Jeddah (UNA/SPA) – The Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, Hua Liu, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) embodies its advanced position in supporting knowledge and innovation, and reflects its commitment to developing young scientific talents and promoting international cooperation in the fields of nuclear science and technology.
During his speech at the opening ceremony of the Olympiad in Jeddah, he congratulated the Kingdom on hosting this international scientific event, conveying - on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency - congratulations to the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and King Abdulaziz University, in appreciation of their efforts in organizing the Olympiad and hosting an elite group of gifted students from various countries around the world.
He explained that the third edition represents an important milestone in the journey of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad, which is witnessing rapid development to become an inspiring global scientific platform for young people, contributing to enhancing science education and preparing future competencies in the fields of nuclear science and technology, expressing his hope to expand the scope of participation in future sessions to include more countries, schools, teachers and students.
He pointed out that nuclear science and technology play a pivotal role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through their peaceful applications in diagnosing diseases and treating cancer, enhancing food security, managing water resources, protecting the environment and cultural heritage, developing industrial processes, and producing reliable, low-carbon energy.
He explained that the sustainability of nuclear applications does not depend on technology alone, but also relies on developing human competencies of scientists, engineers, healthcare specialists, researchers, teachers, technicians, and regulatory staff, in order to ensure the safe and responsible use of nuclear technologies in accordance with the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency.
He stressed that the International Atomic Energy Agency prioritizes the development of sustainable human resources within the technical cooperation program, through an integrated approach that goes beyond individual training to building a long-term system that includes promoting science education, developing university programs, supporting professional development, and empowering national institutions.
He stated that the International Nuclear Science Olympiad represents an important starting point for discovering talented students and introducing them to nuclear science at a stage in which their scientific interests and academic and professional choices are taking shape. It also highlights the multidisciplinary nature of this field, which brings together physics, chemistry, biology, medicine and engineering to address the real challenges facing societies.
He addressed the participating students, expressing his hope that this experience would motivate them to choose nuclear science and technology as an academic and professional path, indicating that the disciplines of nuclear engineering, medical physics, radiopharmaceuticals, radiation oncology, and nuclear education and regulation represent promising fields to contribute to improving the quality of life and supporting the path of sustainable development.
He pointed out that this year’s Olympics slogan, “Bright Minds… Creating the Future,” reflects the event’s message of bringing together outstanding young minds, promoting integration between scientific disciplines and countries, and building a future based on knowledge, cooperation, and innovation.
He urged participants to seize this opportunity to develop their scientific knowledge, cultivate curiosity and exploration, and learn from the experiences of their peers, stressing that the experiences, scientific relationships, and self-confidence they would gain would remain among the most prominent benefits of their participation, regardless of the results of the competitions.
It is worth mentioning that the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad “INSO 2026” is being held in Jeddah from August 2 to 9, with the participation of 120 students and scientific specialists representing 19 countries. The Olympiad, which was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2024, is an international scientific platform for exchanging experiences among students in the field of nuclear science and its peaceful applications, promoting the safe and responsible use of nuclear technologies, motivating young people to specialize in this field, and encouraging them to develop solutions and innovations that contribute to expanding the applications of nuclear science for peaceful purposes.
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