Latest news with #InternationalBiologyOlympiad
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Israel's science teams conclude olympiad season with record 26 medals
The Education Ministry and the Maimonides Fund's Future Scientists Center proudly announced the final tally as the last three teams of the season returned. Israel's national science teams have concluded the international Olympiad season with an unprecedented haul of 26 medals, including 8 gold, 13 silver, and 5 bronze, along with one honorable mention. This impressive achievement was capped by the return of three teams from the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), the International Physics Olympiad (IPHO), and the European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI), contributing 12 new medals to the national tally. The Education Ministry and the Maimonides Fund's Future Scientists Center, which lead the training of these national teams, proudly announced the final tally as the last three teams of the season returned. Who won what? In the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), held in the Philippines with 298 students from 77 countries, Israel's team secured four medals: one gold, two silver, and one bronze. Notably, this marks the first time an Israeli Biology team member has won a gold medal since Israel began participating in the IBO. Gold was awarded to Sagi Axelrad from Ma'orot, a 11th-grade student at Beer Tuvia Comprehensive High School. Silver medals went to Shira Gross, a 12th-grade student from Ramat Gan at Amit Ulpana in Givat Shmuel, and Hadar Kaiser, a 12th-grade student from Hod Hasharon at Mosinzon High School. Daniel Goldschmid, a 12th-grade student from Jerusalem at ORT Givat Ram, earned a bronze medal. The Biology team trained at Tel Aviv University Youth University and the Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University, led by Academic Director Prof. Abdelsalam Azam, Head Coach Dr. Yair Pozniak, Avinoam Ratzabi, Natasha Shpolansky, and Dr. Carmel Bar. The European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI), held in Germany, saw 227 competitors from 70 countries. The Israeli girls' team earned three medals: one silver, two bronze, and an honorable mention. Over two days of competition, students faced four algorithmic problems daily, requiring out-of-the-box thinking and coding solutions. Maya Cohen, an 11th-grade student from Tel Aviv at Kfar Hayarok School, won a silver medal. Bronze medals were awarded to Maya Sarig, an 11th-grade student from Jerusalem at Leyada High School, and Olga Basov, an 11th-grade student from Haifa at Kiryat Gat High School Gimmel. Lia Samoilov, a 10th-grade student from Tel Aviv at Amal Lady Davis School, received an honorable mention. The Informatics team trained at Bar Ilan University's University Center for Youth, with Academic Director Dr. Avshalom Elmalah, Head Coach Ron Rivchin, and Coach Maayan Salomon. In the International Physics Olympiad (IPHO), held in France, Israel's team won five medals: one gold and four silver, competing against 432 competitors from 87 countries. Alon Hart, a 12th-grade student from Jerusalem at Leyada High School, won a gold medal. Silver medalists included Eitan Rotman, an 11th-grade student from Netanya at Eldad High School; Yuval Moses, a 12th-grade student from Tel Aviv at Gymnasia Herzliya; Noa Ben Israel, a 12th-grade student from Petah Tikva at Ehud Ha'Am High School; and Amit Lanis, a 12th-grade student from Sde Hemed at Kfar Hayarok School. The Physics team trained at the Hoshidman Center for Science-Oriented Youth at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, led by Academic Director Prof. Oleg Krichevsky, Head Coach Pavel Radzivilovsky, and coaches Ayal Valach, Reut Goldberg, and Itamar Hasson. Israeli politicians congratulated the teams Education Minister Yoav Kisch lauded the consistent excellence: "In recent months, we are seeing Israel's students again and again prevail – in Olympiads for Physics, Biology, Computer Science – in every international arena they have entered.' He emphasized that "boys and girls, from diverse communities and schools across the country, are breaking new ground and touching the forefront of global science.' Kisch attributed these achievements primarily to the students' "talent – curiosity, sharp thinking, determination," but also to the "believing gaze, guiding hand, teacher, mentor, scientist – someone who stood by them and said: 'You can'.' He affirmed, "This path proves itself, and we will continue to invest in it – so that more and more students find themselves one day at the forefront. This is their future, and ours.' Yarom Ariav, Chairman of the Maimonides Fund's Future Scientists Center, expressed immense national pride: "The achievements in the international science Olympiad season evoke tremendous national pride – Israel's students, male and female, have repeatedly demonstrated exceptional abilities and have gained international recognition at the highest level.' He stressed that these results are "not accidental; they are the result of many years of investment, training, perseverance, determination, curiosity, excellence, and boundary-breaking abilities.' Ariav concluded, "These wonderful students will greatly influence the future of us all, in which, thanks to them, there is great hope. We will continue to invest with the Education Ministry and academic institutions in the future generation.' Prof. Abdelsalam Azam, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University and Academic Director of the Israeli Biology team, expressed pride in their role: "We are proud to be an integral part of the important Biology Olympiad project. Year after year, we see that the best of our youth are integrating into this project, which will encourage the new generation of scientists.' Prof. Arieh Zaban, President of Bar-Ilan University, commented on the girls' team's achievements: "Israel's girls' computer science team that trained at Bar-Ilan University fills us with great pride all year and especially in such moments. Through innovation, excellence, and resilience, they tell the Israeli story on the global stage.' Prof. Daniel Haimovitz, President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, addressed the Physics team's success: "The impressive achievements of the young Physics team, led by the Hoshidman Center for Scientific Excellence and in cooperation with the Maimonides Fund's Future Scientists Center and the Education Ministry, once again demonstrate the enormous potential inherent in Israel's young generation.' He asserted that "a country that strives to ensure its economic, security, and social future must consistently and deeply invest in cultivating scientists and engineers from a young age.' Prof. Haimovitz affirmed that Ben-Gurion University of the Negev "sees a mission in educating for scientific excellence and leads this vision in practice, together with our partners, for the future of the State of Israel.' Shira Gros, a silver medalist from the Biology Olympiad, shared her pride with The Jerusalem Post following her victory. "Participating in an international competition is always exciting, and representing Israel is both an honor and a mission — especially in the past two years. I always say that behind every miracle lies hard work. Hard work makes the miracle ours — something we have a part in. I feel incredibly honored and happy to represent Israel, now more than ever." Solve the daily Crossword
Leaders
3 days ago
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Team Secures 4 Awards at 2025 International Biology Olympiad in the Philippines
The Saudi Biology Team has secured a silver medal, two bronze medals, and a certificate of appreciation during its participation in the 36th edition of the International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2025), according to the Saudi Press Agency. Held from July 20 to 27 in the Philippine capital, Manila, IBO 2025 brought together 308 male and female students representing 80 countries from all over the world. The Saudi team consisted of four students who previously obtained required training and supervision from the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. #المنتخب_السعودي_للأحياء يحقق 4 جوائز في #أولمبياد_الأحياء_الدولي المقام في الفلبين 20-27يوليو 🥈فضية -عبدالله السبيعي @MOE_TIF⁰🥉برونزية -حمزة باعيسى @MOE_RYH -زياد النمري @RCJY_Yanbu⁰📜شهادة تقدير -حسن البحار @MOE_RYH تهانينا لهم — موهبة (@mawhiba) July 26, 2025 The Kingdom has been taking part in the International Biology Olympiad since 2022, earning a total of 4 silver medals, 7 bronze medals, as well as 4 certificates of appreciation. This mirrors the growing scientific capabilities of Saudi students and their readiness to compete on prestigious international academic stages. Launched in 1990 in the Czech Republic, the International Biology Olympiad represents one of the oldest and most prominent international science competitions for high school students. It features advanced theoretical and practical exams designed to foster scientific thinking, analytical abilities, as well as problem-solving skills across various fields of biology. Related Topics: Saudi Physics Team Shines with 4 Medals at 2025 International Olympiad ICAIRE Honored for Outstanding Contribution to AI Olympiad Saudi Biology Team Competes in 2025 International Biology Olympiad in Philippines Short link : Post Views: 7
Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown
Raffles Institution's Kaska Watkins taking aim during the National School Games A Division netball final. She scored 20 out of 24 shots in the 45-40 win over Anglo-Chinese Junior College. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Kaska Watkins adds another gold medal to her haul as RI reclaim A Div netball crown SINGAPORE – Competing in the National School Games swimming finals in April, Raffles Institution's (RI) Kaska Watkins collected a total of four medals – including a relay gold. Transferring that athleticism from the pool to the court, she added another gold to her haul on May 28. The goal attack played a key role as RI defeated defending champions Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) 45-40 at Our Tampines Hub to reclaim the A Division netball title that they last won in 2023. Kaska converted 20 out of the 24 shots she attempted, putting up an impressive 83.3 per cent shot conversion rate. The 17-year-old had claimed silver medals in the 50m freestyle and 4x50m medley relay on April 24, before adding a gold in the 4x50m free relay and a 100m free bronze a day later. But the water sport has given her more than just medals. 'Swimming has given me a strong core,' said Kaska, who is of English nationality. 'So whenever my teammates pass me the ball, I can grab it at different directions. Also, when I do weight training in swimming, I work on my legs and it helps me jump higher.' However, standing at 1.73m, she knew it would be difficult going up on the court against ACJC's goalkeeper Alyssa Tan, who is taller at 1.78m, prompting a different offensive approach. 'We knew we couldn't do any high balls because she (Alyssa) would intercept it, so I had to try holding her (back) so that I would block her off and get the ball,' said Kaska. RI coach Chng Li Li, 53, added: 'The AC (defence) is much taller than my shooters. We cannot play high, so we had to play the low balls (along the floor).' RI were without their first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi, who had to attend the International Biology Olympiad at Nanyang Technological University. Reserve centres Caitlin Ong and Emily Loi took turns to deputise in her place, and they both performed admirably. 'I played three quarters (in total) in the preliminary round, so this was definitely quite an overwhelming moment for me when I stepped on court,' said Emily, 17, who started the final as a substitute. Centre Emily Loi (in black, holding the ball) played well in place of their absent first-choice centre Wang Yun Xi. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM 'Even though our main centre wasn't here, it doesn't mean that our team won't be able to play well. We are still a team overall so we'll all be working together,' she said. RI started the game on the front foot, leading 13-8 after the first quarter. A combination of turnovers high up the court and neat interplay saw them take a commanding 25-18 advantage into half-time. ACJC fought back in the third quarter as they sought to narrow a 32-28 deficit. But it was ultimately too little too late as RI closed the game out to avenge last season's defeat in the final, where they lost 44-43 to ACJC. RI captain Lim Ruici , 18, said: 'The team was really hungry this year. I think our team's focus was enjoying the game because that is when we are at our best.' RI celebrating with the trophy after winning the A Div netball final. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM ACJC captain Keira Baptista was on the sidelines after a full anterior cruciate ligament tear and a partial medial collateral ligament tear ruled her out for the season. 'At first, I felt very helpless that I wouldn't be there for my team physically on court, but regardless I made sure that they knew that I would have their back,' said the 18-year-old. On-court captain Alyssa said RI played a good game and deserved their win. 'We fought hard and no matter the outcome, I think we put in our best effort today,' added the 18-year-old. In the third-place play-off, Victoria Junior College beat Eunoia Junior College 48-35. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
