Jeddah: Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation, Hua Liu, emphasized that Saudi Arabia's hosting of the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) underscores its proactive role in promoting knowledge and innovation. The Kingdom's commitment to nurturing young scientific talents and fostering international cooperation in nuclear science and technology was highlighted during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Olympiad in Jeddah.
According to Union of OIC News Agencies, Hua Liu congratulated Saudi Arabia on hosting this prestigious international event. He extended congratulations on behalf of the IAEA 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 for their efforts in organizing the Olympiad. The event brings together talented students from different countries globally.
Liu described the third edition of the Olympiad as a significant milestone in its development, aspiring to become an inspiring global scientific platform for youth. This initiative aims to enhance science education and prepare future experts in nuclear science and technology. He expressed a desire for broader participation in future sessions, encompassing more countries, schools, teachers, and students.
Liu highlighted the crucial role of nuclear science and technology in achieving Sustainable Development Goals through peaceful applications, including diagnosing diseases, cancer treatment, enhancing food security, managing water resources, protecting the environment and cultural heritage, developing industrial processes, and producing reliable, low-carbon energy.
He stressed that the sustainability of nuclear applications depends not only on technology but also on developing human competencies across various fields. This includes scientists, engineers, healthcare specialists, researchers, teachers, technicians, and regulatory staff, ensuring the safe and responsible use of nuclear technologies.
The IAEA prioritizes developing sustainable human resources through its technical cooperation program, adopting an integrated approach that includes promoting science education, developing university programs, supporting professional development, and empowering national institutions.
Liu stated that the International Nuclear Science Olympiad serves as a vital platform for discovering talented students and introducing them to nuclear science. It highlights the multidisciplinary nature of the field, combining physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering to tackle real societal challenges.
Addressing the students, Liu expressed hope that their participation would inspire them to pursue nuclear science and technology academically and professionally. He emphasized the promising fields of nuclear engineering, medical physics, radiopharmaceuticals, radiation oncology, and nuclear education and regulation.
The event's slogan, "Bright Minds. Creating the Future," reflects its mission to bring together outstanding young minds, promote integration between scientific disciplines and countries, and build a future based on knowledge, cooperation, and innovation.
Liu urged participants to seize this opportunity to expand their scientific knowledge, foster curiosity and exploration, and learn from their peers. He stressed that the experiences, scientific relationships, and self-confidence they gain would be among the most significant benefits of their participation, regardless of competition outcomes.
The third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad INSO 2026 is held in Jeddah from August 2 to 9, with 120 students and scientific specialists from 19 countries participating. The Olympiad, approved by the IAEA in 2024, serves as an international scientific platform for exchanging experiences in nuclear science and its peaceful applications, promoting safe and responsible use of nuclear technologies, motivating young people to specialize in this field, and encouraging innovations contributing to expanding nuclear science applications for peaceful purposes.