The International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) continued its competition in Jeddah today as participants sat the theory exam of the third edition, hosted by the Kingdom and jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, under the theme "Glowing Minds for a Promising Future".

The olympiad, which runs until 9 August 2026, features 60 male and female students representing 19 countries, along with 60 team leaders and international academics, supported by 20 specialists from the organizing and scientific committees, in a competitive scientific environment designed to nurture talent and encourage innovation.

The theory exam took place at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah and lasted five hours, testing participants' grasp of nuclear science concepts, their capacity for scientific analysis and problem-solving, and their ability to apply knowledge to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Badr Al Majrathi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, said the theory exam is the second stage of the competition, following the practical exam, which also lasted five hours. He noted that the questions were translated into 14 languages to ensure a fair competitive environment for all participants, with a focus on peaceful applications of nuclear energy.

The International Olympiad Board oversees the preparation and approval of the exams and the evaluation of results under rigorous scientific standards. Final results will be decided at a meeting on 7 August, with medal and prize winners announced at the closing ceremony.

The Kingdom's hosting of this edition, the first held in the Middle East, reflects its commitment to nurturing gifted students, strengthening its standing as an international destination for scientific competitions and supporting the peaceful use of nuclear technology, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.