ISLAMABAD: Pakistan won one gold and two silver medals at the third International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO-2026), held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 2 to 8.
Muhammad Ali of Government College University (GCU), Lahore, won the gold medal, while Muhammad Usman and Seerat Fatima Bhatti secured silver medals for Pakistan. Syed Shuja Haider also represented the country at the competition.
Backed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Olympiad brought together around 120 students and experts from 19 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, Türkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
How Did Pakistan’s Students Qualify?
The Pakistani participants were selected through the Pakistan Nuclear Science Olympiad (PANSO), an initiative of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) aimed at identifying and developing young scientific talent for international competitions.
The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is an international competition for secondary-school students focused on nuclear science and its peaceful applications. The event promotes scientific excellence while encouraging international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.
Pakistan’s medal haul highlights the country’s efforts to develop young talent in nuclear science and encourage students to pursue education and careers in science and technology.
When Will Pakistan Host the Next Olympiad?
Pakistan was also announced as the host of the fourth International Nuclear Science Olympiad in 2027.
Dr Muhammad Maqsood of the PAEC Directorate of Education and Dr Sajjad Tahir of the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) received a commemorative memento marking Pakistan’s selection as the next host country.
The 2027 event will bring the international nuclear science competition to Pakistan for its fourth edition.