Aussie students bring home gold, but critical Science Olympiad pathway program under threat
Australia’s smartest science students have brought home a haul of medals from the International Science Olympiads hot on the heels of Aussie’s sporting stars doing the nation proud.
But a critical pathway enabling young Australians to take part in the world’s most difficult science competitions and pursue careers in science – the Junior Science Olympiads (JSO) – is at risk due to a lack of financial support.
The 12 Australian students who recently competed in this year’s International Science Olympiads in Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and China landed four gold, three silver and five bronze medals across biology, chemistry, and earth science.
Four of the medallists are alumni of the JSO, which provides vital assistance for young Australians in high school years 7 to 10 who show exceptional aptitude for science.
Gold medallists Kathryn Petersen from Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Carolyn Wang from Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Sydney; silver medallist Penny Tassicker from Marist Regional College in Tasmania; and bronze medallist Grace Ng from Gippsland Grammar in Victoria all participated in the JSO before being selected to compete in the International Science Olympiads in years 11 and 12.
Launched in 2020, the JSO is run by the not-for-profit Australian Science Innovations (ASI), which supports Australia’s brightest young scientific minds with extra-curricular education and mentorship, including those from remote and regional areas.
ASI has self-funded the Junior Science Olympiads program to date, relying on volunteers to make up the financial shortfall. But financial constraints mean ASI must source at least $350,000 a year to continue the juniors program beyond 2024.
“As one of the only initiatives of its kind, the Junior Science Olympiads gives Australia a significant advantage in nurturing the skills and talent that will drive the nation’s future,” ASI Executive Director Vanessa Kates said. “The JSO is one of most important programs we have and we can see it’s paying dividends – students are going on to win gold at the international level.
“Reaching smart kids in their early high school years is critical because by the time they are in years 11 and 12, they’ve already made their subject selections, which ultimately impacts their career paths.
“Not every smart youngster comes from a big city and the JSO is taking the pressure off schools and teachers to reach really capable kids from all over the country who may go on and do incredible things for their communities and for Australia.”
Ms Kates said it was clear young Australians wanted to take part in the JSO, with an increase in program registrations of more than 26% between 2023 and 2024.
“What we’re hearing from our international counterparts is that the JSO is the gold standard for supporting young scientists. There’s nothing else like it and it’s critically important that we keep it going,” Ms Kates said.
“This is the perfect opportunity for a forward-thinking Australian business to get on board. They’ll not only provide real opportunities for some of our brightest young people, they’ll secure a pipeline of talent to help them solve the big problems of the future, from climate change and the energy crisis to food security or space exploration.
“Science impacts every aspect of our lives, whether it’s manufacturing nutritious breakfast cereals, building energy-efficient housing or preventing global health threats. Good science thinking should be valued by us all.”
| Gold medals | |||
| Kathryn Petersen | Brisbane Girls Grammar School | QLD | International Biology Olympiad |
| Kevin Hao | Knox Grammar School | NSW | International Earth Sciences Olympiad |
| Carolyn Wang | Presbyterian Ladies’ College | NSW | International Earth Sciences Olympiad |
| Joel Tan | John Monash Science School | VIC | International Earth Sciences Olympiad |
| Silver medals | |||
| Penny Tassicker | Marist Regional College | TAS | International Chemistry Olympiad |
| Joel Cheok | Camberwell Grammar School | VIC | International Biology Olympiad |
| Kevin Zhenhuan Lin | Knox Grammar School | NSW | International Chemistry Olympiad |
| Bronze medals | |||
| Grace Ng | Gippsland Grammar | VIC | International Biology Olympiad |
| Jerry Jin | Camberwell Grammar School | VIC | International Chemistry Olympiad |
| Vinny Runlin Liang | Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School | VIC | International Chemistry Olympiad |
| Andy Xiaotian Lin | North Sydney Boys High School | NSW | International biology Olympiad |
| Tanya Qiu Ting Chi | Ravenswood School for Girls | NSW | International Earth Sciences Olympiad |
Media contact
Michelle Rowe
Director, PitchPerfect Media
michelle@pitchperfectmedia.com.au | 0400 003 852
Discussions with ASI Executive Director Vanessa Kates available.
Please email asi@asi.edu.au or call (02) 6125 6228
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2024 International Biology Olympiad
Held in Astana, Kazakhstan from 7 to 14 July
🥇 Gold for Kathryn Petersen
🥈 Silver for Joel Cheok
🥉 Bronze for Xiaotian Andy Lin
🥉 Bronze for Grace Ng
Find profiles and photos for the 2024 IBO Team here.
2024 International Chemistry Olympiad
Held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 21 to 30 July
🥈 Silver for Penny Tassicker
🥈 Silver for Kevin Lin
🥉 Bronze for Jerry Jin
🥉 Bronze for Vinny Liang
Find profiles and photos for the 2024 IChO Team here.
2024 International Earth Science Olympiad
Held in Beijing, China from 8 to 16 August
Individual Test
🥇 Gold for Kevin Hao
🥈 Silver for Tanya Chi
🥈 Silver for Joel Tan
🥉 Bronze for Carolyn Wang
Earth Systems Project
🥇Gold for Carolyn Wang
🥉 Bronze for Joel Tan
🥉 Bronze for Kevin Hao
International Team Field Investigation
🥇 Gold for Joel Tan
🥈 Silver for Kevin Hao
🥉 Bronze for Carolyn Wang
Find profiles and photos for 2024 IESO Team here.
Unfortunately, our Physics team was unable to travel to Iran to compete in the 2024 International Physics Olympiad. You can find out about their results from attending the 2024 Asian Physics Olympiad here.
Australia’s International Science Olympiads programs are run by not-for-profit, Australian Science Innovations.
Learn more about the Australian Science Olympiad program.
Learn more about the Junior Science Olympiad program.
