By Julius Ewudo, Cyber Era NG ASEAN Region Representative
Australia’s smartest science students have triumphed on the world stage, returning from the 2025 International Science Olympiads with a prestigious haul of medals and unforgettable experiences that will shape their futures.
The 17 science students selected to represent Australia, after tough qualifying exams and training, have returned home with an impressive tally of 4 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
According to the challenge organisers, “In June, we proudly announced the students chosen to represent Australia at the 2025 International Science Olympiads. Donning the iconic green and gold, these talented young scientists embarked on journeys overseas, competing in their chosen field and meeting other young scientists and experts from around the world. They also experienced the culture, traditions, history, nature, and food of the regions they visited.
“This year’s International Physics Olympiad in France delivered a truly impressive outcome, with the Australian team earning two gold medals – a feat Australia hasn’t achieved since 2004,” said Australian Science Innovations (ASI) Executive Director Vanessa Kates.
Yichen Eason Yang has been a long-time participant in ASI programmes, being selected for the 2022 International Junior Science Olympiad (JSO), as well as the Asian Physics Olympiads and the International Physics Olympiad teams in 2024 and 2025. His experience and dedication culminated in a gold medal this year.
Houlai Zhou showcased his talent at the Asian Physics Olympiad in 2024 and 2025, before being selected for the team representing Australia at the 2024 International Physics Olympiad but unfortunately the team could not travel to Iran to compete. Turning that earlier disappointment into success by earning a gold medal this year demonstrates his determination, and the strength of the programme.
Owen Zhai also exemplifies the value of engaging in ASI pathways programmes, earning gold at the 2024 International Junior Science Olympiad in Romania, after completing the JSO Academy Programme. This extension programme has now evolved into the Talent Development Programme, a national invitation-only online programme offered to high-performing junior science students from underrepresented areas.
Along with their teammates, Matthew and Isaac, the Australian Physics team rose to the challenge of a demanding Olympiad and emerged as winners.
“What makes this even more remarkable is the International Physics Olympiad featured 440 competitors, and boasted participants from over 90 countries, which is one of the largest Science Olympiad events that Australia has participated in. We are proud of the superb effort by the entire team and their support crew,” Ms Kates said.
Besides France, other Science Olympiads were held in the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and China, where our teams built global relations with like-minded peers. The Australian Earth Science team also took a journey, there and back again, to New Zealand to prepare for the challenging competition in China. The immersive experience not only deepened their scientific knowledge and field skills but also fostered teamwork, cultural exchange, and contributed to their success in the Olympiad.
“As is sometimes the case, the medal colours don’t tell the whole story,” Chemistry Programme Director, Trent Wallis explained. “All of our medals for the Chemistry team at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai were at the high end of their categories. Superb performances, and excellent reward for the immense effort all of the students have put in; they really prepared as well as they possibly could have.”
The Biology team celebrated a gold medal for Matthew Wu at the International Biology Olympiad in the Philippines, along with a well-earned medal for each team member. The team was strengthened by the experience of seasoned Science Olympian, Oliver Downing. Olly progressed through the JSO Training Squad, and later the JSO Academy, before being selected for the International Junior Science Olympiad teams in 2022 and 2023.
“All our teams have achieved exceptional results. It’s a reflection of their grit and determination, and a testament to the quality programmes delivered by teams who consistently go above and beyond for these students,” noted Associate Professor Stella Clark, Chair of the Board. “We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to share their outstanding results and inspiring moments.”
Australian teams have returned victorious from the 2025 International Science Olympiads with 4 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze medals.
