A Vietnamese student (front row, C) receives awards at the 2026 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. Photo: Organizers
The closing ceremony and award presentation for the competition were held at Phenikaa University in Hanoi on Sunday.
As the host country, Vietnam sent two teams, including the official Vietnam 1 team and a Guest Team, with a total of 10 students.
The Guest Team was selected from high school students nationwide who met the eligibility requirements, providing an opportunity to identify and nurture students with outstanding abilities in astronomy and astrophysics.
The gold medals went to Nguyen Tuan Kiet of Nguyen Hue High School for the Gifted in Hanoi; Le Gia Hong Minh of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted; Le Ba Tuan Viet of the High School for Gifted Students of the University of Science under the Vietnam National University-Hanoi; Le Quang Tri of the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City; and Nguyen Quang Dung and Mai Van Khanh of Lam Son High School for the Gifted in Thanh Hoa Province, north-central Vietnam.
Vietnam’s silver medalists were Tran Minh Thai, Bui Nguyen Hong Quan and Nguyen Truong Chinh of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, and Dinh Quang Dung of Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted in Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam.
The IOAA 2026 attracted 309 contestants from 64 countries and territories. It is a major international science Olympiad for high school students, featuring demanding competitions in astronomy and astrophysics.
The individual competition included a theoretical examination, data analysis, telescope observation, and planetarium observation.
The competitions required contestants to combine theoretical knowledge with data-processing and observation skills and apply their astronomy knowledge to practical situations.
Vu Thu Ha, vice-chairwoman of the Hanoi administration, said the students’ achievements were the result of sustained effort, ability and determination to overcome challenges.
She encouraged the contestants to maintain their confidence, continue learning and pursue the scientific fields they are passionate about.
She also highlighted the role of teachers, scientists, families and schools in nurturing the students’ passion and developing their talents.
The 2026 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics ran from September 25 to October 5.
In the individual competition, 51 contestants won gold medals, 48 won silver medals, 60 won bronze medals and 22 received honorable mentions.
Special awards were presented to the contestant with the highest overall score, the contestant with the best performance in the theoretical competition, the contestant with the best performance in the practical competition, a seven-member team that won the team competition, and five teams that won the Poster Competition.
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