<p>Mumbai: Around 300 of the world’s brightest young astronomers will converge in the hustling-bustling financial capital of Mumbai as it play host to the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2025). </p><p>This prestigious global event, hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), will be held from August 11-21, 2025, marking a grand return of an international science Olympiad to Mumbai after more than a decade.</p><p>The Mumbai IOAA marks a record with almost 300 student contestants and about 140 leaders (mentors/ teachers) from 64 countries represented, covering every inhabited continent, including several first-time countries. </p><p>The largest IOAA to date reflects India’s leadership and global engagement in science education and talent nurture.</p><p>The IOAA is supported by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).</p>.<p>The 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p>
<p>Mumbai: Around 300 of the world’s brightest young astronomers will converge in the hustling-bustling financial capital of Mumbai as it play host to the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2025). </p><p>This prestigious global event, hosted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), will be held from August 11-21, 2025, marking a grand return of an international science Olympiad to Mumbai after more than a decade.</p><p>The Mumbai IOAA marks a record with almost 300 student contestants and about 140 leaders (mentors/ teachers) from 64 countries represented, covering every inhabited continent, including several first-time countries. </p><p>The largest IOAA to date reflects India’s leadership and global engagement in science education and talent nurture.</p><p>The IOAA is supported by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).</p>.<p>The 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p>