Saudi Arabia secured a bronze medal at the 2025 International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 30 to August 6, where 56 students from 14 countries competed in advanced nuclear science disciplines. This marks another step forward in the Kingdom’s growing footprint in global science competitions.
Saudi Arabia’s achievement on the global stage
Azam Khaled Al-Omari, a high school student from Jeddah, earned the bronze medal for Saudi Arabia at this year’s Olympiad, adding to the country’s cumulative tally of five medals since it began participating. The Kingdom has now won one silver and four bronze medals in INSO’s history.The 2025 edition brought together talented students from nations including China, Japan, Singapore, Türkiye, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Saudi Arabia was represented by a team of four students selected through national qualifying rounds and trained intensively under a national program.
Backed by a national scientific ecosystem
The Saudi national team’s preparation was led by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, and with the support of both the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE).This coordinated effort included rigorous theoretical and practical training aimed at equipping students with the skills to succeed in complex nuclear science challenges. Final team selection was based on performance in these high-level programs, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to nurturing scientific excellence in young talent.
About the olympiad: Promoting peaceful nuclear innovation
The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is a specialized global competition that tests high school students on theoretical and practical aspects of nuclear science. Endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2024, the Olympiad seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists to contribute to peaceful and safe nuclear technologies.The competition comprises two five-hour exams: one theoretical and one practical. Students are evaluated on their ability to conduct simulations or experiments, and on their analytical reasoning and creative problem-solving in nuclear-related topics.Saudi Arabia previously participated in the 2024 Olympiad’s inaugural edition, securing four medals, one silver and three bronze, highlighting its early commitment to the initiative.
A broader regional impact
Saudi Arabia wasn’t the only country from the region to achieve recognition. Oman also made a notable mark at INSO 2025, with three students earning medals. Mazen bin Rashid al Riyami from Azzan bin Qais International School in Muscat won silver, while Yazid bin Yusuf al Nabhani from Mazin Bin Ghadoubah Private School in Dakhiliyah and Tasnim bint Jabir al Hajriyah from Qafifa Basic Education School in North Sharqiyah received bronze medals.These results reflect a growing regional investment in STEM education and underscore the importance Gulf countries are placing on nuclear science as a future-forward discipline. With continued participation and training, both Saudi Arabia and its neighbors are fostering a generation of scientists ready to lead in global innovation.
