Student-participants from across the country during the elimination round of the 2nd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad
2nd National Nuclear Olympiad Kicks Off Elimination Round
And the ball goes rolling as more than a hundred student contestants from secondary schools across the country, ready to showcase their mastery of atomic principles and applications, finally compete in the elimination round of the 2nd Philippine Nuclear Science Olympiad (PNSO) this April 3.
The two-and-a-half hour written exam for the elimination round consists of a gauntlet of ten conceptual questions, five short problems and two long problems – one theoretical and another experimental – with questions covering various nuclear and radiation-related concepts such as atomic structure, environmental radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion, radiation risk and safety, history of nuclear science and its various applications.
Organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), in collaboration with DOST Regional Offices and the Philippine Science High School (PSHS), the 2nd PNSO aims to select the next generation of young Filipino nuclear scientists, who will represent the country in the upcoming 2nd International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) in Malaysia by July this year.
To that end, the competition was opened to all Filipino secondary school students from 15 to 20 years old, who are not yet enrolled in college by August 31, 2025 in order to meet the INSO requirements.
And to further widen the net and ensure that the contest reaches out to the brightest talents from the country’s various regions, this year’s Olympiad is simultaneously held in four testing stations – the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) – Central Luzon Campus in Clark, Pampanga, PSHS – Central Visayas Campus in Argao, Cebu, PSHS – Central Mindanao Campus in Baloi, Lanao Del Norte, and the DOST-PNRI compound in Diliman, Quezon City for the National Capital Region.
The top 20 students, who will be announced on April 9, will be given the opportunity to participate in a further month-long training on nuclear science held by PNRI’s own researchers and specialists, after which a final exam will be held to select the top five winners – P25,000 for first place, P20,000 for second place, P15,000 for third place, P10,000 for fourth place and P5,000 for fifth place.
These leading students – four official participants and one reserve – will form the Philippine National Team for the 2nd INSO along with coaches from PNRI.
The first PNSO was held in December 2023 as part of the 51st Atomic Energy Week Celebration. Building on the remarkable success of the Philippine team at the 1st INSO, where the Philippines secured 2 gold and 1 silver medals, along with a "Nuclear Ambassador" title and top scorer award, the 2nd PNSO seeks to further cultivate excellence in nuclear science education within the country.
