Australia's 13 Entrants to the 2012 Science Olympiads Score 4 Silver 8 Bronze 1 Honourable Mention. (August 17, 2012)

Australia's team of 13 secondary school students have returned from the the 2012 International Science Olympiads  with four silver and eight bronze - and one honourable mention. Some 1000 students from some 80 countries competed in three streams - Chemistry, Biology and Physics.

Students sit a five-hour theory exam followed by five hours of practical laboratory tests.

Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb pointed out earlier this year in his report to the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard,  Mathematics, Engineering and Science in the National Interest that: "Enrolments in these courses have been falling and Australia risks not having enough people trained in these crucial fields to meet future challenges."

In his announcement today he emphasised: "These young [Science Olympians] should know their country is proud of them. Getting selected in the first place and then succeeding against some of the world’s very best is no less an achievement than that of any other Olympian. Recognising the performance of high achievers like our International Science Olympiads team sends a clear message that this is a vital, vibrant area of competition with great rewards for those prepared to put in the work."

May it become so -- TFW notes here that this year "each team member contributed $2,200 to help cover the cost of international flights, accommodation, meals, training and registration".

International Biology Olympiad, Singapore, 8 to 15 July

Hannah Mugford    Pymble Ladies College       NSW      Silver
Nicholas Rosa     University High School      VIC      Bronze
Janelle San Juan  Melbourne Girls Grammar     VIC      Silver
Jennifer Volaric  University High School      VIC      Silver

International Chemistry Olympiad, Washington DC, 21 to 30 July

Timothy Cashman   St Patrick’s College Sutherland        NSW    Bronze
Brian Gao         James Ruse Agricultural High School    NSW    Bronze
Marco Lee         James Ruse Agricultural High School    NSW    Bronze
Lachlan Vom       Sydney Grammar School                  NSW    Silver

International Physics Olympiad, Estonia, 15 to 24 July

Jonathan Lay      Newington College                NSW    Bronze
Eric Huang        North Sydney Boys High School    NSW    Bronze
Nicholas Salmon   Brisbane Grammar School          QLD    Bronze
Siobhan Tobin     Ballarat Grammar School          VIC    Honourable Mention
Chris Whittle     John Monash Science School       VIC    Bronze