Manila, July 26, 2025 – Syrian Science Olympiad students earned three individual bronze medals at the 36th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2025), hosted in Quezon City, Philippines, with participation from approximately 80 countries.
According to the Excellence and Creativity Authority (formerly Distinction and Creativity Agency), the Syrian medalists were:
- Zein Azar Al‑Zaher from Damascus
- Roni Beiram from Aleppo
- Mohammad Haydar from Latakia
These students successfully overcame both theoretical and practical exam challenges—including experimental problem-solving and lab tasks—to claim their honors.
In addition to these biology triumphs, Syrian teams have showcased strong performances across other Olympiads this summer:
- At the International Mathematical Olympiad in Australia, they earned four bronze medals and a certificate of appreciation.
- At the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO 2025) in Dubai, UAE, they returned home with four silver medals and three bronze medals.
- Most recently at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2025) in Paris, France, four participants were honored with certificates of appreciation for their scientific contributions.
Broader Context
The International Biology Olympiad, established in 1990, annually brings together top pre-university biology students from more than 75 countries who have passed rigorous national selection rounds. Each country typically sends its four finalists, evaluated through demanding practical and theoretical tests.
Looking Ahead
These achievements reflect years of preparation through the Syrian national competition system, supported by the Excellence and Creativity Authority. The Authority facilitates training programs, national quizzes, and IBO-standard practice materials to nurture talent from an early age.
The students’ success across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science underscores Syria’s growing presence in international scientific circles. Their national journey begins with thousands of competitors: in 2025, over 4,000 students took part in the initial qualifying rounds, eventually narrowing to national teams in each discipline.