Mumbai – The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) has been officially inaugurated in Mumbai. Hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the 10-day event brings together more than 300 high school students from 64 countries.
This marks the second time India has hosted the IOAA, with the previous event taking place in Bhubaneswar in 2016. The theme for this year’s Olympiad is ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam,’ an ancient Indian idea that translates to “the world is a family under one sky.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the participants via video message, emphasizing India’s scientific advancements and its commitment to international collaboration. He encouraged the young minds to strive for the next scientific breakthrough.
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, referred to the event as a “science sport” and highlighted how modern astronomy leverages technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. He encouraged students to return to their home countries with fresh ideas and inspiration.
The IOAA’s curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students through a series of theoretical, observational, and data analysis exams. The event, which was first held in Thailand in 2007, was created to meet the growing global interest in astronomy among high school students. Sources
