Pakistan wins silver medal in International Biology Olympiad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan achieved another milestone in international science competitions as the national team secured a Silver Medal and a Merit Certificate at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2026), held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to 19, 2026.

The students were selected through the STEM Careers Programme, a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).

Through institutions such as PIEAS and its continued support for science education, advanced research, and human resource development, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) remains committed to nurturing young scientific talent and promoting excellence in science and technology for the country’s socioeconomic development.

Hassan Atif Cheema of International School Lahore (Legacy Campus) won the Silver Medal for Pakistan, while Muhammad Mutahir of Karachi Grammar School, Karachi, received a Merit Certificate.

The competition brought together more than 350 outstanding students from over 90 countries, making it one of the world’s most prestigious biology competitions for high school students.

The Pakistani team was selected through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) conducted under the STEM Careers Programme, a joint initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and PIEAS. Following a rigorous selection process, the students underwent extensive residential training at the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), a constituent college of PIEAS operating under the auspices of PAEC. The training programme was conducted by distinguished local and international experts to prepare the students for the Olympiad.

The national team was led by Prof. Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Aamir Ali of NIBGE College (PIEAS), who supervised the students throughout their preparation and participation in the competition.

Pakistan has been participating in the International Physics Olympiad since 2001, the International Mathematics Olympiad since 2005, and the International Biology and Chemistry Olympiads since 2006.

Since the inception of the STEM Careers Programme, more than 365 Pakistani students have represented the country at International Science Olympiads, winning 144 international medals. Through more than 256 training camps, over 5,000 students have received advanced scientific training, reflecting the continued commitment of PAEC and PIEAS to developing the next generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026