On 12 July, Vilnius officially welcomed the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2026) – the first time in Lithuania's history that the world's largest biology competition for secondary school students is being held in the country.
Over the coming week, 312 of the world's brightest young biologists from 82 countries will tackle challenging theoretical and practical biology examinations. Together with team leaders, observers and organisers, the Olympiad has brought together more than 600 participants from around the world.
IBO competitors are the top young biologists in their respective countries, selected through national biology olympiads. Throughout the week, they will take part in an intensive programme featuring theoretical and practical examinations, educational visits, meetings with scientists, and opportunities to connect with peers from across the globe. The Olympiad not only allows students to demonstrate their scientific knowledge but also promotes international collaboration and inspires young people to pursue studies and careers in the life sciences.
In addition to the examinations, participants will enjoy a rich cultural and educational programme, including an orientation game in Vilnius Old Town, a visit to Trakai, excursions to the Vilnius University Botanical Garden, meetings with scientists and innovators at the VU Life Sciences Center, and other activities designed to introduce them to Lithuania's culture, nature, and life sciences ecosystem.
The VU Life Sciences Center (VU LSC) community is proud to contribute to this exceptional international event. Researchers from the Centre have contributed to the development of the Olympiad's theoretical and practical examination tasks, support the scientific programme, and take part in organisational activities. At the same time, VU LSC students and staff are volunteering to help ensure the smooth running of the event and provide participants with an outstanding experience.
More than 250 volunteers from 20 countries are supporting the organisation of IBO 2026. Among them are many students and staff members from the VU Life Sciences Center, who are coordinating activities, assisting international delegations, and helping organise one of the world's largest biology competitions for secondary school students.
On 17 July, part of the IBO 2026 programme will take place at the VU Life Sciences Center, which will host the special event "What's Next?". The programme is designed to encourage young biologists to look beyond the laboratory and explore the broader opportunities offered by the life sciences, including innovation and entrepreneurship.
Participants will meet Lithuanian life sciences entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers, and attend inspiring talks on how student ideas can evolve into biotechnology start-ups, why creativity is an essential scientific skill, and how biology is shaping the economy of the future.
"The International Biology Olympiad is not only an opportunity for young talents to demonstrate their knowledge but also to inspire their future careers in the life sciences. We are delighted to welcome these future scientists to the VU Life Sciences Center and show them how groundbreaking ideas, scientific discoveries, and innovations capable of improving people's lives are created," says Prof. Eglė Lastauskienė, Chairperson of the Vilnius University Senate and Director of the Institute of Biosciences at the VU Life Sciences Center.
The programme will also feature a panel discussion with scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovation experts, who will share their professional experience, discuss the future of biotechnology, and offer advice to young people considering careers in science and innovation.
The International Biology Olympiad is much more than a competition. It is a global community of young biologists that brings together future scientists, physicians, biotechnologists, and other leaders in the life sciences. For many participants, the Olympiad marks the beginning of an international scientific career.
For the VU Life Sciences Center, contributing to the organisation of IBO 2026 represents an important opportunity to support the global life sciences community, inspire the next generation of scientists, and showcase Lithuania's scientific excellence to an international audience.