Olympiad Diary
Day 7
Day 7
School students from 17 countries have planted oleander saplings in the Sirius Federal Territory. In doing so, the participants of the Open International Biology Olympiad (OIBO) continued the wonderful tradition of international olympiads. Nerium oleander is an evergreen shrub, one of the most resilient species in the plant world. Its fast-growing crown does not only turn it into a beautiful decoration and a symbol of resilience, but also serves as an efficient natural filter, which absorbs dust in the city streets.
‘I remember when I first took part in the OIBO — back then we planted magnolias. It was incredible. And now it’s the same — the trees are different, but the feelings are the same. Being part of the international olympiad community and leaving my mark twice in the Sirius federal territory is invaluable,’ Yersultan Kairken from Kazakhstan said. ‘Right now, I’m worried about how long these trees will live, but I hope that everything will be fine. As it was explained to us, oleander is a living filter, so it’s an honor for biologists to plant such trees’.
In the afternoon, the participants attended a lecture titled ‘A Journey into the Microworld: How the tiniest insects help solve big scientific challenges.’ Alexey Polilov, Head of the Entomology Department at Lomonosov Moscow State University, explained how the world of creatures that are barely noticeable to the naked eye is structured and why studying them helps us better understand the laws of nature, evolution, and the mechanisms of movement.
In the afternoon, the participants attended a lecture titled ‘A Journey into the Microworld: How the tiniest insects help solve big scientific challenges.’ Alexey Polilov, Head of the Entomology Department at Lomonosov Moscow State University, explained how the world of creatures that are barely noticeable to the naked eye is structured and why studying them helps us better understand the laws of nature, evolution, and the mechanisms of movement.
‘It turns out there are insects so small you can simply miss them. I was also surprised that there are scientists who dedicate their lives to studying these tiny creatures. They research their brain and neural connections — and this truly contributes to the major science. Although I don’t plan to delve deeper into this topic, the popular science event seemed quite useful and interesting. I’m more attracted to medicine: I want to become an allergist or endocrinologist. The OIBO will bring me warm acquaintances and a large baggage of knowledge, especially in laboratory work. For example, it is the first time I have performed electrophoresis by myself. Here, we used computer software I had never heard of before,’ Nane Ananikyan from Armenia shared.
Today, the OIBO-2026 participants visited the Sochi theme park, where they enjoyed world-class rides and attractions, including the highest (‘Firebird’) and the longest (‘The Gorynych Fire Dragon’) ones.
‘This is my third time in Sirius: I participated in the OIBO-2025, and once I came here to take part in the national biology team training camp for candidates. Every time I come here, I am amazed with the scale. It’s very cozy here: hospitable people, the atmosphere of science, and plenty of leisure activities and entertainment. I think today’s trip to Sochi Park left no one indifferent. But what I remember most is the trip to the National Caucasus Nature Reserve. We entered the territory where animals rescued from hostile conditions live. We saw bears, a bison, deer, a raccoon, a lynx, and even a Caucasian leopard. This year, the OIBO gave me a clear understanding of my weak points: biosystematics is lagging, and I’m not that good at tasks that involve calculation. At the same time, this year’s tasks were very interesting and relevant — I think similar ones will often appear at other olympiads, so my immediate goal is to thoroughly analyze them,’ Ulukbek Ruslanbekov from Kyrgyzstan noted.
Tomorrow, the results of the second Open International Biology Olympiad are to be announced in Sirius.
Today, the OIBO-2026 participants visited the Sochi theme park, where they enjoyed world-class rides and attractions, including the highest (‘Firebird’) and the longest (‘The Gorynych Fire Dragon’) ones.
‘This is my third time in Sirius: I participated in the OIBO-2025, and once I came here to take part in the national biology team training camp for candidates. Every time I come here, I am amazed with the scale. It’s very cozy here: hospitable people, the atmosphere of science, and plenty of leisure activities and entertainment. I think today’s trip to Sochi Park left no one indifferent. But what I remember most is the trip to the National Caucasus Nature Reserve. We entered the territory where animals rescued from hostile conditions live. We saw bears, a bison, deer, a raccoon, a lynx, and even a Caucasian leopard. This year, the OIBO gave me a clear understanding of my weak points: biosystematics is lagging, and I’m not that good at tasks that involve calculation. At the same time, this year’s tasks were very interesting and relevant — I think similar ones will often appear at other olympiads, so my immediate goal is to thoroughly analyze them,’ Ulukbek Ruslanbekov from Kyrgyzstan noted.
Tomorrow, the results of the second Open International Biology Olympiad are to be announced in Sirius.
