International Research Olympiad

An olympiad dedicated to testing science research ability and developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Over 89 countries were represented in the 2025 IRO. We have created the largest global community of young students interested in research.

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Winners of the 2024 IRO

The International Research Olympiad Finals event took place from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024 in Cambridge, MA, at Harvard Square.

Rishab Kumar Jain, President and Chair of the Student Board of Advisors to the International Research Olympiad said “What sets the IRO apart is our commitment to critical thinking, which is essential for scientific research. We’ve seen a high number of contestants who possess extraordinary potential—and who are serious and motivated about their research-based, real-world interests. This is very exciting to us, and in the finals event, we were able to test and grow this potential.”

“The IRO Finals featured some research-based surprises for finalists, and students showed a level of adaptability and resilience that was remarkable,” said Executive & Education Coordinator Yashvir Sabharwal. “Each student tackled a crucial issue during their Public Science Communication speeches, and presented their solutions in a highly impactful way.”

The 2024 IRO Finals showcased some of the most promising young minds in the world. With its dedication to critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge, the IRO is shaping the next generation of innovative leaders who will tackle global challenges and make a lasting impact on society.

View the entire Press Release here

Winners of the 2025 IRO

The International Finals Exam took place from May 31st to June 2nd, 2025.

Rishab Kumar Jain, President and Chair of the Student Board of Advisors to the International Research Olympiad said “What sets the IRO apart is our commitment to critical thinking, which is essential for scientific research. We’ve seen a high number of contestants who possess extraordinary potential—and who are serious and motivated about their research-based, real-world interests.”

“The IRO Finals took place in a time like no other, and students showed a level of adaptability and resilience that was remarkable,” said Executive & Education Coordinator Yashvir Sabharwal. “Each student tackled a crucial issue, and presented their solutions so that they would matter to the world today.”

The 2025 IRO Finals showcased some of the most promising young minds in the world. With its dedication to critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge, the IRO is shaping the next generation of innovative leaders who will tackle global challenges and make a lasting impact on society.

View the entire Press Release here

Master the IRO with Our Comprehensive Textbook

The International Research Olympiad Textbook helps students develop research and analytical skills across scientific disciplines. It offers content reviews, practice questions, and mock exams, with additional online resources like daily challenges. The IRO consists of an open exam with 4 research papers and 32 MCQs, followed by a semifinal and in-person final.

2024 International Finals Exam

The International Finals Exam took place from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024.

The International Research Olympiad (IRO) is dedicated to honing analytical and critical thinking skills for student researchers—essential in scientific exploration. The IRO fosters a culture of rigorous research and skill-building, not just memorizing formulae. The practical applications of knowledge and big-picture thinking are tested in the 2025 IRO examinations, allowing students to walk away with a deeper passion for scientific inquiry.

Our Board of Advisors

The IRO Board of Advisors consists of academics, olympiad experts, and research professionals. The Board provides critical insight to shape the contest and its examinations. These range from insights about what research skills ought to be tested to how judging criteria shall be developed. The IRO is not-for-profit and does not compensate Board of Advisors to any extent

Our Student Board of Advisors

The IRO Student Board of Advisors consists of student researchers at the undergraduate and high school level who have participated in science competitions and olympiads previously. The Student Board provides insight to shape the overall IRO experience. These range from insights about creating a fun, collaborative environment, fostering the IRO alumni network and community, and engaging students. The IRO is not-for-profit and does not compensate Student Board of Advisors to any extent.

Competition Format

Registration

Opens

Semifinals

Finals

Registration

January 2025

Register by February 25th 2025 to participate in the IRO. After registering, the IRO will create unique exam passwords for each student. Students will be sent their login information, once registration is closed. Students will then compete in the Opens round.

Opens

March 1, 2025

The "Opens" round is a comprehensive assessment, encompassing diverse elements such as analyzing research papers, interpreting scientific data, and tackling question formation and inquiry. This stage aims to test participants’ analytical skills and critical thinking.

Semifinals

April 5, 2025

From the Open examinations, the top 10% of participants will advance to the semifinals. The semifinals elevate the challenge of introducing free response questions judged by qualified researchers delving deeper into participants' ability to articulate and apply their understanding of scientific concepts.

Finals

June 6-8, 2025; In-Person @ Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA

The pinnacle of the competition is the finals, where the top 15 participants will engage in intense competition for the coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals in the IRO. Additional sponsor prizes, media opportunities, and recognition will be awarded.

Competition Format

Registration

January 2025

Register by February 25th, 11:59pm EST to participate in the IRO. After registering, the IRO will create unique exam passwords for each student. Students will be sent their login information on Wednesday,February 26th, once registration is closed. Students will then compete in the Opens round.

Opens

March 1, 2025

The "Opens" round is a comprehensive assessment, encompassing diverse elements such as analyzing research papers, interpreting scientific data, and tackling question formation and inquiry. This stage aims to test participants’ analytical skills and critical thinking.

Semifinals

April 5, 2025

From the Open examinations, the top 10% of participants will advance to the semifinals. The semifinals elevate the challenge of introducing free response questions judged by qualified researchers delving deeper into participants' ability to articulate and apply their understanding of scientific concepts.

Finals

June 6-8, 2025

The pinnacle of the competition is the finals, where the top 15 participants will engage in intense competition for the coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals in the IRO. Additional sponsor prizes, media opportunities, and recognition will be awarded.

2024 International Finals Exam

The International Finals Exam took place from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024.

The International Research Olympiad (IRO) is dedicated to honing analytical and critical thinking skills for student researchers—essential in scientific exploration. The IRO fosters a culture of rigorous research and skill-building, not just memorizing formulae. The practical applications of knowledge and big-picture thinking are tested in the 2025 IRO examinations, allowing students to walk away with a deeper passion for scientific inquiry.

Our Board of Advisors

The IRO Board of Advisors consists of academics, olympiad experts, and research professionals. The Board provides critical insight to shape the contest and its examinations. These range from insights about what research skills ought to be tested to how judging criteria shall be developed. The IRO is not-for-profit and does not compensate Board of Advisors to any extent

Our Student Board of Advisors

The IRO Student Board of Advisors consists of student researchers at the undergraduate and high school level who have participated in science competitions and olympiads previously. The Student Board provides insight to shape the overall IRO experience. These range from insights about creating a fun, collaborative environment, fostering the IRO alumni network and community, and engaging students. The IRO is not-for-profit and does not compensate Student Board of Advisors to any extent.

Competition Format

Registration

Opens

Semifinals

Finals

Registration

February 2025

Register Tuesday, February 25, 11:59pm EST to participate in the IRO. After registering, the IRO will create unique exam passwords for each student. Students will be sent their login information on Wednesday, February 26, once registration is closed. Students will then compete in the Opens round.

Opens

March 1, 2025

The "Opens" round is a comprehensive assessment, encompassing diverse elements such as analyzing research papers, interpreting scientific data, and tackling question formation and inquiry. This stage aims to test participants’ analytical skills and critical thinking.

Semifinals

April 5, 2025

From the Open examinations, the top 10% of participants will advance to the semifinals. The semifinals elevate the challenge of introducing free response questions judged by qualified researchers delving deeper into participants' ability to articulate and apply their understanding of scientific concepts.

Finals

May 2025

The pinnacle of the competition is the finals, where the top 15 participants will engage in intense competition for the coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals in the IRO. Additional sponsor prizes, media opportunities, and recognition will be awarded.

Competition Format

Registration

February 2025

Register by February 25, 11:59pm EST to participate in the IRO. After registering, the IRO will create unique exam passwords for each student. Students will be sent their login information on February 26, once registration is closed. Students will then compete in the Opens round.

Opens

March 1, 2025

The "Opens" round is a comprehensive assessment, encompassing diverse elements such as analyzing research papers, interpreting scientific data, and tackling question formation and inquiry. This stage aims to test participants’ analytical skills and critical thinking.

Semifinals

April 5, 2025

From the Open examinations, the top 10% of participants will advance to the semifinals. The semifinals elevate the challenge of introducing free response questions judged by qualified researchers delving deeper into participants' ability to articulate and apply their understanding of scientific concepts.

Finals

May 2025

The pinnacle of the competition is the finals, where the top 15 participants will engage in intense competition for the coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals in the IRO. Additional sponsor prizes, media opportunities, and recognition will be awarded.

IRO thanks the following organizations for their support.

Our Partners

Platinum




ASDAN and ASDAN China


Lumiere Education & The Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation 501(c)(3)


Samyak Science Society 501(c)(3)

Gold




Qurios Institute, QRA Inc.


Prep Olimpíadas


Inspirit AI


Algoverse AI Research


Google for Nonprofits

Silver




Youth Research Initiative


Mec


International Biology Bowl


Desmos

Bronze




Youth Medical Journal


SySTEM for Success 501(c)(3)


HYPE 501(c)(3)


OlympiadPrepHub


Pandorax


Doism


Engineering Pivot


STEMEd Insights


Medmun Society


Everyone STEM


Project NexTech

Endeavor



SciGuide


White Coat

Sanes

We are always looking to have new sponsors and partners join IRO! Please email us at iro@samyakscience.com if you are interested.

Why IRO?

The International Research Olympiad (IRO) is dedicated to honing analytical and critical thinking skills for student researchers—essential in the realm of scientific exploration. The IRO fosters a culture of rigorous research and skill-building, not just memorizing formulae. The practical applications of knowledge and big-picture thinking are tested in the 2025 IRO examinations, allowing students to walk away with a deeper passion for scientific inquiry.

Our Mission

Designed to inspire and challenge students aged 13-18 around the globe, the IRO aims to cultivate many essential qualities of the research process. Unlike traditional science olympiads that delve into specific subjects, the IRO encourages students to build skills that will be useful in any research discipline. Through this, participants foster a deeper understanding of the scientific process and build overall creativity, critical thinking, and analysis skills, forming a foundation for later success.

Our Mission

Designed to inspire and challenge students aged 13-18 around the globe, the IRO aims to cultivate many essential qualities of the research process. Unlike traditional science olympiads that delve into specific subjects, the IRO encourages students to build skills that will be useful in any research discipline. Through this, participants foster a deeper understanding of the scientific process and build overall creativity, critical thinking, and analysis skills, forming a foundation for later success.