Media Release | 2025 Australian Olympiad Teams Announcement
27 young Australians to compete on the global stage at International Science Olympiads
Media release
Twenty-seven of Australia’s most accomplished high school students have been selected to compete in the world’s most difficult science competitions, the International Science, Mathematical and Informatics Olympiads.
Representing seven schools from New South Wales, seven from Victoria, three from Queensland and one from Western Australia, the young trailblazers were announced during a ceremony at Australian Parliament House this morning.
The year 11 and 12 students will travel across the globe in July and August to compete in six International Olympiads: Biology (to be held in Quezon City, Philippines), Chemistry (Dubai, UAE), Earth Science (Jining, China), Informatics (Sucre, Bolivia), Mathematics (Sunshine Coast, Australia) and Physics (Paris, France).
More than 2,000 international students in total are expected to compete in this year’s competitions.
To be selected for the International Science, Mathematical and Informatics Olympiads students must take part in a rigorous qualifying process including extension programs and exams run by not-for-profit organisations Australian Science Innovations (ASI) and Australian Maths Trust (AMT). Among the high-achieving Australian competitors are:
- Xiangyue Nan from Fintona Girls’ School in Victoria, who won gold in the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2024, plus gold medals at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad in 2023, 2024 and 2025. She came first in the world at the 2023 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad with a perfect score.
- William Cheah from Scotch College, Victoria, who is participating in his fourth International Mathematical Olympiad in a row. He has previously won two silver medals and a bronze.
- Biology student Oliver Downing from Melbourne High School, Victoria, who won gold at the International Junior Science Olympiad in 2023.
- Physics student Owen Zhai from Brisbane State High School, Queensland, who won gold at the International Junior Science Olympiad in 2024.
“Congratulations to all the Olympians who will represent Australia in these prestigious competitions,” ASI Chair Associate Professor Stella Clark said. “We’re delighted that many of this year’s competitors have progressed through pathways initiatives, including the Junior Science Olympiads.
“This underscores the value of sustained investment in extension programs and mentorship, both at school level and through ASI and AMT initiatives.
“The Australian teams are not only looking forward to testing their skills against their peers from across the globe but are really excited about the opportunity to meet like-minded students and to travel the world gaining new experiences and meeting people from different cultures.”
Australia will host the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) this year for the first time since 1988, welcoming hundreds of the world’s brightest young mathematicians to the Sunshine Coast in July.
Australian Maths Trust CEO Michael Clapper said hosting the IMO on the Sunshine Coast highlights Australia’s growing profile in global STEM events and offers a unique opportunity for local students to compete with home-ground support.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting the International Mathematical Olympiad here in Australia for the first time since 1988,” Mr Clapper said. “This year marks a milestone for Australia and our students. Not only are we welcoming a world-class competition to our shores, but we’re shining a spotlight on the exceptional mathematical talent emerging from Australian schools.
“We look forward to cheering on our team and seeing them thrive on home soil.”
The Australian Science and Mathematics Olympiads program is funded through the Inspiring Australia initiative, contributing to the Australian Government’s vision to engage all Australians with science. The program is also supported by the Australian National University, Optiver, and the University of New South Wales.
2025 International Science, Mathematical and Informatics Olympiad teams
International Biology Olympiad, 20-27 July, Quezon City, Philippines
Aidan Chan, Balwyn High School, VIC
Gina Chen, James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
Oliver Downing, Melbourne High School, VIC
Matthew Wu, Melbourne High School, VIC
International Chemistry Olympiad, 5-14 July, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Daniel Behrendt, Sydney Grammar School, NSW
Daniel Lin, James Ruse Agricultural High School, NSW
Katherine Lu, Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology, QLD
Vinay Raghavan, Haileybury College, VIC
International Earth Science Olympiad, 7-16 Aug, Jining, China
Leo Buckle, Camberwell Grammar School, VIC
Tiffany Gao, Presbyterian Ladies College Sydney, NSW
Jeffrey Tang, North Sydney Boys High School, NSW
Alex Zhuang, The King’s School, NSW
International Olympiad in Informatics, 27 July-3 Aug, Sucre, Bolivia
Justin Goh, Christ Church Grammar School, WA
Matthew Lin, Scotch College, VIC
Ron Xue, Scotch College, VIC
Nathan Zhou, Knox Grammar School, NSW
International Mathematical Olympiad, 10-20 July, Sunshine Coast, Australia
William Cheah, Scotch College, VIC
William Liu, The King’s School, NSW
Xiangyue Nan, Fintona Girls’ School, VIC
Jayden Pan, Shore School, NSW
Justin Tran, Sydney Grammar School, NSW
Zihui Zhang, Clayfield College, QLD
International Physics Olympiad, 17-25 July, Paris, France
Isaac Chan, Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology, QLD
Matthew Yan, Balwyn High School, VIC
Yichen Eason Yang, Trinity Grammar School, Kew, VIC
Owen Zhai, Brisbane State High School, QLD
Houlai Zhou, Sydney Grammar School, NSW
Media contacts
For inquiries about Australian Science Innovations (biology, chemistry, earth science and physics students) contact:
Michelle Rowe, PitchPerfect Media, michelle@pitchperfectmedia.com.au | 0400 003 852
For inquiries about Australian Maths Trust (informatics and mathematics students) contact:
Gabi Reid, Australian Maths Trust, communications@amt.edu.au | 0439 582 720
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