Saudi Arabia is competing for the second time in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), an annual global science competition for high school students now underway in India’s financial capital.

The event, which runs until 21 August, has drawn around 300 students from 64 countries, accompanied by more than 140 team leaders and observers. Participants are being tested on theoretical and practical knowledge of astronomy, astrophysics and data analysis, with challenges ranging from celestial mechanics to telescope-based observations.

Saudi Arabia first entered the Olympiad in 2024, when its students earned three bronze medals. This year, the Kingdom’s team is hoping to expand on that performance and cement its place among the world’s leading student competitors in the field.

The contest, first held in Thailand in 2007, has become one of the most prestigious global platforms for secondary-school students under 20 with an interest in space science. For Saudi Arabia, participation in the Olympiad reflects a broader national agenda: to cultivate homegrown expertise in advanced science and technology fields as part of Vision 2030, its economic diversification plan.

The Kingdom has been investing heavily in STEM education and space exploration in recent years, including through its Saudi Space Agency, as it seeks to position itself as a player in the global space economy. For students, the IOAA offers not only competition but also an opportunity to connect with peers worldwide and gain exposure to scientific problem-solving on an international stage.

Source: SPA