International Biology Olympiad
The premier, worldwide high school biology competition.
Success at the International Biology Olympiad
The International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is a competition for pre-university students which tests their practical and theoretical biology skills.
The competition brings together students from all around the world and tries to both challenge and stimulate their curiosity in the biosciences. It is an opportunity for students to expand their talents.
The United Kingdom has taken part in every International Biology Olympiad since 1998. Every team member, except one, has won a medal.
In 2017, we hosted a hugely successful IBO at the University of Warwick.
UKBC holds the United Kingdom’s seat in the IBO’s governing body. Any British students wishing to participate at the IBO must compete in the British Biology Olympiad.
The IBO is attended by 70+ countries who each send their best and most dedicated Biology students. The event lasts approximately 1 week, during which students will partake in a series of long and very difficult Theory and Practical exams. It tests the Biology knowledge as well as the students’ mental fortitude, endurance and adaptability. Students also go on a range of excursions and experience cultural activities arranged by the host, as well as gala dinners and opening/closing ceremonies.
The IBO missions & goals:
- Passion
- Cooperation
- Excellence
- Interculturalism
- Education
The British Biology Olympiad (BBO) is the first stage in the team selection for the UK. The top-scoring students in the BBO will be invited to complete further practical and theoretical training and assessments in order to select a team of four to represent the UK at the IBO.
Countries participating in the International Biology Olympiad (dark green = members, bright green = pending members).
A summary of the achievements of our past participants:
| Year | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Merit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Germany | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1999 | Sweden | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2000 | Turkey | 1 | 3 | ||
| 2001 | Belgium | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2002 | Latvia | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2003 | Belarus | 1 | 3 | ||
| 2004 | Australia | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2005 | China | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2006 | Argentina | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2007 | Canada | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2008 | India | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2009 | Japan | 1 | 3 | ||
| 2010 | Korea* | 2 | 1 | ||
| 2011 | Taiwan | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2012 | Singapore | 4 | |||
| 2013 | Switzerland | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2014 | Indonesia | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2015 | Denmark | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2016 | Vietnam | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2017 | UK | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2018 | Iran | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2019 | Hungary | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2020 | Japan‡ | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2021 | Portugal‡ | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2022 | Armenia | 3 | 1 | ||
| 2023 | UAE | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2024 | Kazakhstan | 3 | 1 | ||
| Total | 15 | 60 | 31 | 1 |
‡ IBO challenge: Online substitute of the IBO
286
students competed last year
76
countries took part last year
Frequently Asked Questions
[hrf_faqs category=’international’ ]