Eighty-seven talented high school students who represented their country at 19 international science and technology (STEM) competitions last year were honored in the upper chamber of parliament. The students brought home dozens of medals in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, geography, astronomy, earth sciences, and interdisciplinary competitions. The event was initiated by Senator Jiří Dušek with the support of Senate President Miloš Vystrčil.
"Those who have talent also bear a certain responsibility. If they squander it, it is not only a loss for themselves, but also for those around them. That is why I want to encourage you—use your talent to the fullest and put it to good use," Senate President Miloš Vystrčil appealed to the students.
"Subject competitions and Olympiads have a long tradition in the Czech Republic, yet their prestige has been waning in recent decades. It is only thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of teachers and organizers, who often prepare competitions in their free time and without adequate financial or moral support, that the system is still holding on. We are now trying to change that," said Senator Jiří Dušek.
Every year, approximately 250,000 to 400,000 students, or 15 to 25% of all children in primary and secondary schools, take part in subject, logic, and mathematics competitions in the Czech Republic. The successes of Czech representatives are therefore no coincidence, but stem from an exceptionally broad talent base, which has long made Czechia one of the most active countries in Europe.
Before the ceremony itself, a discussion meeting was held in the Senate between the organizers of the Olympiads, teachers, experts in secondary school vocational education, and representatives of state institutions. The main goal was to openly share experiences from the field, discuss specific problems, and find ways to ensure stable and fair funding.
Results of Czech students at international Olympiads in 2025
Geography
• International Geography Olympiad (Thailand): bronze (Richard Smáha).
• European Geography Olympiad (Lithuania): silver (Ondřej Martinák), bronze (Jan Kulha), and two other placements in the TOP 25.
Biology
• International Biology Olympiad (Philippines): two silver medals (Jan Beránek, Michal Staněk) and one bronze medal (Zuzana Tichá); the Czech Republic has long been one of the most successful European countries.
Mathematics
• International Mathematical Olympiad (Australia): three bronze medals and two honorable mentions.
• European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad (Kosovo): two silver medals and one bronze medal.
Information technology
• International Olympiad in Informatics (Bolivia): bronze (David Hromádka).
• International Olympiad in Informatics for Girls (Germany): gold medal for Svatava Šimečková.
Earth Sciences
• International Earth Science Olympiad (China): one gold, six silver, and one bronze medal—one of the best results in the history of Czech participation.
Physics
• International Physics Olympiad (France): two bronze medals.
• European Physics Olympiad (Bulgaria): bronze medal + honorable mention.
Chemistry
• International Chemistry Olympiad (Riyadh): gold medal and 2nd place overall (Václav Verner), silver (Pěnička, Michal), bronze (Horák).
• Grand Prix Chimique: the best result ever for the Czech team.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
• International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (India): three gold, one silver, one bronze — again one of the best results in history.
• International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad for Juniors (Romania): nine individual awards.
Interdisciplinary and project competitions
• European Science Olympiad (Zagreb): Czech teams won six silver medals.
Czechia ranked among the top countries in biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, information technologies, astronomy, earth sciences, and geography. It won dozens of medals, including several historically best results.
On December 4, 2025, secondary school students who represented the Czech Republic at international Olympiads were honored in the Senate of the Czech Republic. Participants in the Geology Olympiad, which has long been organized by Masaryk University, also received significant recognition. Thanks to expert guidance and high-quality organization of the competition, an exceptionally strong group of finalists was prepared: the four best students from the national round advanced to the international finals, where they achieved excellent results and continued the successes of previous Czech representatives.
The organization of the Geology Olympiad and the professional preparation of the finalists at Masaryk University are provided by Doc. Rostislav Melichar and Dr. Kateřina Zachovalová from the Department of Geological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, who have long been developing geoscience education and supporting talented students on their path to international success.
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