Key Takeaways
- Hassan Atif Cheema of International School Lahore won a Silver Medal for Pakistan.
- Muhammad Mutahir from Karachi Grammar School received a Merit Certificate.
- The team participated in the competition held in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Pakistan has achieved another significant milestone by securing a Silver Medal and a Merit Certificate at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2026), which was held from July 12 to 19 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The competition brought together over 350 outstanding students from more than 90 countries, making it one of the world's most prestigious biology competitions for high school students.
The Silver Medal was won by Hassan Atif Cheema, a student from International School Lahore (Legacy Campus), while Muhammad Mutahir from Karachi Grammar School received a Merit Certificate. These achievements are part of Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young scientific talent and promoting excellence in science and technology for the country's socio-economic development.
The Pakistani team was selected through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest, conducted under the STEM Careers Program, which is a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). The students underwent rigorous residential training at the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), a constituent college of PIEAS operating under the auspices of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
The training program was delivered by distinguished local and international experts to prepare the students for the Olympiad. The national team was led by Prof. Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Aamir Ali of NIBGE College (PIEAS), who supervised the students throughout their preparation and participation in the competition.
Pakistan has been participating in various International Science Olympiads since 2001, including the International Physics Olympiad, the International Mathematics Olympiad, and the International Biology and Chemistry Olympiads. Since the inception of the STEM Careers Program, more than 365 Pakistani students have represented the country at these competitions, winning a total of 144 international medals.
Through over 256 training camps, more than 5,000 students have received advanced scientific training, reflecting the continued commitment of PAEC and PIEAS to developing the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators. The success at the International Biology Olympiad is a testament to this ongoing effort.
The achievements of the Pakistani team are a source of pride for the country and highlight the effectiveness of the STEM Careers Program in identifying and nurturing young scientific talent.
