Vietnam wins six gold at Int'l Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics

Vietnam, the host country, fielded two teams at this year's IOAA, comprising the Vietnam Team 1, and Vietnam Team 2 as a guest team. The 10 Vietnamese students won six gold and four silver medals between them.

The results were announced at the closing and awards ceremony held at Phenikaa University that played host to the competition, in Hanoi on October 4.

Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Thu Ha congratulated the students and teams for their achievements, describing the results as the outcome of sustained study, ability and determination to overcome challenges.

She encouraged the students to continue learning and pursuing their scientific interests, saying their experiences at IOAA and the challenges they had overcome would provide valuable foundations for their future.

Largest IOAA edition to date

The 2026 IOAA took place from September 26 to October 4, bringing together 66 countries and territories, 67 teams and 320 contestants. The field included 65 international teams and two Vietnamese teams, making this the largest IOAA edition so far.

The competition was organised under the direction of the Hanoi People's Committee in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International IOAA Council and other relevant agencies.

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training served as the lead agency, while Phenikaa University hosted the main academic activities and examination operations.

Across the individual competitions, organisers awarded 51 gold medals, 48 silver medals, 60 bronze medals and 22 honourable mentions.

Special awards were also presented to the contestant with the highest overall score, the top performer in the theoretical round and the best performer in the practical round, as well as to the seven-member winning team and five winning teams in the Poster Competition.

Testing knowledge, observation and data skills

The IOAA is an international academic competition for upper-secondary students in astronomy and astrophysics, requiring a combination of theoretical knowledge and specialised skills.

The individual competition comprises theory, data analysis, telescopic observation and planetarium observation. The disciplines require contestants to combine theoretical knowledge with data-processing, observation and the application of astronomical knowledge to practical situations.

Turkey is scheduled to host the 20th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2027.

Hanoi ready to host IOAA 2026 with 67 teams from 66 countries

VOV.VN - Hanoi has completed preparations to host 67 teams from 66 countries and territories at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026), which is to open on September 25.