International Junior Science Olympiad
The International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is an annual individual and team competition in the Natural Sciences for students who are under sixteen years old on 31st December of the competition year. IJSO has been established in recognition of the significance of the Natural Sciences in the general education of young people and in all aspects of their lives. It is a purely educational event.
International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is a competition in science for students who are fifteen years or younger on 31 st December of the competition year. IJSO aims to promote interest in science among school students, exposing them to problem solving, critical thinking and experimentation. Over the years IJSO aims to positively impact science and mathematics education at school level.
Ligia Deca
Ligia Deca
Minister of Education
Welcome to the International Junior Science Olympiad, 2024!
It is an honor for Romania to be the host of this year’s edition of the International Science Olympiad for Juniors, an event that celebrates and promotes young talent, creativity, and dedication to science, serving as a platform for young innovators and aspiring scientists. We are proud to welcome in Bucharest the brightest minds from 57 countries and we aim to foster a spirit of curiosity and collaboration that transcends borders, highlighting the shared commitment to scientific advancement. STEM need to be supported and promoted among students. Nowadays, science has become the backbone of societal innovation and progress and it is our duty to help young people develop the necessary skills to come up with solutions to global challenges. As such, the participation in this Olympiad is not just a chance for them to excel academically, but also a great chance to have a meaningful contribution to their communities’ future. As the host of this event, Romania reaffirms its commitment to promoting excellence in education and to involve in fostering students’ STEM skills, in order to prepare the next generation of scientists and innovators. I am looking forward to meeting all of the participants and I am sure that this competition will represent a catalyst for their future success!
Ionel F. Lixandru
Prof. Ionel Florian LIXANDRU
State Secretary and Organizer & International Junior Science Olympiad 2024
Dear Participants, Esteemed Educators, and Honored Guests,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we welcome you to Romania for the 2024 International Junior Science Olympiad. From December 2 to December 12, we have the honor of hosting over 500 young scientists and their mentors from 56 countries, united in their pursuit of knowledge and scientific excellence. This Olympiad, dedicated to young minds passionate about the sciences, provides a unique platform for students to challenge themselves and engage in rigorous exploration across multiple scientific disciplines. The International Junior Science Olympiad holds a special significance for us in Romania. Over the years, Romanian students have excelled in international science competitions, showcasing remarkable talent, dedication, and resilience. Their successes inspire us and reinforce our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators. The Romanian Ministry of Education is a steadfast supporter of this commitment, dedicated to promoting excellence in education and to empowering students capable of exceptional performance. With their support, we are able to provide opportunities that nurture gifted students and champion academic distinction on the international stage. Organizing the IJSO 2024 is a privilege and a responsibility that Romania embraces wholeheartedly. This event reflects our dedication to advancing science and education on a global stage. We are fortunate to have the valuable support of the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, and the Bucharest School Inspectorate, whose expertise and commitment have greatly enriched our preparations. Together, we aim to offer a memorable experience that extends beyond competition, welcoming you to discover Romania’s cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant traditions. On behalf of the Romanian government and the organizing committee, we warmly welcome you to Romania. May your time here be filled with inspiration, knowledge, friendship, and unforgettable memories. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and sharing with you the best of what Romania has to offer. With sincere wishes for success and enjoyment.
Mihnea Costoiu
Mihnea COSTOIU
Rector at National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest
Welcome to the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2024!
As you read these lines, you are likely on the largest green campus in Romania—a unique environment that hosts nearly 40,000 students and researchers, supported by almost 5,000 professionals. It is the largest professional community in the region. Each year, our university collaborates with thousands of companies and organisations from over 100 countries, creating a truly international space of innovation and growth where extraordinary minds, like yours, can come together to create and invent the future. We believe that the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is much more than a competition. It is a platform for young scientists to explore, solve real-world problems, and build the critical thinking skills needed to impact the future. Through this Olympiad, you are stepping into a global community dedicated to scientific discovery and progress, with skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to embrace every challenge and connect with those around you. May this experience deepen your passion for science, spark new ideas, and inspire your path forward. And just as important, don’t forget that science is not only about knowledge, but about curiosity, resilience, and the courage to seek answers where others might not. Embrace each question, each experiment, and each new connection, for they are the foundation of every great discovery. Here at the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, we are thrilled to witness your journey and look forward to the bright future you will help create. I wish you great success and memorable discoveries!
Emiel de Kleijn
Emiel de Kleijn
President of IJSO
Dear students, leaders, colleagues and all other IJSO2024 friends,
As President and Chairman of the Executive Committee, I look forward to welcoming you to the 21st edition of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Bucharest. Bucharest is one of Romania’s most flourishing city and is an important industrial center of Eastern Europe’s , with a large number of educational facilities and transport hubs. It is great that this year again more than 50 countries are participating in our fantastic event.
The main objectives of IJSO are to encourage active interest of young Junior High School students in Natural Sciences, to promote their career as scientists, to facilitate and strengthen international contacts, to promote future scientific collaborations, and to encourage friendships within the scientific community worldwide.
Not only enthusiasm for biology, chemistry, and physics, but also passion, innovation, creativity, and team spirit will bring the world’s best young talents together in this academic event. Today’s participants are the world leaders of the future in the fields of scientific research, education, business, and politics. The seeds planted in IJSO will certainly bear fruit in the future.
Participation in IJSO has a lasting impact on everyone involved and can be groundbreaking for a further career. Students want to do their very best and go for a medal, but participating in this Olympiad and making friendships with like-minded peers, also top talents and country winners, is perhaps even more important.
The Scientific Committee chaired by professor Sebastian Popescu designed challenging assignments that allow all students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. In addition to the competition, students will also have fun and entertainment and get familiar with the Romanian culture. Romanians are naturally cheerful, warm, hospitable and have an innate sense of humor. Politeness and courtesy are highly valued in Romania. The Local Organizing Committee, chaired by the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Ionel-Florian Lixandru, have prepared an interesting educational excursion and leisure program, including a visit to the beautiful Peles Castle in Sinaia. The Opening Ceremony will even take place at Bucharest Parliament Palace, the largest building in Europe and one of the largest in the world.
Without the support of Bucharest University of Economic Studies, National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest and Technical College of Aeronautics Henry Coanda, the organization of IJSO 2024 would not have been possible and I would like to thank them for their help.
Romania participated in all IJSO’s since the start in 2004 and has a long tradition in participating and organizing Olympiads. Victor Paunescu has long been the Romanian face of the Olympiads and other Science competitions at home and abroad. I am sure that under his inspiring leadership IJS02024 will once again be a great success.
I am looking forward to meeting you all in the 21st IJSO in Bucharest for a wonderful ten days of exchange and inspiration. Even though in December Bucharest can be very cold, I am sure the atmosphere at IJSO2024 will be warm and kind.
