The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) commenced on August 11, 2025, in Mumbai, India, marking a significant event in the world of science education and international collaboration. The opening ceremony, held on August 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre, featured a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting India's commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and exploration among young minds.
The IOAA 2025 has drawn participation from nearly 300 high school students representing a record 64 countries, making it the largest edition in the competition's 18-year history. This diverse gathering includes significant representation from nations in the Global South, underscoring the Olympiad's reach and inclusivity. The event signifies India's growing leadership in international science education and scientific networking.
In his message, PM Modi emphasized India's rich heritage in space sciences and encouraged the young participants to explore the universe with curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. He conveyed his best wishes to all the participants, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talents in astronomy and astrophysics.
The Olympiad is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), a division of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), with support from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The opening ceremony was attended by Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Professor Ajay Sood, as the chief guest, and former Vice President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), Professor Ajit Kembhavi, as the guest of honor.
Beyond the competition, IOAA 2025 offers a comprehensive cultural and scientific exchange program. This includes collaborative events, scientific workshops led by prominent Indian astronomers and astrophysicists, and educational field trips to leading scientific institutions. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Nehru Science Centre, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) facility near Pune.
The IOAA has demonstrated remarkable resilience, having adapted to global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, it organized the first fully online Global e-Competition on Astronomy and Astrophysics and successfully implemented hybrid formats combining in-person and remote participation in subsequent years.
A key legacy initiative involves the educational resources and materials specifically developed for IOAA 2025, which will be distributed across India through the newly established International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office of Astronomy Education, located in India. The grand finale and closing ceremony will take place on August 21 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), with Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as the chief guest, and Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor of the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and former Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), as the guest of honor.
