Olympiad Diary
Day 1
Day 1
The Open International Biology Olympiad (OIBO) has run in Sirius for the second time. Held on May 15 — 22, the intellectual competition has brought together over 100 participants from 1 countries. This is the first time student teams from Bangladesh, Venezuela, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Türkiye, and South Africa have taken part in OIBO.
The young researchers were greeted by Dmitry Plishkin, Chief Administrative Officer of the Sirius Federal Territory. He emphasized the importance and relevance of biology, both for Sirius and the whole world, and noted that the tasks prepared for the participants by the experts were similar to those handled by adult scientists. Dmitry Plishkin highlighted that by tackling such problems the Olympiad participants were making a step toward to becoming scientists who would shape the future of biology.
According to Mikhail Kirpichnikov, Doctor of Biology and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Bioengineering Department at Moscow State University and Chairman of the OIBO Academic Council, this century is the one of life sciences. He highlighted the key areas of biology, including human health, food security, biosafety and the search for renewable energy sources. The scientist stated that there is a significant gap between the accumulated knowledge and actual understanding. For example, it is still unclear how a single genome works differently in each of 30 trillion cells in the human body. Those are the challenges future scientists and researchers are to face.
The participants should compete in three rounds: theoretical and practical ones in the individual competition and a project round in the team competition. The official languages of the Olympiad are Russian and English. If required, assignments are translated into the participants' national languages to create a comfortable environment and provide equal opportunities.
The young researchers were greeted by Dmitry Plishkin, Chief Administrative Officer of the Sirius Federal Territory. He emphasized the importance and relevance of biology, both for Sirius and the whole world, and noted that the tasks prepared for the participants by the experts were similar to those handled by adult scientists. Dmitry Plishkin highlighted that by tackling such problems the Olympiad participants were making a step toward to becoming scientists who would shape the future of biology.
According to Mikhail Kirpichnikov, Doctor of Biology and Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Bioengineering Department at Moscow State University and Chairman of the OIBO Academic Council, this century is the one of life sciences. He highlighted the key areas of biology, including human health, food security, biosafety and the search for renewable energy sources. The scientist stated that there is a significant gap between the accumulated knowledge and actual understanding. For example, it is still unclear how a single genome works differently in each of 30 trillion cells in the human body. Those are the challenges future scientists and researchers are to face.
The participants should compete in three rounds: theoretical and practical ones in the individual competition and a project round in the team competition. The official languages of the Olympiad are Russian and English. If required, assignments are translated into the participants' national languages to create a comfortable environment and provide equal opportunities.
Taha Kidwai has come to Sirius from Saudi Arabia, and he is confident that OIBO provides valuable experience and allows him to see how knowledge is applied in real-life situations.
"OIBO is a unique opportunity to test yourself in a competitive environment. This is the second time that Saudi Arabia has participated in this Olympiad, but I was not part of the team the last time. I am very excited to be in Sirius. The surroundings are beautiful, with mountains, green trees and impressive infrastructure. The Open International Biology Olympiad is an excellent experience, allowing us to take our knowledge to the next level and make our country proud. I hope our team will come home with medals. In the future, I want to study molecular biology or enter biotechnology," said Taha Kidwai.
Matheo Alejandro Marin Zangrandi, a student from Venezuela, has been passionate about biology since he was a child. He has always enjoyed learning about living organisms, their behaviors and interactions with each other and the environment. Today, biology plays a significant role in his life.
"I am very proud to represent my country here in Russia. OIBO is a great opportunity for my future. I have studied hard, and I am confident that I will win a medal. My dream is to continue my studies in biology, especially in the fields of parasites and fungi," said Mateo Alejandro Marin Sangrandi.
In addition to the competitive program, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a vibrant cultural program, which includes lectures, master classes and guided tours. The teams will also participate in the Artistic Presentation of Delegations — a captivating event where students from different countries showcase their traditions and culture. This format allows participants to gain a better understanding of each other’s lives and interests, fostering connections and a sense of community that continues even after the Olympiad in Sirius.
"OIBO is a unique opportunity to test yourself in a competitive environment. This is the second time that Saudi Arabia has participated in this Olympiad, but I was not part of the team the last time. I am very excited to be in Sirius. The surroundings are beautiful, with mountains, green trees and impressive infrastructure. The Open International Biology Olympiad is an excellent experience, allowing us to take our knowledge to the next level and make our country proud. I hope our team will come home with medals. In the future, I want to study molecular biology or enter biotechnology," said Taha Kidwai.
Matheo Alejandro Marin Zangrandi, a student from Venezuela, has been passionate about biology since he was a child. He has always enjoyed learning about living organisms, their behaviors and interactions with each other and the environment. Today, biology plays a significant role in his life.
"I am very proud to represent my country here in Russia. OIBO is a great opportunity for my future. I have studied hard, and I am confident that I will win a medal. My dream is to continue my studies in biology, especially in the fields of parasites and fungi," said Mateo Alejandro Marin Sangrandi.
In addition to the competitive program, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a vibrant cultural program, which includes lectures, master classes and guided tours. The teams will also participate in the Artistic Presentation of Delegations — a captivating event where students from different countries showcase their traditions and culture. This format allows participants to gain a better understanding of each other’s lives and interests, fostering connections and a sense of community that continues even after the Olympiad in Sirius.
