ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s young scientific talent has once again proven its mettle on the world stage, with Team Pakistan clinching one gold and two silver medals at the 3rd International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO-2026), held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 2 to 8.
The team, selected and trained by the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) under the auspices of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), showcased exceptional scientific prowess against intense international competition.
مبروك فوز المملكة العربية السعودية بميداليتين ذهبيتين ومصداقية فضية ومصداقية برونزية في أولمبياد العلوم الذرية الدولي وايضا لقب سفير العلوم النووية@mawhiba pic.twitter.com/glal5aT3Ma
— Saleh Fareed (@SalehFareed) August 8, 2026
The Olympiad, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), brought together approximately 120 students and experts from 19 countries, including China, Japan, Russia, Türkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the host nation Saudi Arabia.
A historic medal haul for Pakistan
Muhammad Ali from Government College University (GCU), Lahore, won the gold medal for Pakistan, while Muhammad Usman from F.G. Sir Syed College, The Mall, Rawalpindi, and Seerat Fatima Bhatti from Nixor College, Karachi, secured silver medals. Syed Shuja Haider from Sundar STEM School, Lahore, also represented Pakistan at the prestigious international competition.
نبارك للطالب من باكستان لفوزه بالميدالية الذهبية في #أولمبياد_العلوم_النووية_الدولي.
Congratulations to the gold medal winner from Pakistan. #INSO2026 pic.twitter.com/ZU5uAXymPM
— مؤسسة الملك عبدالعزيز ورجاله للموهبة والإبداع (@mawhiba) August 8, 2026
The students were selected through the Pakistan Nuclear Science Olympiad (PANSO), a key initiative of PAEC aimed at identifying and nurturing young scientific talent for participation in the International Nuclear Science Olympiad.
نبارك للطالبة من باكستان لفوزها بالميدالية الفضية في #أولمبياد_العلوم_النووية_الدولي.
Congratulations to the silver medal winner from Pakistan #INSO2026 pic.twitter.com/cynpM3CGtY
— مؤسسة الملك عبدالعزيز ورجاله للموهبة والإبداع (@mawhiba) August 8, 2026
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.
نبارك للطالب من باكستان لفوزه بالميدالية الفضية في #أولمبياد_العلوم_النووية_الدولي.
Congratulations to the silver medal winner from Pakistan. #INSO2026 pic.twitter.com/FySngznuOA
— مؤسسة الملك عبدالعزيز ورجاله للموهبة والإبداع (@mawhiba) August 8, 2026
Pakistan to host 2027 Olympiad
In a 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.
Read Also: Saudi Arabia Wins Five Physics Olympiad Awards, Secures 2027 Hosting Rights
Building a scientific legacy
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 achievement reflects Pakistan’s continued emphasis on developing young scientific talent and encouraging students to pursue education and careers in nuclear science and technology.
Read Also: Pakistan Wins Three Bronze Medals at International Physics Olympiad in Colombia
Through initiatives such as PANSO and institutions including PIEAS and PAEC, Pakistan continues to provide young students with specialized training, mentorship, and opportunities to compete on international platforms. 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).
