About the Olympiad
The Open International Biology Olympiad (OIBO) is a modern, dynamically developing competition supported by leading industry professionals. The Olympiad aims at fostering students' interest in researching current biological and biotechnological challenges, promoting of experience among participants and encouraging international cooperation.
The Olympiad is divided into three rounds: a theoretical round (individual), a practical round (individual), and a project round (team-based). Each round is held on a different day.
School students may participate in the Olympiad as part of teams of 2 to 6 members aged 14 to 18 inclusive. Each team may be accompanied by one team leader (aged 18 or older) and up to two observers (aged 18 or older). The role of observers is to engage in professional exchange and communication with like-minded peers. Each country may be represented by one team only. The hosting country has the right to have two national delegations.
Accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders are provided by the host party. Travel expenses are covered by the sending party. Participation of observers is financed separately for an organizational fee of 70,000 RUB.
The working languages of the Olympiad are Russian and English. The materials are provided by the organizers in Russian and English, as well as in the national language if the translation is available. All participating delegations will be offered the opportunity to have the Olympiad tasks translated into their national language.
One day prior to the first round until the completion of the third round, participants are required to register and submit their personal electronic communication devices.
In 2026, the Olympiad will be held from 15 to 22 May at the Sirius Federal Territory. The Educational Centre "Sirius" operates profile training programmes as part of supplementary education, as well as basic general and secondary general education. In addition to challenging competition tasks, participants will be offered an extensive cultural programme, including lectures, workshops, and excursions.
Recommended arrival date: 14 May 2026
Recommended departure date: 22 May 2026
The Olympiad is divided into three rounds: a theoretical round (individual), a practical round (individual), and a project round (team-based). Each round is held on a different day.
School students may participate in the Olympiad as part of teams of 2 to 6 members aged 14 to 18 inclusive. Each team may be accompanied by one team leader (aged 18 or older) and up to two observers (aged 18 or older). The role of observers is to engage in professional exchange and communication with like-minded peers. Each country may be represented by one team only. The hosting country has the right to have two national delegations.
Accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders are provided by the host party. Travel expenses are covered by the sending party. Participation of observers is financed separately for an organizational fee of 70,000 RUB.
The working languages of the Olympiad are Russian and English. The materials are provided by the organizers in Russian and English, as well as in the national language if the translation is available. All participating delegations will be offered the opportunity to have the Olympiad tasks translated into their national language.
One day prior to the first round until the completion of the third round, participants are required to register and submit their personal electronic communication devices.
In 2026, the Olympiad will be held from 15 to 22 May at the Sirius Federal Territory. The Educational Centre "Sirius" operates profile training programmes as part of supplementary education, as well as basic general and secondary general education. In addition to challenging competition tasks, participants will be offered an extensive cultural programme, including lectures, workshops, and excursions.
Recommended arrival date: 14 May 2026
Recommended departure date: 22 May 2026
About the Sirius Federal Territory
The Sirius Federal Territory is located in the Imereti Lowland between the Mzymta and Psou rivers. The surrounding landscape is shaped by the Caucasus Mountains and unique natural areas, including the Caucasus State Nature Reserve and the Sochi National Park. Building on the legacy of the XXII Olympic Winter Games 2014, the Sirius Educational Center was established on the initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Since its foundation in 2015, the Educational Center has been providing year-round education programmes for the country’s most talented school students, as well as their teachers and mentors.
In December 2020, a federal law was adopted establishing the first federal territory in Russia. Its key objectives include the preservation and development of Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; the introduction of advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and the scaling of these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center and the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated College, the Innovative Science and Technology Center, as well as a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment for education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It contributes to shaping national standards for the future and creates opportunities for every individual to realize their potential.
In December 2020, a federal law was adopted establishing the first federal territory in Russia. Its key objectives include the preservation and development of Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; the introduction of advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and the scaling of these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center and the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated College, the Innovative Science and Technology Center, as well as a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment for education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It contributes to shaping national standards for the future and creates opportunities for every individual to realize their potential.
