King Abdulaziz University Hosts International Nuclear Science Olympiad 2026.

Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, King Abdulaziz University is hosting the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) from 2 to 9 August 2026 at the university’s King Faisal Conference Center.

Professor Essam bin Mohammed Banoqitah, Chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at King Abdulaziz University and member of the Supervisory Committee for INSO 2026, stated that the university is organizing and supervising both the theoretical and practical examinations, with the participation of 62 students from around the world.

The practical examination is divided into two parts: a project prepared by King Abdulaziz University and a math-based project developed by the Scientific Committee. The theoretical examination covers five areas related to Saudi Arabia and nuclear science applications, including environmental nuclear science, medical applications, radiation measurement applications, and nuclear reactors.

Professor Banoqitah noted that King Abdulaziz University designed and developed a nuclear reactor simulator in Saudi Arabia for the Olympiad’s practical component. The simulator models three different applications and provides participants with hands-on experience that reflects processes similar to those used in nuclear reactors.

A total of 120 students and specialists from 19 countries are taking part in the Olympiad, which is organized by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. INSO is considered one of the leading international competitions in nuclear science for high school students and aims to promote scientific excellence and international cooperation in nuclear science and technology.