Israeli students win record 26 medals at international science Olympiads

Israeli students showcased exceptional scientific talent on the global stage, securing a record 26 medals at the 2026 International Science Olympiads. Competitions in physics, biology, and chemistry were held worldwide throughout July, with Israel participating alongside over 90 nations in each discipline.

The International Physics Olympiad in Colombia saw the Israeli delegation clinch five medals. Tenth-grader Ruth Kozlovsky earned a gold medal, while 12th-graders Noam Fleissig, Ahaya Kellner, Eitan Rotman, and Elad Agmon were awarded silver medals. To achieve these distinctions, students underwent rigorous theoretical and practical examinations covering diverse fields like thermodynamics, optics, particle physics, and nuclear physics. The team honed their skills at the Jusidman Science Center for Youth at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Israel's success continued at the International Biology Olympiad in Lithuania, where students trained at Tel Aviv University won four medals, including two golds. Olga Besova and Yehuda Lester secured the top honors, with Yarden Hoch and Saar Paperni earning bronze medals. The competition involved practical and theoretical tests on molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and more.

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is clear proof of the high caliber of science education in Israel.

In Uzbekistan, the International Chemistry Olympiad yielded another strong performance, with the Israeli delegation taking home four medals, two of which were gold. Itamar Ben Shmuel and Yogev Cohen Ben Zaken, both 12th-graders, earned gold, while Yehonadav Marienberg and Daniel Granovsky received silver medals. The Technion-trained team tackled theoretical and practical challenges in physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry.

Academic directors and coaches expressed pride in the students' achievements. The president of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev stated that the physics team's success was "clear proof of the high caliber of science education in Israel." The academic director for the chemistry team noted that the students "represented the country with great honor" and achieved an impressive 8th place globally.

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We represented the country with great honor and received immense appreciation thanks to your achievements: 2 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and a global ranking of 8th place in the world. So thank you, and well done to all of you.