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Writer's pictureStephen Turban

10 Reasons Why You Should Participate in the International Biology Olympiad

Olympiads are advanced, rigorous tests of knowledge, making them an ideal competition to build and showcase your skills. Participating in such academic competitions is a great way to strengthen your profile when applying to college. It shows that you’re serious and dedicated to your chosen field and can compete at an advanced level. 


Competitions like the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), which this blog details, are an opportunity to showcase your STEM knowledge, learn new skills, and stand out among other applicants. If you're passionate about biology, the IBO can help you grow as a student and put you ahead in your future academic journey.



What is the International Biology Olympiad?


The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is one of the most prestigious biology competitions for high school students worldwide. It was founded in 1990 to promote excellence in biology education and offer students the chance to measure their skills against the best young biologists across the globe. 


Every year, national teams from over 75 countries compete at the IBO. Each country holds its own biology competition to select the best four students to represent them at the international level. The IBO focuses on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, testing you in various areas of biology, from molecular biology and genetics to ecology and evolution. 


You will be tested on the fundamentals of biological theory. Through this process, you’ll not only improve your biology knowledge but also gain valuable experience in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and teamwork. The IBO is also a fantastic networking opportunity, allowing you to meet peers and professors from around the world who share your passion for biology.



Is the IBO prestigious?


Yes, the IBO is extremely prestigious. Even reaching the international stage is a mark of prestige—thousands of students compete in national rounds before a small percentage qualify to represent their country at the international level. 


In 2024, over 300 students and 275 scientists from 81 countries participated, making it a truly global challenge. The depth of the learning involved and the difficulty of the tasks make it an elite contest, where you are pushed to think critically and solve complex problems. 


The IBO is endorsed by Nobel laureates and top scientists across the world, providing a verified stamp of its importance in the field of biology. Participating in such a highly regarded competition offers a significant advantage when applying to college, especially in fields related to biology or science.



Who is eligible to apply?


To participate in the IBO, you must:

  • Be a student of a regular secondary school for general education

  • Not have participated more than once before

  • Not yet have started university education

  • Be less than 20 years old by July 1 the year of the competition



How is the International Biology Olympiad structured?


Firstly, to reach the actual International stage of the Olympiad, you’ll need to follow these steps:

  1. Participate in your National Biology Olympiad—Each member country of the IBO has its own selection process, usually beginning with local or regional exams and moving up to the National challenge.

  2. Qualify for Nationals—Top performers in the initial rounds move on to the national level, where they compete for a spot on the national team. We cover how to participate in and win the USABO in our blog here.

  3. Join the National Team—The four highest-scoring students from each country form the national team and are invited to the international competition.


The IBO consists of both theoretical and practical exams. The theoretical exam can comprise multiple choice questions, true/false questions, and matching items covering the following subjects:

  • Cell biology

  • Plant anatomy and physiology

  • Animal anatomy and physiology

  • Ethology

  • Genetics and evolution

  • Ecology

  • Biosystematics


The practical exam tests your ability to apply biological concepts, solve complex problems, and carry out precise scientific work. The kinds of skills you will be challenged on are:

  • Science process skills

  • Basic biological skills

  • Biological methods

  • Physical and chemical methods

  • Microbiological methods

  • Statistical methods


The competition takes place over five days, during which you will also attend lectures, network with fellow competitors, and learn from leading scientists.



10 reasons to participate in the IBO


  1. You will develop advanced biology knowledgeThe IBO challenges you to go beyond what you learn in school and dive deeper into topics like molecular biology, ecology, and genetics.

  2. You will gain and be tested on practical lab skillsYou'll have the chance to work on complex lab experiments, helping you build and demonstrate real-world skills that are valuable for future studies in biology or medicine.

  3. It’s a great way to boost your college applicationsParticipating in such a selective and prestigious competition, which is arguably the biggest international competition in biology, makes you stand out when applying to competitive colleges, especially for science-related programs.

  4. You will experience international competitionCompeting against students from over 75 countries shows that you can perform on a global stage, which is highly attractive to universities and future employers.

  5. It’s a good way to network with global, like-minded peersThe IBO brings together top biology students from around the world, giving you the chance to form lasting connections with others who share your interests.

  6. It’s an excellent opportunity to challenge yourselfThe IBO pushes you to think critically and solve difficult problems. This is a great way to test your limits and grow academically.

  7. You’ll get to learn from expertsThroughout the competition, you'll have opportunities to learn from leading biologists and educators, gaining insights that you wouldn't get in a regular classroom.

  8. The recognition you can gain is significantEven participating in the national stages of the Olympiad can earn you recognition at school and in your community. Winning at the international level offers even greater prestige.

  9. It can open doors to future opportunitiesBoth the learning on offer, as well as the prestige from participating, can give you opportunities you may not have had access to otherwise. Many IBO participants go on to win scholarships, attend top universities, and pursue successful careers in biology, research, or medicine.

  10. It can be an enjoyable experience!While it's a challenging competition, it's also a unique experience filled with fun activities, new friendships, and the thrill of representing your country on a global stage.


In summary, the International Biology Olympiad is an exciting opportunity that offers both academic and personal growth. Whether you're passionate about biology or just love a challenge, the IBO is a competition worth serious consideration.



One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program


If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!


Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.


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