(VOVworld) – 268 competitors from 71 countries and territories are participating in the 27th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) in Hanoi. The event, which opened on Sunday and will run until this Saturday, is organized by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Hanoi University of Pedagogy.

Vietnamese delegation at 27th International Biology Olympiad (Photo: vnexpress.net)

Four Vietnamese competitors are Vu Thi Chinh, Nguyen Ngoc Minh Hai, Nguyen Dac Hieu and Le Thi Hong Hoa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Education and Training Phung Xuan Nha said this year’s Olympiad has the greatest number of participants so far.

He said he hopes the competitors will make the most of their strengths and learn from each other:

“The IBO week ahead will be full of challenges but will be useful for the students. It will be stressful, but meaningful for the teachers. IBO 2016 provides opportunities for us to promote cooperation, experience sharing, the learning spirit, and the study of biology. It will pave the way for more open relationships and greater scientific capability within the world’s biology community,” said Nha.

The IBO is an annual event at which students from all over the world compete and where cooperation between teachers and young talents is promoted. Professor Poompipope Kasemsap, President of the International Biology Olympiad, said this year’s test questions include theory and practice related to Vietnam’s biodiversity. During the week, competitors will participate in biology workshops and visit historic and scenic sites in Vietnam.