New Zealand International Biology Olympiad (Inc.)

Beautiful Biology - Brilliant Students

NZIBO organises and runs the New Zealand Biology Olympiad Programme. This programme aims to identify and support New Zealand-s most talented young secondary school biologists and foster academic excellence in Biology.

The programme runs over 11 months. It begins with the Entrance Examination in Term 3 - a chance for students all around the country to challenge themselves with biologically based questions demanding thinking and interpretation rather than recall of knowledge. The top students from this Entrance exam then participate in online training with our team of experienced biology educators over the summer. Another exam follows early in Term 1 and then we invite a group of students to a 10 day residential training camp. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and learn from some of New Zealand-s top tertiary educators and to form lifelong friendships with other students with a passion for Biology. The programme culminates in the selection of the top four secondary school Biology students who are the winners of the National Competition. These 4 students represent New Zealand at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in the year of their selection.

The Olympiad focuses on biology and stresses the importance of biology for society, especially in areas such as biotechnology, agriculture and horticulture, environmental protection, global warming and species conservation. In bringing together gifted students from around the world, the IBO challenges and stimulates students to develop their understanding of biology and promotes their career as scientists by fostering academic excellence.

In the spirit of the sporting Olympics the IBO fosters cultural understanding between the nations of the world and the friendships formed between students from around the globe are life changing. Students also develop an understanding of the global nature of scientific endeavour.

New Zealand first participated in the IBO in 2005 and every year since then has brought home medals. In 2005 in China the team brought home two bronze medals. The 2006 team competed in Argentina and again returned with two bronze medals. The 2007 IBO (held in Canada) gave us our first silver medal, with two bronze and one silver medal being awarded.