Riyadh: Royal approval has been granted for Saudi Arabia to host the third edition of the International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) in Jeddah, with 19 countries represented by around 120 students and scientific experts. The event will be jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and hosted by King Abdulaziz University from August 2 to 9, 2026.
According to Saudi Press Agency, INSO, which was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2024, serves as an international scientific platform for students to exchange expertise in nuclear science and its peaceful applications, promote the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technologies, motivate young people to specialize in this vital field, and encourage them to develop solutions and innovations that help expand the peaceful applications of nuclear science.
Holding the Olympiad in Saudi Arabia affirms the Kingdom's advanced standing in hosting and organizing international scientific competitions, its role in providing competitive environments that help develop the capabilities of gifted students and strengthen scientific cooperation, and its success in hosting the International Chemistry Olympiad in Riyadh in 2024 and the Asian Physics Olympiad in Eastern Region in 2025.
Saudi Arabia, represented by Mawhiba, began participating in INSO at its inaugural edition in the Philippines in 2024, followed by the second edition in Malaysia in 2025. Saudi Arabia won five international awards across the two editions, including one silver medal and three bronze medals.
Saudi Arabia's hosting of the third edition of INSO embodies its commitment to supporting scientific excellence, strengthens its presence in organizing and hosting international scientific competitions, and consolidates its standing as a global destination for major scientific events, helping prepare national talent in advanced scientific fields.