International Genius Science Olympiad by Terra Science and Education
by Terra Science and Education
$20,000 RIT Scholarship
The International GENIUS Science Olympiad challenges high school students globally to develop innovative scientific solutions for critical environmental issues and promote sustainability.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$600
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 2
Duration
Approximately 5 days (final event)
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to international students in grades 8-12 (ages 13-18). Participants under 17 require an adult supervisor. English proficiency is mandatory for presentations. Projects must be original and focus on environmental issues.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to high school students with an interest in environmental issues and scientific inquiry.
- Prerequisites
- Proficiency in English for presentations
- Original project work related to environmental issues
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$20,000 Scholarship
Renewable scholarships for higher education at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Gold medalists receive $20,000, Silver medalists $18,000, Bronze medalists $15,000, Honorable Mention $14,000, and Participants $12,000. Finalists receive a $10,000 renewable scholarship. These scholarships are specifically for international students admitted to RIT.
Prizes
Medals
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to top performers.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation & Achievement
Certificates of participation are provided to all attendees. Award winners receive certificates recognizing their achievement, which are recognized by Terra Science and Education and Rochester Institute of Technology.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Provides significant renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for award winners and finalists, enhancing access to quality higher education. Participation also strengthens college applications for other prestigious universities worldwide.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Nov 2025
- Registration closed
- 1 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 8 Jun 2026 to 12 Jun 2026
- Results
- 12 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Applications are submitted online through the GENIUS Olympiad application system. This involves providing contact information, an abstract, uploading a project paper (research paper), and a media link if applicable. A non-refundable application fee of $50 USD per project is required. Finalists must complete a separate registration process and pay the participation fee of $500 USD per participant. International applicants should complete registration and payment promptly to receive visa invitation letters.
Rules and guidelines
- The Olympiad is open to students in grades 8-12 (or equivalent) internationally and in the US.
- Students under 17 years old must attend with an adult supervisor (teacher, parent, or guardian).
- The minimum age for student participants is 13 years old.
- The same project cannot be submitted in consecutive years without significant progress or changes.
- All students and supervisors must communicate in English for presentations; translators are not allowed.
- Projects must be presented in-person; virtual presentations are not permitted.
- A maximum of two students may present a science project.
- Participants must maintain integrity in all aspects of their projects, avoiding plagiarism.
- Chaperones are not allowed to serve as judges.
- A research description paper with data, graphics, photos, and design concepts is mandatory.
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online application and submission of project documents.
- Computer or device for preparing research papers, presentations, and media links.
- Physical materials for creating project models and poster boards for in-person presentation.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A non-refundable application fee of $60 USD per project is required. If selected as a finalist, a participation fee of $600 USD per participant is due. Guest fees for chaperones are $500 USD (off-campus) or $850 USD (on-campus). Travel expenses to and from the event campus are the participant's responsibility. Airport pick-up and drop-off services are available for an additional fee.
Refund policy
Only 50% of the participation fee is refundable within a specific time. Application fees are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The International GENIUS Science Olympiad is an annual competition for high school students worldwide, focusing on global environmental issues. It inspires young minds to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental problems through scientific research and project-based learning. The Olympiad encourages participants to contribute to greater environmental sustainability throughout their lives.
This competition is open to international and U.S. students in grades 8 through 12, with a minimum age requirement of 13 years old. Participants under 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult supervisor, such as a teacher, parent, or guardian. All projects must be presented in English, and proficiency in English is required for all students and supervisors.
Participants gain global recognition, networking opportunities with peers from over 80 countries, and valuable feedback from experts in environmental fields. The Olympiad offers significant scholarships for higher education, including renewable scholarships to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for medal winners. It also provides a unique platform for cultural exchange and fosters environmental consciousness among young generations.
The competition emphasizes the application of scientific methods to understand and solve environmental problems. Projects can be submitted in various science categories such as Environmental Quality, Ecology and Biodiversity, Resource and Energy, Innovation, and Human Ecology. Students are encouraged to present models, and a research description paper with data, graphics, photos, and design concepts is a mandatory part of the application.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of two rounds of judging. In the first round, judges review and evaluate project submissions based on scientific method, creativity, feasibility, and originality. Finalists are then invited to present their projects in-person at the Rochester Institute of Technology for the final round of evaluation.
How entries are judged
Projects are judged on the application of the scientific method, the feasibility and originality of the proposed solution, and its potential impact on environmental problems. Evaluation also considers the research description paper, data, graphics, photos, and design concepts.
Selection process
Selection is based on the quality, originality, scientific rigor, and potential impact of the submitted project. Finalists are chosen based on their initial application and project paper.
How to prepare
- Official GENIUS Olympiad website for rules and guidelines
- Past winning projects and examples
- Mentorship from teachers or experts in environmental science
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The Olympiad focuses on environmental issues across various scientific disciplines, encouraging students to apply scientific methods to propose solutions. Categories include Environmental Quality, Ecology and Biodiversity, Resource and Energy, Innovation, and Human Ecology.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the competitive aspects of the Olympiad?
Effective preparation involves thorough research, meticulous project development, and practicing presentation skills. Students should focus on understanding the scientific method, data analysis, and clearly articulating their project's environmental impact. Reviewing past winning projects can also provide valuable insights into successful approaches and presentation styles.
What strategies can participants use to manage performance anxiety during the presentation phase?
Participants can manage performance anxiety by practicing their presentation multiple times, familiarizing themselves with the judging criteria, and focusing on clear communication of their research. Engaging in mock presentations with peers or mentors can build confidence and help anticipate potential questions from judges, reducing stress on the actual day.
Are there common mistakes applicants should avoid when developing their environmental projects?
Common mistakes include insufficient data collection, lack of originality in the research question, and unclear presentation of findings. Students should ensure their project addresses a specific environmental problem with a well-defined scientific approach, and that their research paper is well-structured and supported by evidence.
How does the judging panel evaluate projects, and what factors contribute to a high score?
Projects are evaluated based on the application of the scientific method, the originality and feasibility of the proposed solution, and its potential impact on environmental problems. Factors contributing to a high score include the rigor of the research, clarity of presentation, innovative thinking, and the overall scientific merit of the project.
What are the long-term benefits of participating in an international science competition for a student's academic and career path?
Participation offers significant long-term benefits, including enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, international recognition, and networking opportunities with peers and experts. It strengthens college applications, particularly for STEM fields, and can lead to valuable scholarships and future career prospects in environmental science and related disciplines.
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