Nuclear Olympiad 2015

The WNU Nuclear Olympiad 2015 was launched to raise awareness about the applications of nuclear science and technology for global development, connecting with students who are excited about nuclear science and technology, and giving them a voice in an international setting. This objective was met as the Olympiad reached thousands of students and their supporters worldwide.  

The topic of this 2015 challenge was "Nuclear Techniques for Global Development".

Read the 2015 report.

About the WNU Nuclear Olympiad 2015

The WNU Nuclear Olympiad is an international challenge for undergraduate and graduate students on the topic of Nuclear Techniques for Global Development. This is a unique opportunity for students to showcase originality, creativity, and knowledge on the topic of Nuclear Sciences and Applications and how it enhances quality of life globally.

The WNU Nuclear Olympiad 2015 required research into the Nuclear Applications and the positive impact it has on human lives. In the first stage of the competition, participants created a video of up to sixty seconds on the topic of Nuclear Techniques for Global Development. Students were free to use their imagination on the video content and the specific focus. The videos were evaluated by the Olympiad Jury regarding the relevance to the current global context, creativity and impact to the viewer. The shortlisted videos were then put to public vote reaching the final stage based ont the number of likes they achieved.  Five finalists were awarded with a return ticket to Vienna, Austria to present their final work on 17 September 2015 at the IAEA Headquarters.

The winner's video were promoted internationally in relation to the WNU Radiation Technologies School 2016, with due credit to the author(s). 

Terms and Conditions are available for download.

WNU Nuclear Olympiad finalists 

Alice Cunha da Silva - Nuclear saves lives - 1st Place

Brazilian, 25 years old, I am in the last year of the Nuclear Engineering Undergraduate program at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). 

When I found out about the Olympiad I thought it was a great project to engage students of different parts of the world to learn and divulge the different applications of the "nuclear world" and I, for sure, wanted to be part of it. After graduation I intend to work at the nuclear industry and pursue my master's degree. Also, continue to work with nuclear organizations to create and develop educational projects. I am co-founder of the UFRJ's Nuclear Student Section, the first one in Latin America. 

Anton Tanquintic - Nuclear Solutions - 2nd Place

Anton T. Tanquintic is a 22-year-old Filipino citizen and government scholar who has just recently finished his degrees in BS Applied Physics and BS Materials Science & Engineering with honours. Currently, he is deciding whether he should first pursue graduate studies or seek employment, depending on the opportunities available. He found out about the Olympiad from a friend in the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and saw it as a great way to effectively communicate science to the public. Outside science and engineering, Anton likes learning new things and trying out different and exciting activities – be it reading books, learning a new language, or meeting new & interesting people. He likes adventuring and exploring, and looks forward to seeing the rest of the world one trek at a time.

Vivek Maradia - World Nuclear Radiation Day 

I am Vivek Maradia from India. I am 24 year old. I did Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication from Gujarat Technological University, Master of Technology in Nuclear Engineering from Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University and Graduate Certificate course in Nuclear Security from Texas A&M University. It's a great pleasure to be a small part of WNU Nuclear Olympiad. Specially, the theme of Olympiad, "Nuclear Techniques for Global Development" touched my heart as my family was benefited by Nuclear Technique. The Nuclear Olympiad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students like me to build an international peer network with nuclear professionals from all over the world. I wants to continue my studies in Nuclear Engineering by enrolling in PhD and in future I wants to be a part of IAEA.

Dhruv Dharamshi - Fascinating applications of Nuclear Science

I am 22 years old and a graduate student at Amity University studying Nuclear Science and Technology in India.
I feel that competing in this Olympiad would be a great opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the brightest minds in the community while gaining crucial knowledge of the subject.
I would like to further my education after I graduate.

Zulhelmi Zulkifly - Nuclear for Brighter Future

25 year-old sports enthusiast who enjoys playing football and recently completed his first duathlon in Seoul. Born and raised in Malaysia, he received Bsc in Electronic Engineering from Inha University, South Korea. He will be graduating with Msc in Nuclear Power Plant Engineering from KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School in February 2016. After graduation, he plans to gain real work experience by getting a job in a nuclear related company where he can share his expertise while acquiring more knowledge from people inside the industry. Joining this competition was seen as a golden opportunity to visit Vienna where not only can he meet nuclear experts from all over the world, but enjoy the beautiful culture that Austria has to offer.

Final presentations and Award Ceremony

Location: IAEA Headquaters, Room C3, 7th Floor
Time: 10:00 to 12:00
Date: Thursday 17th September 
Photos of the final presentations and award ceremony are available here.

Judges for the first round of the Olympiad - Video Submissions

  • Ms Patricia Wieland, Head of World Nuclear University. Physicist and PhD in Industrial Engineering.
  • Mr Jeremy Gordon, Director of World Nuclear News. A communicator that combines detailed knowledge of the global nuclear industry with strong personal, editorial and social media skills.
  • Mr Reyes, IAEA entomologist with the Food and Agriculture programme, with both technical expertise and excellent communication skills 
  • Mr Jikon Ryu, Electrical engineering background, currently employed with KEPCO and seconded to the WNA

Judges for the last round of the Olympiad - Essays and Final presentations 

  • Joao Alberto  Osso Jr , IAEA Section Head of the Radioisotope Products and Radiation Technology Section, Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences. 
  • He is a PhD in Nuclear Chemistry with experience as a lead R&D researcher in different fields of Nuclear and Radiation Applications.
  • Nate McDonald, Judge for Matagorda County, Texas, USA. A County Judge who communicates effectively with both constituents and all federal and state officials. 
  • He works directly with health care providers, chemical producers, as well as, the oil and gas producers involving the radioisotopes being used in their many processes.
  • Jeremy Gordon, Director of World Nuclear News. A communicator that combines detailed knowledge of the global nuclear industry with strong personal, editorial and social media skills.
  • Luca Capriotti, International Youth Nuclear Congress 2016 Technical Programme Chair. He is very knowledgeable and qualified in nuclear technology and representative of the young generation.

WNU Nuclear Olympiad top videos 

World Nuclear Radiation Day

Nuclear techniques: A Force to Reckon With

Applications of Nuclear technology for a better world

Nuclear Saves Lives

Nuclear technology helping

Nuclear for Brighter Future

Nuclear Solutions for Today's Needs

What would happen without Nuclear Energy

Fascinating applications of