18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2025) to be held in Mumbai from August 11 to 21, 2025

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A record 300 student contestants and about 140 leaders (mentors/ teachers) coming from 64 countries to participate in the largest IOAA till date

Opening Ceremony at the Jio World Convention Centre on 12th August and Closing Ceremony at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), BKC on 21st August

Mumbai, 7 August 2025

 

The city of Mumbai is set to shine even brighter as it prepares to welcome nearly 300 of the world’s brightest young astronomers for the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2025)! This prestigious global event, hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, will be held from August 11 to 21, 2025, marking a grand return of an international science Olympiad to Mumbai after more than a decade.

Supported by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Atomic Energy, and organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, IOAA 2025 is not just a competition. It’s a celebration of international collaboration, scientific talent, and an opportunity to celebrate India’s growing leadership in astronomy in particular. The event will bring together participants from 64 countries from every inhabited continent, many visiting India for the first time, and promises a stimulating exchange of ideas and culture.

Background Note on International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA):

The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) was conceived in 2006 as a response to the growing interest in astronomy among high-school students worldwide and the recognized need for a global platform dedicated to this rapidly advancing field. Its foundation was based on the vision of strengthening scientific education and fostering international collaboration among young astronomers. The first IOAA was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2007, coinciding with commemorative events for the Thai royal family. Delegations from 21 countries participated, and core statutes and governance structures, including the International Board and positions of President and General Secretary, were formalized during this inaugural event.

Since then, the IOAA has rapidly expanded both in scale and diversity. Annual editions of the Olympiad have been hosted by counties across Asia, Europe, and South America, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Poland, and Romania. The range of participants has grown from just over 20 countries at inception to more than 50, with many additional countries joining as guests or observers over the years. Each Olympiad so far has hosted between 40 and 50 teams, typically 200 or slightly more contestants, along with their leaders and academic mentors.

IOAA 2025

IOAA 2025 in Mumbai marks a record with almost 300 student contestants and about 140 leaders (mentors/ teachers) coming from 64 countries, including several first-time countries. The largest IOAA to date reflects India’s leadership and global engagement in science education and talent nurture.

The IOAA curriculum is designed to challenge students at the highest levels of high-school astronomy and astrophysics, with examinations and activities encompassing theoretical, observational, and data analysis components. It also emphasizes international teamwork and scientific diplomacy, with collaborative events and cultural exchanges as part of the official program.

In response to global challenges, the IOAA demonstrated resilience and innovation, notably organizing the 1st Global e-Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics (GeCAA) fully online in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and running hybrid formats in 2021 (Colombia) and 2022 (Georgia), combining in-person and remote team participation.

Looking ahead, IOAA is committed to expanding its global reach, nurturing young astronomical talent, and fostering collaboration among scientific communities. By bringing the Astronomy Olympiad into the spotlight, especially in India, where it has long trailed Math and Physics Olympiads, IOAA 2025 is expected to spark greater enthusiasm among students nationwide.

Educational resources developed for the event will be used by the new IAU Office of Astronomy Education (India), enriching school curricula. Notably, this year welcomes teams from several Global South countries for the first time, marking IOAA’s growing diversity and global impact.

The Opening Ceremony at the Jio World Convention Centre, on August 12, will be graced by distinguished dignitaries. The Chief Guest on the occasion will be Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; while Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, former Vice President of the International Astronomical Union, will be the Guest of Honour. The Closing Ceremony on August 21 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), will be held in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), while Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute, and former Secretary, DAE, will be the Guest of Honour.

IOAA 2025 is not only the largest ever, but also one of the most internationally diverse, making this a flagship event for TIFR, for Mumbai, and for India’s ongoing efforts in science outreach and global scientific networking.