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A 10th-grade student from the Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Karaganda, Evgenia Mezhenina, has earned a bronze medal at the Open International Biology Olympiad (OIBO-2026). This prestigious competition brought together over 100 young scientists from 17 countries, including Kazakhstan, Turkey, South Africa, and Thailand, held in the Sirius federal territory in Russia.

A Rigorous Competition

The OIBO is recognized as one of the most challenging international biology olympiads, requiring participants to demonstrate not only theoretical knowledge but also practical research skills. The competition's demanding program included theoretical rounds, complex laboratory work, and a team research project.

Intensive Preparation

Evgenia's scientific advisor, biology teacher Karlygash Zholdybaeva, highlighted that preparation for the olympiad spanned several years. This involved analyzing complex topics, solving olympiad-style problems, and extensive reading outside of regular school hours. The curriculum covered all branches of biology, from zoology and botany to bioinformatics and statistics.

"The olympiad demanded not only a strong grasp of school-level biology but also solid foundations in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science," Zholdybaeva explained. "Crucially, it required logical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge practically."

Challenging Tasks and Teamwork

A particularly difficult task involved microscopic examination of fly larvae, measuring less than three millimeters. During the project phase, students collaborated in international teams. Evgenia's team investigated the zooplankton biodiversity of the Black Sea, collecting water samples and identifying microorganisms indicative of pollution.

A Stepping Stone for Future Success

Mezhenina noted that the olympiad tasks closely mirrored real scientific research, with findings potentially holding practical significance. This bronze medal is not her first achievement; she has previously won national olympiads. The OIBO-2026 bronze is seen as a vital step towards preparing for the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), considered the world's most esteemed biology competition.

"This medal is a significant step on the path to the IBO," Karlygash Zholdybaeva stated. "International victories open up immense opportunities, from admission to top universities to participation in global scientific programs."

This achievement underscores the high caliber of scientific education in Kazakhstan and highlights the potential of its young researchers on the global stage.

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