Team Pakistan has made the country proud by winning one gold and two silver medals at the 3rd International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO-2026) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The team was selected and trained by the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) under the auspices of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
The international competition was held from August 2–8, 2026, bringing together young talent in nuclear science from around the world. Supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the competition brought together around 120 students and experts from 19 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, Türkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Ali from Government College University (GCU), Lahore, won a gold medal, while Muhammad Usman from F.G. Sir Syed College, The Mall, Rawalpindi, and Seerat Fatima Bhatti from Nixor College, Karachi, secured silver medals for Pakistan. Syed Shuja Haider from Sundar STEM School, Lahore, also represented Pakistan at the Olympiad.
The students were selected through the Pakistan Nuclear Science Olympiad (PANSO), an initiative of PAEC aimed at identifying and nurturing young scientific talent for participation in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad. The selection process was jointly conducted by the Directorate of Education, PAEC Headquarters, and PIEAS. Following their selection, the students underwent specialised training and mentoring by distinguished faculty at PIEAS in preparation for the international competition.
The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is a premier international competition in nuclear science for secondary-school students, promoting scientific excellence and international cooperation in nuclear science and technology. The Olympiad provides young students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of nuclear science and its peaceful applications.
The achievement reflects Pakistan’s continued emphasis on developing young scientific talent and encouraging students to pursue education and careers in nuclear science and technology. Through initiatives such as PANSO and institutions including PIEAS, PAEC continues to provide young students with specialised training, mentorship, and opportunities to compete on international platforms.
In another significant development, Pakistan was announced as the host of the 4th International Nuclear Science Olympiad in 2027. On the occasion, Dr Muhammad Maqsood from the Directorate of Education, PAEC, and Dr Sajjad Tahir from PIEAS received a commemorative memento marking Pakistan’s selection as the next host country. The announcement reflects Pakistan’s growing role in promoting nuclear science education and international scientific cooperation.
Nuclear science and technology have wide-ranging peaceful applications in nuclear power, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection, industry, and education.
By nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers, PAEC remains committed to strengthening Pakistan’s scientific human resource and promoting excellence in science and technology for the country’s socio-economic development and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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