864 students qualified for the finals of the 'Nesmo' Science and Mathematics Olympiad
The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, announced that 864 male and female students for the final stage of the first edition of the National Science and Mathematics Olympiad, “Nasmu.” This achievement follows intense competition in the third stage, which saw the participation of 9,945 male and female students from across the Kingdom, representing a pivotal step in the journey of discovering and nurturing outstanding young minds in Saudi Arabia.
Background on the Olympics and its role in Vision 2030
The Nesmo Olympiad is the largest national competition specializing in science and mathematics, and its establishment reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing human capital as one of the key pillars of Vision 2030.These initiatives aim to build a generation of creative and innovative individuals capable of leading the future and competing on the global stage. Through the partnership between Mawhiba, which has extensive experience in nurturing gifted individuals since its establishment in 1999, and the Ministry of Education, an integrated platform is provided to discover talent from an early age and empower it through advanced training programs.
Qualification details and educational districts
The third phase of the Olympiad, held between April 25 and 30, 2024, witnessed fierce competition among thousands of students. A total of 864 students secured their places in the finals, distributed across six specialized scientific disciplines: 216 in mathematics,216 in informatics, and 108 each in biology, physics, science, and chemistry. The education departments of Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province the list with 96 students each, highlighting the strong presence of these regions in the field of scientific excellence. The remaining qualifiers were distributed across various educational regions throughout the Kingdom, including Madinah, Asir, Al-Ahsa, Makkah, and others, underscoring the program's comprehensive reach and nationwide impact.
The importance and expected impact of the "Nesmo" Olympics
The importance of the “Nesmo” Olympiad extends beyond its role as a scientific competition; its impact is far-reaching, serving as a fundamental driver of a culture of innovation and scientific research within the educational community. Locally, the Olympiad contributes to raising students' academic achievement, developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and preparing them for participation in international competitions. Internationally, the winners of the finals will form the core of the Saudi teams that will represent the Kingdom in approximately 30 international and regional Olympiads, thus enhancing the Kingdom's scientific standing and raising its flag high in global forums.
Next step: Riyadh finals and national team selection
The capital city of Riyadh will host the finals from May 16th to 19th, where 864 finalists will compete for the top spots. A panel of expert judges will oversee this final stage to ensure the selection of the best candidates to represent the Kingdom. This national gathering offers a unique opportunity for students to exchange experiences and network with their talented peers from across the country, in a stimulating and competitive environment designed to unlock their potential and pave the way for a bright scientific future.
