Islamabad (GNP): Team Pakistan secured one gold and two silver medals at the 3rd International Nuclear Science Olympiad, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 2 to 8, 2026. The team was selected and trained by the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences under the auspices of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.
The competition, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency, brought together approximately 120 students and experts from 19 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, Türkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Ali, a student at Government College University Lahore, won the gold medal for Pakistan, while Muhammad Usman of F.G. Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi, and Seerat Fatima Bhatti of Nixor College, Karachi, each secured silver medals. Syed Shuja Haider of Sundar STEM School Lahore also represented Pakistan at the event.
The students were selected through the Pakistan Nuclear Science Olympiad, an initiative of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission designed to identify and nurture young scientific talent for participation in international competitions.
The selection process was carried out jointly by the Directorate of Education at PAEC Headquarters and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, following which the selected students underwent specialised training and mentorship from faculty at the institute in preparation for the international stage.
The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is recognised as a premier global competition in nuclear science for secondary-school students, aimed at promoting scientific excellence and international cooperation in the field. It offers young participants the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of nuclear science and its peaceful applications, while fostering collaboration among the next generation of scientists across participating countries.
Pakistan’s performance at this year’s Olympiad reflects the country’s continued focus on cultivating scientific talent among students and encouraging greater participation in nuclear science and technology education.
Through initiatives such as the Pakistan Nuclear Science Olympiad and institutions including the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission continues to provide specialised training, mentorship and international exposure to young students pursuing this field.
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In a related development, Pakistan was announced as the host country for the 4th International Nuclear Science Olympiad, scheduled to take place in 2027. Dr. Muhammad Maqsood from the Directorate of Education at PAEC and Dr. Sajjad Tahir from the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences received a commemorative memento marking the announcement, which underscores Pakistan’s expanding role in promoting nuclear science education and international scientific cooperation.
Nuclear science and technology carry wide-ranging peaceful applications across sectors including power generation, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection, industry and education.
By continuing to nurture young scientists and engineers, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission remains committed to strengthening the country’s scientific human resource base and advancing science and technology in support of Pakistan’s socio-economic development and the broader goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development framework.
