The Hanoi Department of Education and Training announced on Sept. 21 that the capital will host the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, or IOAA 2026.

Nguyen Van Hien, director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, said the competition is being organized under the direction of the Hanoi People's Committee in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the international IOAA committee and other relevant agencies.

The Hanoi education department is the lead organizer, while Phenikaa University will serve as the main venue for academic activities and the operation of the competition.

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A press conference announces details of the 2026 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, the first edition to be hosted by Vietnam. Photo: Thanh Hung

The international education and science event is designed for high school students, helping identify and nurture young talent in astronomy and astrophysics while promoting academic exchange and international cooperation.

Hien said an IOAA international committee delegation inspected the facilities from June 29 to July 4 and gave a positive assessment, particularly of the planetarium and its modern equipment.

The IOAA was first held in Thailand in 2007. The 2026 edition in Hanoi will bring together 67 teams from 66 countries and territories, including 65 international teams and two from Vietnam, with a total of 320 contestants.

Vietnam is expected to field 10 students at IOAA 2026. Since making its debut at the competition in India in 2016, Vietnamese teams have consistently recorded strong results at editions held in Thailand, China, Hungary, Colombia, Georgia, Poland and Brazil, among others.

The two Vietnamese teams are made up primarily of students from specialized high schools.

The first five-member team includes students from Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted and Nguyen Hue High School for the Gifted in Hanoi.

The second team comprises five students from Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted in Phu Tho province, Lam Son High School for the Gifted in Thanh Hoa province, the High School for the Gifted under Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, and the High School for Gifted Students under Vietnam National University-Hanoi's University of Science.

Hien said IOAA 2026 will not only be larger than previous editions but will also make use of advanced equipment and specialized infrastructure, including Sky-Watcher BK P15075 EQ3 telescopes, a 16-meter-diameter planetarium, a Sony GTZ380 projection system, SkyExplorer software and the Olympify platform.

The competition includes theoretical, data analysis, observational and team components.

Exam questions are prepared in English before delegation leaders translate them in accordance with IOAA's professional and security procedures. The international board and jury will approve the results under the competition's regulations.

Of the 320 contestants, around 60% are expected to receive awards, including gold, silver and bronze medals, honorable mentions and special prizes.

Hien said the Hanoi education department hopes the event will encourage students across Vietnam to become more curious about science and technology and inspire greater interest in learning and exploration.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sept. 26, with competition events running from Sept. 27 through Oct. 3.

The closing and awards ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Oct. 4. The program may be adjusted if necessary due to academic requirements, weather, safety considerations or organizational needs.

Thanh Hung