26 September 2026

Opening Ceremony of the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics Held in Hanoi

On the afternoon of 26 September, the Hanoi People’s Committee held the Opening Ceremony of the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026) at Phenikaa University in Hanoi.

Delegates take part in the flag-raising ceremony at the Opening Ceremony.

The 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA 2026) is organised under the direction of the Hanoi People’s Committee, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International IOAA Board and other relevant organisations. The Hanoi Department of Education and Training is the lead agency, while Phenikaa University serves as the main venue for the Olympiad’s academic activities and overall administration.

Among the central-level and international delegates attending the Opening Ceremony were Le Tien Chau, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam; Hoang Minh Son, Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Education and Training; Do Ngoc Huynh, Deputy Minister and Head of the Government Office; Professor Aniket Sule, President of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA); and representatives of relevant agencies and organisations.

Representing Hanoi were Vu Dai Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee and Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee; Tran The Cuong, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Council; Vu Thu Ha, Member of the Hanoi Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Committee; Nguyen Van Hien, Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training; representatives of the city’s departments and agencies; and Ho Xuan Nang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Phenikaa Group. The ceremony was also attended by nearly 500 international delegates, including scientists, teachers and students.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Dai Thang expressed his pleasure and honour at welcoming distinguished delegates, scientists, teachers, team leaders and students to IOAA 2026.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Dai Thang delivers the opening address at the Olympiad.

Chairman Vu Dai Thang said that Hanoi has long been one of Viet Nam’s major centres for education, training and research, home to numerous universities and research institutes, as well as a strong community of intellectuals, scientists and highly skilled professionals.

Building on this foundation, Hanoi is placing increasing emphasis on science, technology and innovation as part of its development strategy, while proactively expanding cooperation with knowledge, research and innovation centres across the region and around the world.

As a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network and Global Network of Learning Cities, Hanoi seeks not only to embrace the world’s knowledge and creativity, but also to make an increasingly active contribution to international cooperation in education, science and innovation.

With its strong foundations in education and research, a highly skilled workforce and a firm commitment to innovation, Hanoi is working towards becoming a competitive centre for science, technology and innovation, as well as an increasingly important hub connecting Vietnamese scientists, experts, research institutions and young talents with the region and the wider world.

“Against this backdrop, hosting IOAA 2026 is of practical significance to Hanoi. An international scientific Olympiad bringing together talented students, scientists and educators from many countries provides the capital with an opportunity to engage with new ideas, foster academic exchange and further inspire a passion for science among the younger generation,” Chairman Vu Dai Thang said.

Through the Olympiad, young talents are challenged to demonstrate their knowledge and scientific abilities, while gaining opportunities to meet, exchange ideas and build friendships that transcend borders.

Chairman Vu Dai Thang said that throughout IOAA 2026, it is the young participants themselves—united by a shared passion for exploring the universe and science—who will bring the Olympiad to life and give it its special significance. Each participant has undergone a rigorous process of study, training and selection to earn the opportunity to be here. The Chairman encouraged the participants to approach the Olympiad with confidence, integrity and determination, and to make the fullest use of their knowledge, thinking and abilities.

Contestants from international teams attend the Opening Ceremony.

As the host city, Hanoi has worked closely with the Ministry of Education and Training, the International IOAA Board, Phenikaa University and other relevant agencies and organisations to make the necessary preparations for the Olympiad. Throughout IOAA 2026, the city will continue to coordinate closely and provide favourable conditions to ensure that all Olympiad activities are conducted safely, fairly and professionally, in accordance with the regulations.

On behalf of the city’s leadership, Chairman Vu Dai Thang expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government, the Ministry of Education and Training, the International IOAA Board, Phenikaa University, and all agencies, organisations and individuals for their cooperation and support in preparing for and organising the Olympiad. “Hanoi greatly values the opportunity to support IOAA 2026 and to welcome young talents to the capital as they embark on their journey of exploring knowledge.”

President of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics Aniket Sule delivers the opening address.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of IOAA 2026, President of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) Aniket Sule welcomed the delegations, scientists, teachers and students to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Viet Nam. According to Aniket Sule, hosting a large-scale international event in Hanoi has required substantial efforts from numerous agencies and organisations.

The IOAA President expressed his appreciation for the direction provided by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the close coordination of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, Phenikaa University, as well as the city’s departments, agencies and participating teams. He particularly acknowledged the efforts involved in facilitating visa procedures, ensuring security, organising sightseeing activities and managing the logistical arrangements behind the event.

Highlighting the important role played by Phenikaa University, Aniket Sule noted that when the host venue for IOAA 2026 was selected a year ago, the university’s planetarium had yet to be constructed. By June 2026, however, the facility had been completed and opened, while the Academic Committee had also completed the code required to develop the IOAA examination papers there.

At IOAA 2026, students from across several continents have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and learn about different cultures. Aniket Sule emphasised that, 20 years from now, participants may no longer remember the specific problems they solved in the competition, but they will cherish the friendships they formed at IOAA.

According to the IOAA President, the international connections forged through the Olympiad offer hope for a more peaceful future in a world where nations live alongside one another. He wished all delegates and participating teams memorable days in Hanoi and every success at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau delivers remarks at the Opening Ceremony.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau emphasised that this is the first time Viet Nam has hosted the Olympiad, following the successful hosting of the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2007, the International Physics Olympiad in 2008 and the International Chemistry Olympiad in 2014.

On behalf of the Government and the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister warmly welcomed 65 teams from 64 countries and territories, comprising nearly 500 participants, including around 320 students and contestants—the largest edition of the Olympiad to date. The presence of the participating delegations reflects the vitality of international scientific cooperation and demonstrates the growing confidence of the international scientific community in Viet Nam.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that, since ancient times, people have looked to the skies in search of answers to questions about the world, the universe and ourselves. Astronomy takes us across vast distances, while also reminding us that, despite our differences in nationality, culture and language, we all share the same planet and look up at the same sky.

In a world marked by profound change, science serves as a common language that brings people closer through knowledge, truth and a spirit of cooperation. IOAA, therefore, is not merely a competition, but also a forum for young scientists, where students can share knowledge, discover new talents and gain new experiences.

Referring to Viet Nam’s message at the Space Summit held in Paris, France, on 10 September 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau said that General Secretary and President To Lam had outlined Viet Nam’s position on preserving outer space for peaceful purposes; placing people and sustainable development on Earth at the centre; and ensuring equality among nations in participating in and benefiting from the outcomes of research and technological development.

“Today’s Olympiad is one way of helping to lay the foundations for that vision,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised. Every space programme and every cooperative initiative begins with people—with young people who are passionate about asking questions about the skies above them. Investing in these young people today is an investment in the shared future of humanity.

The Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that the Party and State of Viet Nam consistently regard education and training, science and technology, and innovation as national priorities and strategic choices for the country’s future. Hosting IOAA 2026 represents a concrete step towards putting this policy into practice, while creating further opportunities for Vietnamese young people to connect and engage with the international education and scientific community.

Viet Nam is also gradually investing in the development of space science, including Earth-observation satellites and astronomical observatories in Hoa Lac and Khanh Hoa, where the Vietnamese team recently undertook observational training in preparation for the Olympiad.

Delegates attending the Opening Ceremony pose for a commemorative photograph.

After a decade of participation in IOAA, generations of Vietnamese students have made remarkable progress. In 2018, a Vietnamese contestant won the country’s first Gold Medal; in 2019, a Vietnamese contestant achieved the highest score in the entire competition. In 2024 and 2025, all members of the Vietnamese team won medals, including one Gold Medal in 2025.

The Deputy Prime Minister encouraged contestants to enter the competition with confidence, integrity and determination, giving their very best to achieve the strongest results possible. At the same time, he urged them to fully embrace the experience of the Olympiad, noting that its lasting value also lies in the questions it inspires, the ideas shared and the friendships formed in Hanoi.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his hope that, years from now, many of the contestants will meet again in laboratories, observatories or international scientific projects—not as competitors vying against one another, but as colleagues exploring new frontiers and working together to address shared global challenges.

Affirming that Viet Nam attaches great importance to and seeks to expand international cooperation in education, training, science, technology and innovation, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Viet Nam stands ready to work alongside other countries in developing a highly skilled workforce, including in astronomy and space science.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his sincere appreciation to the International IOAA Board, the 65 teams from 64 countries and territories, and the scientists, experts and teachers who have supported the Olympiad. He also recognised and commended the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Ministry of Education and Training, Phenikaa University, and the agencies and organisations involved in organising the event.