Vilnius University (VU) has become one the hosts of the world's biggest physics event for schoolchildren. Today the Cooperation Agreement for International Physics Olympiad implementation in 18-26 of July, 2020 was signed by the Minister of Ministry of Education Science and Sport Algirdas Monkevičius, VU Rector Prof. Artūras Žukauskas and Director of Lithuanian centre of non-formal youth education Algirdas Sakevičius.
The 51st International Physics Olympiad is expecting to receive delegations from 90 counties, 450 students and over 300 team leaders and observers. Therefore, VU is counting that there will be a need for 200 Lithuanian scientists, volunteers and organisers.
“Next summer, young physics geniuses from all over the world will be visiting Lithuania. It is a great pleasure to organise such magnitude event. Together we have a responsibility to ensure the best conditions for Olympiad’s participants. I wish everyone good preparation, successful and interesting application of future physics knowledge”, – said A. Monkevičius the Minister of Ministry of Education Science and Sport.
Young physicists from all over the world, will gather at VU for nine days to solve theoretical and experimental tasks prepared by Lithuanian scientists; and during the leisure time, children will get to know Lithuanian culture. VU rector Prof. A. Žukauskas claims that the International Physics Olympiad 2020 is extremely important event to promote physics discipline. “Lithuania’s physics is known all over the world as this discipline’s traditions in our country are reflected by our achievements. Moreover, every year in Lithuania a Physics Day – a celebration initiated by the students of physics – is held. I believe that the International Physics Olympiad 2020 is a great opportunity for pupils to talk about the importance of this discipline as well as to attract physics’ talents from all over the world to study and create in Lithuania” – stated Prof. A. Žukauskas.
The International Physics Olympiad is the world's largest schoolchildren physics event that allows young physicists to test and deepen their knowledge. In addition, this event encourages to study physics’ discipline in the future.
International Olympiads are not only an excellent opportunity to compete with the very best of one’s field but it also helps to test your knowledge at the highest level. In addition, it is a great chance to get to know other countries' cultures and to make new friends. It is possible that the majority of the participants of the International Physics Olympiad 2020 will choose to study this or related field in the future; therefore, new friends can become important professional connections. Such events is an important step towards a successful career in science”, – stated A. Sakevičius, Director of Lithuanian centre of non-formal youth education.
The International Physics Olympiad 2020 is organized by the Ministry of Education Science and Sport, VU and Lithuanian centre of non-formal youth education. Vilniaus kolegija (University of Applied Sciences), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius City Municipality, Kaunas City Municipality, Druskininkai City Municipality are the partners of the Olympiad.
The first such competition was organised by Prof. Czesław Ścisłowski in Warsaw (Poland) in 1967. In 1989’s Olympiad Lithuania’s team participated as a guest. Since 1992 our country's students are participating as official team. During 27 years, they won 2 gold, 13 silver, 36 bronze medals and received 41 honours.