INSO 2026 Ends in Jeddah as Saudi Arabia Tops Medal Results
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: The International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO 2026) concluded in Jeddah on Sunday after bringing together 120 students and scientific specialists from 19 countries.
The competition took place from August 2 to 9, 2026 under the theme “Bright Minds for a Promising Future,” it was the third edition of the international event and the first time it has ever been held in the Middle East.
This event was organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE).
King Abdulaziz University hosted the competition at its King Faisal Conference Center. The officials also supervised the theoretical and practical examinations, including exercises covering environmental nuclear science, medical applications, radiation measurement and nuclear reactors.
The event has been around the region to a busy year for international science and technology gatherings in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is also getting ready to host LEAP 2026, where global AI and technology leaders are due to meet later this month.
During the closing ceremony, INSO 2026 President Dr. Maya Al Azri praised Saudi Arabia’s organization of the event and the coordination between government bodies, academic institutions, organizing teams and volunteers.
Saudi Students Lead INSO 2026 Results
Saudi students delivered the strongest overall performance throughout the event. Amjad Mahmoud Issa Al-Darwish secured first place and a gold medal after recording the highest combined score across both examinations. He was also named “Nuclear Science Ambassador.”
In addition Jana Saleh Abdullah Al-Subeil earned a gold medal and received the “Best Female Student” award presented by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Shurayt won a silver medal, while Saleh Mubarak Daifallah Al-Harbi took bronze category.
Across the competition, organizers awarded eight gold medals, 13 silver medals and 18 bronze medals, along with several special honors. The ceremony ended with Saudi Arabia formally handing over hosting duties for INSO 2027 to Pakistan, which will stage the next edition of the Olympiad.