ISLAMABAD: Pakistani students have brought international recognition to the country by securing a Silver Medal and a Merit Certificate at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2026), held in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to 19.
The achievement placed Pakistan among the leading participants at the globally recognised competition, which featured more than 350 talented students representing over 90 countries.
Hassan Atif Cheema from International School Lahore (Legacy Campus) clinched the Silver Medal, while Muhammad Mutahir of Karachi Grammar School, Karachi, was awarded a Merit Certificate for his outstanding performance.
The national team was formed through the 22nd National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) organised under the STEM Careers Programme, a collaborative initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS).
After successfully clearing a rigorous selection process, the students received specialised residential training at the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), a constituent college of PIEAS working under the umbrella of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).
The comprehensive training programme was designed to enhance students’ scientific knowledge and problem-solving abilities, with guidance from experienced national and international experts.
The Pakistani delegation was supervised by Prof. Dr. Asma Imran and Dr. Aamir Ali of NIBGE College (PIEAS), who accompanied the team during its preparation and participation.
The PAEC, through its educational and research institutions, continues to play a key role in promoting scientific learning, advanced research and innovation by encouraging young talent to pursue careers in science and technology.
Pakistan has maintained a strong presence at international science competitions, participating in the International Physics Olympiad since 2001, International Mathematics Olympiad since 2005, and International Biology and Chemistry Olympiads since 2006.
Since the establishment of the STEM Careers Programme, more than 365 Pakistani students have represented the country at international science Olympiads, collectively securing 144 global medals.
The initiative has also conducted over 256 specialised training camps, benefiting more than 5,000 students through advanced scientific education and mentoring.
Pakistan’s latest success at IBO 2026 highlights the country’s expanding footprint in global scientific arenas and underscores continued efforts to develop a skilled generation of researchers, innovators and future science leaders.
