The G-Research-sponsored UK junior physics team has won three Gold medals and one Silver at the 2026 International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics (IOAA) in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Competing among 307 students from 64 countries, the team finished seventh in the overall country rankings, with its highest-placed competitor ranked 22nd individually.
Alex Whitlock, Head of Talent Acquisition at G-Research, said: “At G-Research we recognise the importance of the International Science and Maths Olympiads, and we know how much hard work it takes to compete at this level. Competitions like the IOAA inspire young people to take on hard problems and see where a love of science and maths can lead. We are proud to support the BPhO and BAAO in helping the UK’s brightest students reach their potential, and we look forward to seeing what this team achieves next.”
G-Research is proud to support the team’s training and participation in the competition through its sponsorship of the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) and the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO).
The results continue a strong run for the UK team at the IOAA, following four Gold medals and a Silver in 2025 and five Gold medals in 2023.
Dr Alex Calverley, Chair of the BAAO, said: “Achieving consistent success year on year at the highest level of international competition takes real effort and many people working hard behind the scenes. I am exceptionally proud of not only the performance of this team but also the alumni of the programme that come back and help train the next generation, ensuring that each team learns from the ones before. This plays a pivotal role in what we do, and I look forward to some of the 2026 team helping train students hopefully towards further success in 2027 and 2028.”
Medals won by the UK team at the 2026 International Olympiad on Astronomy & Astrophysics (IOAA)
Supporting young physicists and astronomers
The UK team trains and competes through the BPhO and the BAAO. G-Research’s partnership with the organisations supports opportunities for young physicists and astronomers to develop their skills and represent the UK internationally.
