JEDDAH: Sixty exceptional high school students representing 19 countries sat for a grueling five-hour practical examination in Jeddah on Tuesday, marking the official start of testing at the third International Nuclear Science Olympiad.
The event, hosted in Saudi Arabia under the theme “Bright Minds, Promising Future,” marks the first time the prestigious global competition has been held in the Middle East. It reflects the Kingdom’s growing commitment to advancing science education and nurturing the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics talent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony earlier, Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan said that hosting the Olympiad builds on Saudi Arabia’s strong track record of organizing major international science competitions, following its successful hosting of the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2024 and the Asian Physics Olympiad in 2025.
Supported by almost 60 international scientific specialists, team leaders met ahead of the exam to evaluate, approve and translate the test questions into the national languages of all participating delegations.
Designed to test real-world application, the practical component evaluated students’ abilities to execute complex experiments, analyze scientific data and apply advanced nuclear concepts. It forms one of two core assessments in the competition alongside an upcoming five-hour theoretical exam, both overseen and graded by the INSO International Council.
Running from Aug. 2-9, INSO 2026 is jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and King Abdulaziz University.
Saudi Arabia, represented by Mawhiba, has competed in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad since its inaugural edition in the Philippines in 2024 and the subsequent 2025 edition in Malaysia, securing five international accolades to date, including one silver and three bronze medals.
By promoting safe and peaceful applications of nuclear technology, the Olympiad aims to inspire high-achieving youth toward scientific research and cultivate talent capable of addressing global sustainability challenges, while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as an international hub for scientific innovation.
