Recently, the Hanoi People's Committee held the closing ceremony and awards presentation for the 2026 International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).
IOAA is an international Olympiad for high school students in astronomy and astrophysics, with high demands on knowledge and professional skills. Individual competition categories include: theory, data analysis, telescope observation, and planetarium observation.
The competition sections require contestants to combine theoretical knowledge, data processing skills, observation skills, and the application of astronomical knowledge in practical situations.
The organizing committee awarded gold medals to the contestants. Photo: Culture Newspaper.
As the host country, Vietnam had two teams participating with a total of 10 students: Team Vietnam 1 (the official team with contestants selected from Nguyen Hue High School for the Gifted and Amsterdam High School in Hanoi) and Team Vietnam 2 (Guest Team with contestants from the High School for the Gifted, Hanoi National University ; the High School for the Gifted, Ho Chi Minh City National University; Lam Son High School for the Gifted, Thanh Hoa province; and Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted, Phu Tho province). All 10 Vietnamese students won medals, including 6 Gold medals and 4 Silver medals.
This achievement is the result of a rigorous selection, training, and nurturing process; the efforts of the students, the coaching staff, and the team of experts and teachers. It also demonstrates the effective professional coordination between educational management agencies, educational institutions, research institutes, and universities in identifying and nurturing gifted students.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Vu Thu Ha, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said: "Being present at IOAA is a proud milestone; the experiences in each exam, the lessons learned from friends, and the personal limitations overcome are all valuable for the journey ahead. I hope you all maintain your faith, continue to learn, and persevere in pursuing your scientific path."
The 2026 IOAA exam will be directed by the Hanoi People's Committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Public Security , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International IOAA Council, and other relevant units. The Hanoi Department of Education and Training is the lead agency; Phenikaa University is the main venue for organizing professional activities and conducting the exam.
The competition took place from September 26th to October 4th, bringing together 66 countries and territories, with 67 teams (65 international teams and 2 Vietnamese teams) and 320 contestants. This was the largest IOAA competition ever held.
In conclusion, regarding the results of the individual competitions, the organizing committee of the 2026 International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad awarded 51 gold medals, 48 silver medals, 60 bronze medals, and 22 honorable mentions.
The organizers also awarded special prizes, including: 1 contestant with the highest total score; 1 contestant with the best performance in the theoretical test; 1 contestant with the best performance in the practical test; 1 group of 7 contestants winning the team competition and 5 teams winning the Poster competition.
Vietnam's hosting of IOAA 2026 in Hanoi simultaneously affirms its capacity to organize international educational and scientific events, strengthens academic exchange, and promotes a passion for space science research and STEM fields among students.
Truc Chi (Culture, Youth)
Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/hoc-sinh-viet-nam-gianh-10-huy-chuong-olympic-thien-van-quoc-te-204261005100314916.htm
