The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia secured first place at the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026), hosted in Jeddah in the first edition of the competition to be held in the Middle East.
Saudi student Amjad Mahmoud Issa Al-Darwish won first place and a gold medal, while also receiving the title of “Nuclear Science Ambassador” after achieving the highest combined score in the theoretical and practical examinations.
Saudi student Jana Saleh Abdullah Al-Sabil also won a gold medal and received the “Best Female Student” award presented by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Meanwhile, Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Shrait won a silver medal, while Saleh Mubarak Dhaifallah Al-Harbi secured a bronze medal.
The competition awarded eight gold, 13 silver and 18 bronze medals, in addition to several special awards.
First Middle East Edition
The third edition was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, with King Abdulaziz University hosting the competition and accompanying activities.
INSO 2026 President Dr. Maya Al-Azri praised the Kingdom’s organization of the event, highlighting the cooperation between government entities, academic institutions, organizing committees and volunteers in delivering the competition according to international standards.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Nuclear Scientists
The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is a global scientific platform for high school students, approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2024.
The competition aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills in nuclear science, promote awareness of the safe and peaceful applications of nuclear technologies, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the field.
It also seeks to inspire students to use science and innovation to develop solutions that contribute to sustainable development.
At the closing ceremony, the Kingdom officially handed over hosting responsibilities to Pakistan, which will host the next edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad in 2027.
