This year’s International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics is the 13th in the line that was launched in Thailand in 2006 by five countries including Thailand, Poland, Indonesia, Iran, and China. Let’s look at the advancement of its history.

International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics was established in 2006 with the aim to make astronomy and astrophysics enjoyable for young people and to build cooperation among those who intend to get into this field more thoroughly. The first president of the organization, which was established to organise the event, was Assoc. Prof. Boonrucksar Soonthornthum, whereas the first director-general was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chatief Kunjaya, and today Gregorz Stachowski (Poland) and Dr. Aniket Sule (India) have these positions.

The first event was held in Thailand in 2007, to commemorate the 80th birth anniversary of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the 84th birth anniversary of the Princess Galyani Vadhana. Statues of IOAA became adopted here, and leaders were also promoted on that occasion.

Over the years, the event got to so many exciting countries: To Indonesia in 2008, to Iran in 2009, to China in 2010, to Poland in 2011, to Brazil in 2012, to Greece in 2013, to Romania in 2014, to Indonesia in 2015, to India in 2016, to Thailand in 2017 and to China in 2018.

This year Hungary (Keszthely to be precise) will be hosting the unique scientific event where young astronomers coming from 47 countries can challenge their knowledge. Follow IOAA on Facebook as well as on Instagram and you can get to the latest first-hand information.