The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) has concluded. This year, Mumbai, India, hosted the competition from August 11-21, 2025. As the most prestigious event for young astronomy enthusiasts, the IOAA brought together 288 students from 60 countries. The Polish team achieved remarkable success, winning four medals, including one gold.
The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics is an interdisciplinary competition in which students tackle complex theoretical and practical challenges. The tasks cover astronomy and astrophysics, as well as observational practice and data analysis. Thanks to this broad range of required skills and knowledge, the IOAA ranks among the most demanding scientific competitions for young people worldwide.
“Observing students who participate in the National Olympiad several times, we see a steady growth in their passion for learning. After achieving success – becoming laureates or qualifying for the International Olympiad – their enthusiasm for pursuing careers in the exact sciences becomes very clear. Not necessarily in pure astronomy, but also in related fields such as physics, mathematics, computer science, and various engineering disciplines,” says Damian Jabłeka from the Astronomical Observatory in Chorzów.
Poland was represented at IOAA 2025 by five students: Kinga Wysocka, Jasmina Nurković, Antoni Gazda, Dawid Chudzik, and Artur Ziółkowski – laureates of the national Astronomy Olympiad organized by the Silesian Planetarium. The outstanding achievement of Dawid Chudzik, who won a gold medal, along with the silver medals earned by Jasmina Nurković from Szczecin and Artur Ziółkowski from Bydgoszcz, and the bronze medal won by Kinga Wysocka, confirms the high level of preparation of Polish students in international competition.
“Participation in the National Olympiad, and especially in the international one, often influences the choice of prestigious university programs in Poland and abroad. Many participants go on to pursue scientific careers both domestically and internationally,” adds Damian Jabłeka.
This year’s theoretical tasks were exceptionally demanding. They included topics such as Hawking radiation, black holes, stellar evolution, quasars, neutron stars, and the Hindu calendar.
Due to weather conditions, part of the observational round was conducted in a simulated format. Participants analyzed, among other things, a projected image of the sky around a variable-brightness quasar. Additional tasks took place at the modern Nehru Planetarium, which seats 500 people.
The achievements of the Polish team once again demonstrate the tremendous potential of young Polish scientists. The success in Mumbai highlights not only the high standard of education and training in Poland but also serves as an encouraging sign for the continued development of Polish science, engineering, and innovation.
We extend our congratulations to the medalists and wish them continued success in their scientific careers.