The Iranian team in the Physics Olympiad, consisting of five students, demonstrated outstanding results at the 2026 International Science Olympiad in Physics, winning two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Results at ISPhO-2026
According to IRNA, Hirbod Fodazi took first place among all participants, becoming the absolute winner. He received a gold medal and a national diamond, showing the best result in the Theoretical Exam. Another gold medal was awarded to Amir-Sam Goharpay. Kian Zarrabian and Mohammad Mirmohammadi received silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Olympiad Format
The ISPhO-2026 Olympiad was held exclusively online from June 21 to June 30, 2026. All events were conducted on the official Olympiad website and included two types of tests: the Theoretical Exam, which contained three problems, one of which required elements of computer modeling, and the Experimental Exam, where participants worked with specialized software simulating experimental equipment and analyzed experimental data. The online experimental stage was entirely dedicated to data processing and computer modeling, providing participants with simulators for scientific equipment operation.
Participant Requirements
Each country could register a team of up to five people and two team leaders. All participants had to be under 20 years old as of July 31, 2026.
Recent Achievements in Geography
Furthermore, four Iranian female students participated in the Open International Geography Olympiad (OpenGeo) 2026 and won four awards for the first time, including one silver and three bronze medals. Artina Heidari received a silver medal, while Setaeesh Haknazari, Sana Karbalai Vali, and Gelia Hodabandelu won bronze medals, according to IRIB.
These achievements demonstrate the comprehensive competence of Iranian students in geography and are an important step in preparation for participation in the International Geography Olympiad (IGO). The goal of OpenGeo is to increase interest in geography among middle school students worldwide, develop analytical, practical, and geographical skills in schoolchildren and future geographers, and support international ties among young geographers.
Organization of OpenGeo
The competition was organized by the Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Senior High School of Moscow State University, and the Primakov School. It took place online on June 20 and 21, gathering participants from 27 countries. Participants were students aged 14 to 19, attending middle school or planning to graduate in 2026. The competitions included a Written Test (WRT) lasting 2.5 hours, a Practical and Cartographic Exercise (PME) for 2.5 hours, and a Multimedia Test (MMT) for one hour.
Iran's Standing in International Olympiads
According to Reza Hosseini, head of the Youth Club of Scientists, Iran ranks eighth in the world in terms of international olympiad results. Last year, the country ranked third, seventh, and eighth in the mathematics, computer, and physics olympiads, respectively, as quoted by IRNA in February. He added that many countries, such as China and the USA, as well as major global technology companies, maintain contact with the club to attract winners of Iranian olympiads.
Hosseini also noted that the country provides special opportunities for these gifted students. Gold winners can study their chosen fields at Iranian universities without needing to take entrance exams. Students who win gold at the International Biology Olympiad can study medicine, and laureates of the International Mathematics or Physics Olympiad can choose technical and engineering specialties. The club aims to improve the country's ranking in international olympiads, Hosseini emphasized.
