Pakistan achieved remarkable success at the third International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO-2026), held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by winning one gold and two silver medals. The event, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), took place from August 2 to 8 and featured approximately 120 participants from 19 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, Turkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Ali from Government College University (GCU), Lahore, secured the gold medal, while Muhammad Usman and Seerat Fatima Bhatti brought home silver medals for Pakistan. Additionally, Syed Shuja Haider represented the country at the Olympiad. These students were selected through the Pakistan Nuclear Science Olympiad (Panso), an initiative by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) designed to identify and foster young scientific talent for international competitions.
The International Nuclear Science Olympiad is a prestigious global contest aimed at secondary-school students, focusing on promoting excellence and collaboration in nuclear science and technology. It offers a platform for young minds to showcase their understanding of nuclear science and its peaceful applications.
This accomplishment highlights Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to nurturing scientific talent and encouraging youth to pursue education and careers in nuclear science and technology. In a significant development, Pakistan was also announced as the host of the fourth International Nuclear Science Olympiad, scheduled for 2027.
During the announcement, Dr Muhammad Maqsood from the PAEC Directorate of Education and Dr Sajjad Tahir from the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) received a commemorative memento symbolizing Pakistan’s selection as the next host nation.
