The Copernicus Academy has signed a cooperation agreement with the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory in Chorzów to organise the 16th International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad.

In mid-July, the Copernicus Academy collaborated with another scientific institution by joining in the organisation of the 16th International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

According to the agreement signed with the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory in Chorzów, the Academy became an official partner of the event, providing financial support and participating in the organisational work.

The International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics is an elite competition for secondary school students to promote interest in astronomy, space research and science. The competition takes place in different countries and is attended by five-person teams selected on the basis of the results of national astronomy olympiads and competitions. The competition involves solving theoretical tasks, analysing astronomical data and making astronomical observations.

IOAA competitions have been held since 2007. Poland has already hosted the IOAA-2011 and has the honour of organising this prestigious event again this year, hosting 250 of the most talented young astronomy enthusiasts from 51 countries. Polish representatives have repeatedly won Olympic medals and honours, and our greatest success was the victory of Przemysław Mroz at the IOAA-2010 in China.