Filipino high school students won double gold and silver medals at the inaugural International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO), showcasing their excellence in experimental and theoretical examinations on nuclear and radiation concepts.
Mohammad Nur Casib of Philippine Science High School Central Mindanao Campus and Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis of Manila Science High School earned gold medals, while Jeremiah E. Auza of Philippine Science High School Central Visayas Campus secured a silver medal at the INSO 2024, held at New Clark City, Philippines, from August 1 to 6.
Casib achieved the highest honors at the 2024 INSO. Along with his gold medal, he earned the title of “Nuclear Science Ambassador” for obtaining the highest points overall in the competition. He also received a special award for the highest points in the theoretical exams.
As the first INSO Nuclear Science Ambassador, Casib will promote understanding and appreciation of Nuclear Science among students, educators, and the public. He is tasked to mentor and guide participants in future INSOs to inspire the next generations of scientists and engineers.
Casib has been joining various student Olympiads in math, science, and chemistry, earning multiple honors for himself, his school, and the Philippines, including a historic silver medal at last year’s International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics (IOAA) in Poland. He is aiming to better his medal finish at the upcoming 17th IOAA in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, scheduled from August 17-26, 2024.
WATCH the INSO Awarding Ceremony for the Gold Medalists here:
The three Filipino students were among the 37 medalists at the nuclear science competition, which featured 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries. The medalists included junior and senior high school students aged 20 years and below.
Gold Medalists:
- Singapore: Caldras Tan Hong Xun, Caleb Chia, Tran Doan Duy Phuc, Wong Kheng Hshin
- Philippines: Mohammad Nur G. Casib (Philippine Science High School Central Mindanao Campus), Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis (Manila Science High School)
- Sri Lanka: M N Ahamed Mushab
- Thailand: Nopparuj Sodsri
Silver Medalists:
- Thailand: Nonpawit Koheng, Rawisara Chokdeepanich, Tharatep Lertpetaiy
- Malaysia: Isaac Toh Thiam Tek, Lim Yee Jian
- Pakistan: Subhan Kashif, Suleman Nouman
- Sri Lanka: Pabasara Kaushalya Maduwage, W. A. Akila Chamodya Bandara
- Iran: Seyedabolfazl Mahdaei
- Philippines: Jeremiah E. Auza (UB Victoriano D. Tirol Advanced Learning Center)
- Qatar: Galvandi Ibrahim
- Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Akrikish
Bronze Medalists:
- Iran: Ayda Bina, Seyed Mohammad Sajadiyan, Shayan Rezazadeh
- Malaysia: Arell Yazid Fazrin Bin Mohd Fauzi, Saratt Suthagar
- Pakistan: Ehban Awan, Qasim Salam
- Mongolia: Ganzorig Khuslen, Nyam-Ayush Tuvshin
- Saudi Arabia: Azzam Khalid Abdullah Alomari, Hala Salman Al Abbad, Hasan Alawadh
- Bahrain: Hasan Aman
- Jordan: Omar Amjad Yousef Shbeita
- Qatar: Aditya Vivek
- UAE: Saayuj Ion Mathew
Special Awards:
- Tran Doan Duy Phuc (Singapore) for obtaining the highest points in the experimental exams.
- Mohammad Nur G. Casib (Philippines) for obtaining the highest points in the theoretical exams.
Helena Zhivistkaya, an expert in the Nuclear Knowledge Management Section of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, reminded the contestants, “The Olympiad is not just a competition but also building long-lasting cooperation for future activities.’’
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