Dear Contestants, Team Leaders and Observers,
On behalf of the Academic Committee, it is a great honour for me to invite you to the 13th International Olympiad of Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Hungary! It is a great pleasure and incomparable opportunity for the whole Hungarian science of astronomy to host the IOAA, the highest ranking international competition in the field of astronomy and astrophysics in the high-school class.
In Hungary, the science and university education of astronomy dates back to the 15th century, while the oldest presently existing observatory was founded in 1776. In the 19th century Hungarian astronomy became part of the international science flow, and since then, our top researchers participate in the highest-end international science stream in astronomy. Albeit our high-school education system does not support astronomical studies in an accentuated way, personal commitment and enthusiasm of astronomers always promoted junior education. In the alliance of amateur astronomers and physics teachers, researchers and university teachers particularly support the motivation, education and carrier orientation of young talented students.
Considering that IOAA has the same primary errand in the widest international play-field, it is an admirable privilege and gladness for us to host, organise and implement the 13th IOAA. We are attendingly preparing the exercises for the competition rounds, and hope that extending beyond the professionality of the competition, the 13th IOAA will serve as a free-and-easy, friendship making and community forming event. August is the clearest month in Hungary, thus we especially hope that an exciting and successful telescope observation round will also colour this contest.
We are cordially waiting you in the 13th IOAA in Hungary!
Prof. Dr. László L. Kiss, academician
Director General of HAS Research Centre of Astronomy and Earth Sciences president of the Academic Committee
Dear Contestants, Teachers, and Members of the International Board,
As the President of the Committee for Astronomy and Space Physics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences I heartily invite you to the 13th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Hungary. It is particularly honourable for our country to host and organise this high-standard international contest.
Hungary is a small, but centrally located country in the Carpathian basin in the middle of Central Europe. Hungary has a special language, unique traditions and lovely folklore, all worth to enjoy. Lake Balaton, the Hungarian Sea, is the largest Central European shallow lake. With the surrounding beautiful panorama monadnock hills, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hungary for foreigners.
Along our turbulent history, science and research has been always an important and strong basis of our society. Dozens of world-famous Hungarian researchers and inventors built up innovations and helped to improve our world. Science, intellectual capital, innovation and education are flagship and supported key sectors for us. The mission of young scientists in the next generation is to solve the recent environmental and social problems, and to bring the word towards a livable and meaningful future. The IOAA, via the highest quality junior education, definitely takes an important and founding part in this mission.
As an astronomer toward the end of professional career, I am personally satisified to know that there are numerous would-be astronomers among the participants of the IOAA year by year. For earthlings, Universe is infinite and inexhaustible, so is the choice of research topics for the rising generation.
It is an especial gratification to host and accommodate the national teams from the most various parts of the word. This inclusion of cultural diversity highly increases the value of the Olympiad. I do hope, that besides the personal scientific development and excellent contest results, important and long-living international acquaintanceship and friendships will prove a fruitful and long lasting effect of this Olympiad in Hungary. Welcome to the 13th IOAA!
Prof. Dr. László Szabados
President, Committee for Astronomy and Space Physics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences