Goodbye 2025. Hello 2026!
In 2025, Australian Science Innovations experienced a remarkable year.
We take pride in the positive influence we have had on numerous young science enthusiasts and the wider scientific community in Australia and across the world.
We are grateful for the unwavering support we received from our community throughout the last 12 months.
Let’s take a look at what we achieved together this year! Make sure to check out the vibrant infographics showcased at the bottom…
Junior Science Olympiad
The Junior Science Olympiad (JSO) is open to students in Years 7 to 10 and covers a wide range of topics in science, including biology, chemistry, Earth science and physics.
The JSO program had a successful year, with 8,712 participants registered for the JSO Exams held in June. It was one of our biggest contingents, growing by 18% from the previous year. We were delighted to welcome 54 new schools, supporting a total of 368 schools across Australia in hosting the exams.
Twenty-four students with outstanding results from the exam earned an invitation to attend the JSO Spring School in early October. See the photos and read more here.
From the Spring School, six outstanding students were selected for the 2025 International Junior Science Olympiad Australian team. The official Team Announcement ceremony took place in mid November, where they were presented with their ‘green and gold’ blazers (left to right, in photo below).
- Max Xu – James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
- Chenhan Luke Xie – James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
- Felix Lee – Barker College, NSW
- Zitong Jamie Hao – James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
- Cameron Wong – Scotch College Hawthorn, VIC
- Sonasha Abhayagunaratne – Baulkham Hills High School, NSW
Unfortunately, the Australian team will not be travelling to Russia in December, and no virtual alternative option is available.
Select students who took the JSO exam were invited to participate in the new JSO Talent Development Program (TDP). The TDP is a national invitation-only online program offered to high-performing students under 16 years from underrepresented areas.
As a result of being involved, Jocelyn told us, “I love science because I like finding the connections between the world, especially how all parts of science interrelate and sustain our world. The Junior Science Olympiad Talent Development taster program has helped me to experience 4 different branches of science, teaching me about topics and allowing me to interact with like-minded people. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience!”
2026 Dates for the Junior Science Olympiad Exam
Year 9 & 10: Wednesday 10 June 2026
Year 7 & 8: Friday 12 June 2026
Thanks to 3M for their support of the JSO Talent Development Program. Thank you to Stile Education for their support of the JSO program.
Australian Science Olympiads
The Australian Science Olympiads (ASO) are a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated senior students in Australian high schools.
It has been a great year for the ASO program. In January, we welcomed 96 high-achieving students who were selected to attend ASO Summer School, held at the Australian National University in Canberra. A highlight this year was having ANU interns Chloe and Akihiro, gather stories to share, including great videos and photos you can see here.
In June, we announced the teams selected to represent Australia in the 2025 International Science Olympiads. The Team Announcement Ceremony, affectionately known as the ‘blazer ceremony’, was held at Parliament House in Canberra. It was attended by the teams, their families and loved ones, program teams, ministers and dignitaries.
The ASO students undergo hours of study, training and lab practice in preparation for their overseas adventures, including an amazing experience for the International Earth Science Olympiad team in New Zealand.
We supported students to compete in International Science Olympiads held in the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, China and France. Many medals and memories were brought home from these International Olympiads, including four gold, seven silver and six bronze medals! See the results and photos here. At the International Physics Olympiad, the Australian team earned two gold medals – a feat Australia hasn’t achieved since 2004!
Amidst the exciting Science Olympiad adventures, we held our 2025 ASO Exams. There were 6,549 participants registered for the ASO exam, held in July and August at 288 schools across Australia. These exams have helped the program team determine who will attend Summer School in early 2026 and identify potential Olympiad candidates for 2026.
2026 Dates for the Australian Science Olympiad Exam
Physics: Monday 27 July 2026
Biology: Tuesday 28 July 2026
Earth and Environmental Science: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Chemistry: Thursday 30 July 2026
Thank you to our Major Funder, the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources and University Partner, the Australian National University for your support. Thank you also to IXOM for their ongoing support of our programs and students.
Big Science Competition
The Big Science Competition is one of the biggest international science competitions, challenging students from Years 7 to 10.
We had 40,714 students sit the Big Science Competition (BSC) this year. They sat the BSC over a two-week period in May, taking on the 50-minute, mixed format competition at their schools. Students received certificates, and multiple schools that participated in the BSC won prizes!
Several students who sat the Big Science Competition were selected to attend ASI science extension programs, including the Junior Science Olympiad and Curious Minds – Girls in STEM.
2026 Dates for the Big Science Competition: Monday 4 to Friday 15 May 2026
Curious Minds – Girls in STEM
Empowering girls who are passionate, and have high potential in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to explore education and careers in STEM, through an eight-month hands-on extension and mentoring program.
120 girls in Years 8, 9 and 10 were involved in the 2024-25 Curious Minds program, ending with an awesome virtual Winter Camp in July this year. The participants of the program have limited opportunities to explore STEM subjects and careers due to factors such as their location (including regional and remote areas), their socio-economic background, and/or Indigenous status.
- Read Sophie’s story, a 2022-23 alum from regional Queensland, who was recently awarded the Peter Doherty Outstanding Senior STEM Student Award.
120 girls in Years 8 and 9 are about to commence the 2025-26 Curious Minds program with Summer Camp. Get updates about their adventures by following the Curious Minds Instagram or Facebook pages, or find news and stories on the website.
We now have a Curious Minds LinkedIn page, and CM alumni can add Curious Minds to the education section of their LinkedIn profile!
This enrichment opportunity is not possible without the exceptional commitment of more than 200 volunteer STEM Coaches and our dedicated support team. Thank you!
Thank you to the Australian Government Department of Education, and our sponsors, who support the Curious Minds initiative. We are grateful to our university partners, the Australian National University and the University of Adelaide. The program is proudly co-delivered by Australian Maths Trust and Australian Science Innovations.
ASI Alumni Program
Many students who participate in ASO Summer School and JSO Spring School, as well as those selected to represent Australia at International Science Olympiads, become active alumni.
Our alumni attend expos and events to network and advocate on our behalf. They generously donate to support our programs. Many return as program staff to assist at the residential schools, using their previous experience and knowledge to support students. Alumni also become our Program staff and Board Members.
Our Alumni receive scholarships and awards, take on important work, solve real-life problems, and educate future generations. An amazing demonstration of ASI alumni having positive impact in our communities is Kathryn Zealand, an alum of the 2007 Asian Physics Olympiad and now founder of an innovative wearable tech company.
In 2025, five ASI Alumni had the chance to experience the 2025 Asian Science Camp. They joined student delegates from 22 countries for six days of science, culture, and collaboration. Our alumni and their respective teams earned three Bronze Medals and two Honourable Mentions for their posters!
Thank you to all the alumni who gave so much to ASI this year! We had 66 alumni support ASI 107 times, across 22 engagements such as expos, events and program positions.
Are you an alum from a previous ASI Spring School or Summer School who would like to be contacted about supporting and being involved with ASI? Please email alumni@asi.edu.au
Thank you to our Board Members
The members of our Board are volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise to ASI. Since May 2022, Anna Davis has served as the Chair. We express our gratitude for her exceptional service, commitment, and accomplishments throughout this period, particularly for her leadership in supporting and advancing the JSO program. Anna leveraged her extensive experience and expertise as a science teacher to assist ASI in refocusing and optimising the educational aspects of our programs.
Anna continues her valuable contributions to ASI as a board member, serving as Immediate Past Chair & Acting Treasurer.
Thank you to Associate Professor Stella Clark AM who is now serving in the role of Chair.
Thank you to Dr Nicole Ang, who joined the Board in March 2023, and has served as Treasurer since May 2023. As we bid Nicole a poignant farewell, we are so grateful for her amazing contributions, and we wish her well with her family commitments that she leaves ASI to focus on.
Left to right: Jo Crowston, Michael Frazis, Associate Professor Stella Clark (Chair), AM, Ben Kremer, Dr Tegan Smith, Anita Trenwith, Fiona Wright, Nicole Ang, Anna Davis (Immediate Past Chair & Acting Treasurer), Michelle Tea (Deputy Chair). May 2024.
Thank you to the schools, education organisations & students
We connect with many teachers, principals, support staff, and facilitators across Australia and the world. A total of 1,214 schools registered for ASOE, JSOE, and BSC exams this year!
We extend our gratitude to the many dedicated students who took part in our programs in 2025, and worked so hard.
Our work across Australia allows us to reach students who might otherwise miss opportunities due to where they live, including regional and remote locations, such as students from 378 regional schools, or their socio-economic background and/or their indigenous status.
Thank you to our education experts
Our dedicated team consists of Program Directors, Deputy Directors, tutors, lab staff, and various support teams, put in immense effort to create our educational programs. These offer high quality science exams and learning experiences that are both enjoyable and interactive.
The interest from schools and teachers, the number of participants, the feedback we receive, and the results achieved are testament to this.
Thank you to our valued sponsors and partners
Many generous organisations support us in creating exceptional experiences and programs for our students.
Do you know of an organisation looking for an opportunity to sponsor future scientists?
You can help us empower the future – sponsor Australian Science Innovations and drive the education that will shape tomorrow.
Please reach out for a conversation with our Executive Director, Vanessa Kates, by emailing asi@asi.edu.au and Download our Sponsorship Proposal.
Thank you to our generous donors in 2025…
Gratefully accepting donations here.
Thank you to our Patrons
Thank you to our community
We appreciate our dedicated volunteers and support networks for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of our programs.
We are grateful to families, caregivers, and friends of our students. Your trust and dedication are invaluable.
Overall, 2025 was a year of achievement for Australian Science Innovations.
Excited to continue expanding the limits of science education and leaving a significant mark on our world. The individuals we encounter and the adventures we embark on signal a promising future for Australian science! Anticipating the upcoming year and excited to reunite with everyone in 2026.
Please follow us on our social media pages to get updates, photos and news.
Kind regards,
The Australian Science Innovations team
