A team of Pakistani students has brought honor to their country by achieving success at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2024, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from July 7-14. Zoha Asif from Karachi and Soban Safdar from Mirpur Mathelo each secured a bronze medal, earning recognition for Pakistan on the global stage.

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The Pakistani team participated in the IBO under the sponsorship of the STEM Careers program, a collaborative initiative between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). This program has been instrumental in fostering young Pakistani talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The STEM Careers program identifies and nurtures promising students through the National Science Talent Contest (NSTC), rigorously preparing them for the challenges of international science olympiads. This success highlights the program’s effectiveness in developing Pakistan’s future scientists and researchers.

Pakistan has a proud history of participating in international science olympiads. Since 2001, Pakistani students have competed in the International Physics Olympiad, followed by the Mathematics Olympiad in 2005, and the Biology and Chemistry Olympiads in 2006. Over the years, more than 350 Pakistani students have taken part in these prestigious competitions, winning a total of 134 medals.

The STEM Careers program has also made significant contributions within Pakistan, providing training to over 4,000 students in educational institutions across the country. This initiative continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the scientific capabilities of young Pakistanis and preparing them for future academic and professional challenges.

The achievements of Zoha Asif and Soban Safdar at the IBO 2024 are a testament to the dedication and hard work of Pakistani students and the support provided by the STEM Careers program. Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring young scientists in Pakistan and showcases the country’s potential on the international stage.

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