16 July 2018, Mahidol University kanchanaburi campus is now fully ready to welcome top science students from around the world to the 12th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO 2018) to be held on August 8-17, 2018, the organizer told a press conference.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the opening ceremony of the competition in which 38 countries have confirmed to participate.
“Science has been playing an extremely important role in the present and future of global society,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piniti Ratananukul, Acting Deputy Secretary General of the Promotion of Academic Olympiad and Development of Science Education Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra (POSN), “We are now in an era which some foresee that science and technology would reach their zenith, and science has become the dominant culture of the modern world and knowledge-based society.”
“Youth represent the driving force of nations, it is therefore vital that they are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the natural world and man-made technologies and be able to apply it logically, creatively, and morally.”
“Scientific knowledge does not only improve the quality of people’s lives but help them gain a better understanding of how to sustainably use, develop, conserve natural resources, and protect the environment.”
POSN’s main mission is to provide opportunities for science-talented students in secondary schools nationwide to further develop their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in scientific fields for which they have an aptitude, he said. The roles of POSN also include selecting students to represent the country in International Science Olympiads in various fields.
IESO is one of the twelve subjects of International Science Olympiads. Up until last year’s competition in France, teams of Thai students have been sent to nine IESOs and won a total of 34 gold, silver, and bronze medals, and one honorable certificate. They also received the highest score once in each of the following categories: the world’s overall, theoretical examination, and astronomy.
