The Hanoi People's Committee held the closing and awards ceremony for the 2026 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) at Phenikaa University on October 4.

As the host country, Vietnam fielded two teams: Vietnam 1, the official team, and Vietnam 2, a guest team, with a total of 10 students. All 10 won medals, including six golds and four silvers.

At the ceremony, Hanoi People's Committee Vice Chairwoman Vu Thu Ha congratulated the individuals and teams that achieved outstanding results at the competition.

Ha said each achievement was the result of persistent study, ability and determination to overcome challenges.

"Taking part in the IOAA is a milestone to be proud of. The experience gained from each exam, the lessons learned from friends and the personal limits you have overcome will all be valuable for the journey ahead. I hope you maintain your confidence, continue learning and persist in pursuing science," Ha said.

The 2026 IOAA was held 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 council and relevant agencies.

The Hanoi Department of Education and Training was the lead organizer, while Phenikaa University served as the main venue for academic activities and competition operations.

Held from September 26 to October 4, the competition brought together 67 teams from 66 countries and territories, including 65 international teams and Vietnam's two teams. A total of 320 students competed, making it the largest IOAA ever held.

In the individual events, organizers awarded 51 gold medals, 48 silver medals, 60 bronze medals and 22 honorable mentions.

Special awards were also presented to the contestant with the highest overall score, the best performer in the theoretical examination and the best performer in the practical examination. A seven-member group won the team competition, while five teams won the poster competition.

The IOAA is an international competition for high school students in astronomy and astrophysics, requiring advanced subject knowledge and specialized skills.

Individual events cover theory, data analysis, telescope observation and planetarium observation. Contestants must combine theoretical knowledge, data-processing abilities and observational skills to apply astronomy knowledge to practical situations.

Thanh Hung