CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The inaugural International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) kicked off on August 1 at the SMX Convention Center in New Clark City, Pampanga. The event, running until August 6, welcomes participants from 14 countries.

Officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), alongside partners and other guests, greeted the participants. Dr. Carlo Arcilla, Director of the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), remarked, “Organizing the first-ever Nuclear Science Olympiad has indeed been a challenge.”

He continued, “When we accepted the invitation to host this event, we did not know how big of a feat this would be for our country, but we are delighted to see all of you here with us today as the participants of this competition that is the first of its kind.’’  

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum explained that the goal of INSO is to raise global awareness of the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. He emphasized that these applications support the science department’s four pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.

Marina Binti Mishar from the Division for Asia and the Pacific, Department of Technical Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency, described the Olympiad as more than just a competition but also “a global community united by a common goal: to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of what is possible in nuclear science.”

The participating countries include Bahrain, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, Jordan, and the Philippines.

The competitors, junior and senior secondary school students under 20 years old, have all emerged as national winners in their respective countries. Each country is represented by four to five contestants, totaling 59 participants in the Olympiad.

Additionally, the event includes 12 observers from various countries and 31 team leaders.

📷 DOST