Romania shines at the International Biology Olympiad 2026 with silver and bronze medals

Romania has celebrated a remarkable achievement at the 2026 International Biology Olympiad, bringing home a silver medal, two bronze medals, and a special award. This success highlights the dedication and talent of the Romanian students competing on an international stage.

Teodor Petcu from Colegiul Național „Dr. Ioan Meșotă” in Brașov earned the silver medal, showcasing his exceptional skills in biology. Alongside him, Liliana-Maria Drăgan from Colegiul Național „Sfântul Sava” in Bucharest and Ioana Iasmina Huțupașu from Colegiul Național Iași each secured bronze medals, further contributing to Romania’s impressive medal tally.

In addition to the medals, Rebeca-Lidia Ungurean from Colegiul Național „Ștefan cel Mare” in Suceava received a special award, recognizing her outstanding performance at the competition. This edition of the Olympiad took place in Vilnius, Lithuania, from July 12 to 19, 2026, bringing together talented students from around the globe.

The Romanian team’s preparation was a collaborative effort, involving faculty members from the Faculties of Biology and Geology, as well as the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. The team was accompanied by conf. univ. dr. Dorina Podar and prof. dr. Kerekes Adelhaida, ensuring that the students had the support and guidance they needed.

The Ministry of Education and Research played a crucial role in this achievement by covering participation fees, travel costs, and daily allowances for the students. They also organized local, county, municipal, and national stages of the Olympiad, facilitating the students' journey to international competition.

This success at the International Biology Olympiad is a testament to the hard work and commitment of both the students and their instructors, reflecting the bright future of Romania's educational landscape.