffany Gao	Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney	NSW	International Earth Science Olympiad
Leo Buckle	Camberwell Grammar School	VIC	International Earth Science Olympiad
Bronze medals
Katherine Lu	Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology	QLD	International Chemistry Olympiad
Daniel Behrendt	Sydney Grammar School	NSW	International Chemistry Olympiad
Daniel Lin	James Ruse Agricultural High School	NSW	International Chemistry Olympiad
Isaac Chan	Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology	QLD	International Physics Olympiad
Gina Chen	James Ruse Agricultural High School	NSW	International Biology Olympiad
Aidan Chan	Balwyn High School	VIC	International Biology Olympiad