Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's national team won a Silver Medal at the 37th International Biology Olympiad.
- The competition was held in Vilnius, Lithuania from July 12 to 19, 2026.
- Hassan Atif Cheema of International School Lahore (Legacy Campus) and Muhammad Mutahir of Karachi Grammar School received medals.
Pakistan achieved a significant milestone in international science competitions by securing a Silver Medal at the 37th International Biology Olympiad, held in Vilnius, Lithuania from July 12 to 19, 2026. 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 Pakistani team was selected through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) conducted under the STEM Careers Programme, a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). The competition saw Hassan Atif Cheema from International School Lahore (Legacy Campus) win the Silver Medal for Pakistan, while Muhammad Mutahir from Karachi Grammar School received a Merit Certificate.
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 PAEC. The training programme was conducted by distinguished local and international experts to prepare the students for the Olympiad. Prof. Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Aamir Ali, both from NIBGE College (PIEAS), supervised the students throughout their preparation and participation in the competition.
Pakistan has a long history of participating in various International Science Olympiads. Since 2001, the country has been part of the International Physics Olympiad; since 2005, the International Mathematics Olympiad; and since 2006, both the International Biology and Chemistry Olympiads. Through these competitions, more than 365 Pakistani students have represented their nation, winning a total of 144 international medals.
The STEM Careers Programme has been instrumental in nurturing young scientific talent and promoting excellence in science and technology for Pakistan's socioeconomic development. The programme aims to develop the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators through extensive training camps and support from institutions such as PIEAS and PAEC. Over 5,000 students have received advanced scientific training through more than 256 training camps since the inception of the programme.
The commitment of PAEC and PIEAS to fostering a culture of scientific excellence is evident in their continued support for science education and research. The success of the national team at the International Biology Olympiad further underscores the effectiveness of these initiatives, providing hope for future advancements in Pakistan's scientific community.
