International Biology Olympiad

Year 13 student Zi Lin Wang (Rutherford House) recently represented New Zealand at the 30th International Biology Olympiad which was held in Szeged, Hungary from 14 – 21 July.

The other members of the New Zealand team were Sophie Bebelman (Sancta Maria College, Auckland), Anneke Cummacke (Diocescan School for Girls, Auckland) and Carlos Mendonca (Onslow College, Wellington).

Over 72 different countries competed at the event. The New Zealand team completed a range of practical tasks from dissecting chicken wings, to keying out native Hungarian grasses to using molecular biology to run gels using electrophoresis. All of the assessments allowed students to learn while challenging their ability to interpret current worldwide biological research.  

Anneke Cummack, and Zi Lin Wang gained Silver medals, Sophia Bebelman was awarded a Bronze medal and Carlos Mendonca, a Highly Commended. This was a huge achievement for the team and a tribute to their dedicated study over 18 months and the support of their teachers, whānau and the NZIBO committee and university partners.

In addition, the team explored Budapest and Szeged, saw storks and their nests, climbed to the top of a cathedral, boated on the Danube and had a go at Hungarian dancing.

The chance to meet students from around the globe, share their enthusiasm for Biology and laugh across language boundaries has been immense.  The team lead by Dr Angela Sharples (Murupara Area School), Dr Heather Meikle (Palmerston North Girls’ High School) and Ms Michelle Isbister (Hauraki Plains Area School) were impressed by the nature of the team, their curiosity and ability to support each other in this challenging situation.