stands for the European Union Science Olympiad. This competition differs from other science Olympiads in three ways:
- the participants are 16 years of age or younger;
- it is a team competition;
- the skills in three areas – biology, chemistry and physics – are tested.
Therefor it is a great start for gifted young students from EU before participating in the International Science Olympiads and their careers.
More than twenty EU countries participate in EUSO and each country sends two (or occasionally one) teams of three students. The two-part competition is spread over two days and the duration of each part is four hours. Each task is a practical activity incorporating elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary nature of the experiments, the team-working skills required and the potential for stimulating the uptake of science.
Objectives of the EUSO
The objectives of this Olympiad are:
- to challenge and stimulate gifted science students to develop their talents and to promote their careers as scientists;
- to provide invaluable experience for students who may take part in the International Science Olympiads;
- to offer the opportunity to compare the syllabi and science education systems within the EU member states and share best practices which would help improve science education at national levels.
Aims of the Competition
The aims of this competition are:
- to select the top young EU student science teams at the annual EUSO;
- to stimulate the active interest of students in the sciences;
- to promote and reward the pursuit of excellence in scientific endeavour;
- to foster a positive and high profile image of science and scientists;
- to encourage the appreciation of the value of science amongst the wider community;
- to convey to students, schools and the community the importance of advanced study and progressive learning in science;
- to exchange ideas and materials about science education among EU states;
- to encourage greater contact and co-operation between secondary school students and teachers from the EU;
- to prepare EU science students for the International Science Olympiads.
You can find the official website of EUSO here.