About the Olympiad
The Open International Biology Olympiad (OIBO) is a modern, dynamically developing competition supported by leading industry professionals. The Olympiad aims to foster students' interest in researching current biological and biotechnological challenges, promote experience sharing among participants, and encourage 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 a team of two to six members, all of whom must be between the ages of 14 and 18. Each team may be accompanied by one team leader (aged 18 or older) and up to two observers (aged 18 or older). Observers engage in professional exchange and communication with like-minded peers. Each country may only be represented by one team. The host country may have two national delegations.
The host party provides accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders. The sending party covers travel expenses. The participation of observers is financed separately, with an organizational fee of 70,000 RUB.
The working languages of the Olympiad are Russian and English. Materials are provided by the organizers in Russian and English, as well as in the national language if a translation is available. All participating delegations will have the opportunity to have the Olympiad tasks translated into their national language.
To ensure fairness and equal conditions, participants must hand over their personal electronic communication devices to their Team Leaders one day prior to the first round and until the completion of the third round.
The Olympiad will be held from May 15 to 22, 2026, in the Sirius Federal Territory. The Sirius Educational Center offers specialized training programs as part of its extracurricular education, as well as basic and secondary general education programs. In addition to competitive challenges, participants will enjoy an extensive cultural program 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 a team of two to six members, all of whom must be between the ages of 14 and 18. Each team may be accompanied by one team leader (aged 18 or older) and up to two observers (aged 18 or older). Observers engage in professional exchange and communication with like-minded peers. Each country may only be represented by one team. The host country may have two national delegations.
The host party provides accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders. The sending party covers travel expenses. The participation of observers is financed separately, with an organizational fee of 70,000 RUB.
The working languages of the Olympiad are Russian and English. Materials are provided by the organizers in Russian and English, as well as in the national language if a translation is available. All participating delegations will have the opportunity to have the Olympiad tasks translated into their national language.
To ensure fairness and equal conditions, participants must hand over their personal electronic communication devices to their Team Leaders one day prior to the first round and until the completion of the third round.
The Olympiad will be held from May 15 to 22, 2026, in the Sirius Federal Territory. The Sirius Educational Center offers specialized training programs as part of its extracurricular education, as well as basic and secondary general education programs. In addition to competitive challenges, participants will enjoy an extensive cultural program 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. The Sirius Educational Center was established on the initiative of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, as a further development of the legacy of the 2014 XXII Olympic Winter Games. Since its establishment in 2015, the Center has provided education programs year-round for the country’s most talented school students, as well as their teachers and mentors.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
