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| Secondary school representatives of Team Philippines led the oath taking of student-participants in the first International Nuclear Science Olympiad (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Department Of Science And Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute) |
Months of eager anticipation and preparation culminated for the 54 junior and senior secondary students from the Asia-Pacific region as the first International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) commenced with an opening ceremony last August 1, 2024, at SMX Convention Center Clark in Pampanga. With the Philippines as the host country, the first INSO is organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) with support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“The primary objective of the first INSO hosted by the Philippines is to showcase the country’s commitment to advancing nuclear education and fostering international cooperation in the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology (S&T),” said DOST-PNRI Director and 1st INSO Steering Committee Co-Chairperson Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla. Dr. Arcilla also stated that the initiative aims to foster international collaborations in nuclear science, showcase Filipino researchers globally, and enhance the teaching of nuclear concepts in educational institutions. In his keynote address, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the competition as a platform for exchanging ideas, building friendships, and inspiring the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. He also emphasized the role of nuclear and radiation applications in national development and explained how INSO’s objectives promote human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. Sec. Solidum added, “The First International Nuclear Science Olympiad, now opening here in the Philippines, makes us the first country to showcase our local nuclear science and technology experts to the global community for the development of the Olympiad’s theoretical and experimental problems and solutions and supervising the competition."
Meanwhile, INSO Steering Committee Co-Chairperson Dr. Maya Al Azri and IAEA Asia-Pacific Division Section Head Marina Binti Mishar both underscored the crucial role of nuclear science in addressing global challenges such as energy sustainability, environmental protection, medical advancements, and food security. They also noted that the younger generation will be key in leading the responsible use of nuclear S&T in the future. Other speakers who graced the event with their messages included Department of Education (DepEd)'s Director of the Bureau of Learning Delivery Dr. Leila P. Areola, Philippine Nuclear Science Foundation (PNSF) President Dr. Alumanda M. Dela Rosa and Valar Atomics Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Taylor. Along with the 54 participants and 31 team leaders, the opening ceremony was attended by a diverse group of distinguished guests, including officials from the Philippine government, representatives from international agencies and embassies, observers from three countries — Japan, Syria, and Indonesia — and partners from private nuclear-related organizations. This newly established global initiative in nuclear science education envisions becoming an annual international competition for students under 20 years old and seeks to inspire participants aspiring to pursue careers in nuclear S&T. Aside from the host country Philippines, participating in the first INSO are Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates with four to five participants each.
The competition involved a two-day assessment featuring both theoretical and experimental components in nuclear science held last August 2 and 4 with the top students individually ranked based on their performance in the two rigorous examinations announced during its closing ceremony held last August 6 at SMX Convention Center Clark. Ahead of the Olympiad's closing rites, team leaders and IAEA dignitaries enjoyed a scenic excursion at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan. Later that day, the 1st INSO Scientific Committee held a board meeting with team leaders. Meanwhile, participating students were able to tour heritage sites and key nuclear sites such as the infamous Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and Philippine Research Reactor and have engaged in a socio-cultural gathering with local schools as a well-deserved break for them after taking on the highly-intense exams which also aims to provide participants with insights into both nuclear S&T’s role in the country and the local culture and history, The Olympiad is supported by the Department of Education (DepEd), DOST-National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCPH), Philippine Nuclear Science Foundation, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and private sector partners Meralco, Valar Atomics, Aboitiz, ISI E-Beam, ALVTechnologies, GNPower Ltd., Curio, and Apex Mining Co. Inc.
(With words by Rudy P. Parel Jr., DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute)
