JEDDAH: The third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, featuring 120 students and experts from 19 countries, gets underway in Jeddah on Sunday.
Established by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2024, the weeklong event promotes the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology by encouraging students to pursue careers in the field while fostering international collaboration and innovation.
This year’s event, held at King Abdulaziz University, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy.
The opening ceremony on Monday will be held under the patronage of Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz.
Mawhiba Secretary-General Abdulaziz Al-Kuraidis said that hosting the competition reflected the country’s commitment to supporting gifted students and strengthening its position as a global destination for major scientific events, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He also highlighted the partnership between the organizers in developing national talent in advanced scientific fields and expanding students’ expertise in the peaceful application of nuclear science.
Saudi Arabia has sought to position itself as a regional hub for international science competitions. The Eastern Province last year hosted the Asian Physics Olympiad and Riyadh welcomed the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2024.
At the first two International Nuclear Science Olympiads — in the Philippines in 2024 and Malaysia last year — Saudi students won five international awards.
