About
Background of the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) Project
Earth and Space Science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the nature of the entire Earth system, including its origin, size, composition, and evolution. It also examines the interactions between the Earth and other celestial bodies, especially the Sun and the Moon, as well as the Earth’s relationship with its atmosphere, hydrosphere, surface changes, and greenhouse effect.
As an integrated field, Earth and Space Science requires knowledge from multiple disciplines, particularly fundamental sciences such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as applied sciences like geology, soil science, oceanography, hydrology, atmospheric science, and astronomy.
The International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) was first held in 2007 in Daegu, South Korea, and has been organized annually ever since. Thailand began sending four high school students to compete in the 3rd IESO in 2009, hosted in Taiwan. The team was led by Professor Dr. Somchai Nakapadungrot from Chulalongkorn University as the head coach and Associate Professor Dr. Weerasak Udomchok from Kasetsart University as the deputy head coach. In that year, Thai students won one silver medal and two bronze medals. Since then, Thailand has participated in the competition every year.
In 2018, Thailand hosted the 12th IESO at Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus, to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, recognized as the Father of Water Resource Management, the Father of Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation in Thailand, and the Soil Scientist for Humanity. In this competition, four Thai students participated and won two silver medals and two bronze medals.
Application Process
- Application Period: June – July each year
- Selection Exam: August each year
- Results Announcement: Around September each year
Training Camps
- Camp 1: Selected students will undergo training in October.
- Camp 2: Students who pass Camp 1 will continue training in March.
National Olympiad Competition
The National Olympiad Competition is held among students from all POSN Earth and Space Science Centers across the country. From this competition, four students are selected to represent Thailand in the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO).
Direct University Admission Privileges
Universities offer direct admission privileges for students from POSN centers into higher education programs. The foundation will provide details on the POSN website or through the universities offering these special admissions.
