The Saudi Arabian National Team, Medal Winners at the International Physics Olympiad, Trained at HSE University
At the recent International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2024) in Iran, students from Saudi Arabia achieved the best results in their country's history, winning one silver and three bronze medals. The team from the Kingdom made their first visit to Russia to receive their final training at the HSE Faculty of Physics.
In late June 2024, HSE University hosted the national physics team from Saudi Arabia for the first time. For 10 consecutive days, intensive training sessions were held for 15 students, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.
Mikhail Trunin
The professors of the HSE Faculty of Physics, including Aleksandr Kiselev and Alexey Noyan, have extensive experience in effectively preparing students for international physics competitions. Apart from that, the faculty has unique student laboratories where gifted students from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were trained for the experimental round of IPhO 2024, notes Mikhail Trunin, Dean of the HSE Faculty of Physics.
Alexander Ponomarev
‘The quality of education at our faculty is among the best in the country,’ says Alexander Ponomarev, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Physics. ‘The level of graduation projects by our physics students clearly confirms this. We use our teaching experience, as well as modern laboratory equipment, to ensure the highest standard of instruction during this intensive training,’
In addition to theoretical and practical classes, HSE University organised an excursion programme for Saudi students, with the assistance of HSE student volunteers. During their only day off, the Saudi guests visited the Russia Expo at VDNH in Moscow and took a tour of the Atom pavilion. They also explored the HSE University’s campus on Pokrovsky Bulvar, one of the most modern university complexes in Russia.
Team members from Saudi Arabia shared their impressions of the training programme, the university, and their trip to Russia.
Wesam Al-Qanbar
‘The course was very useful. I was able to tackle experimental tasks with ideas and solutions that I had not encountered before. The training was also different from other programmes. For example, there were no time limits for completing tasks, which allowed us to think deeply about the concepts and tasks themselves. Almost every day, we would go outside and engage in activities such as visiting famous landmarks and enjoying nature. This helped to clear our minds and give us energy for the following day.
This was my first trip to Russia, and I was glad that Moscow was the first city I got to visit. I can say that Muscovites take great care of their city’s appearance. The buildings have beautiful facades, and the roads are cleaned and well-maintained. The metro is in excellent condition, and there are plenty of green spaces, parks, and trees everywhere, even in the centre of the city. Moscow and HSE University have stunning architecture. The people here are pleasant, friendly, and always ready to help. The city feels completely safe. If given the chance, I would definitely return.’
Faris Al-Ghamdi
‘The training course played an important role in enhancing my experimental skills and reignited my interest in physics. This was my first visit to this remarkable city, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to returning to Moscow next year to train for the Olympiad at this wonderful university.’
Hussain Al-Saleh
‘This was my first visit to Moscow and Russia, and everything was amazing. I would love to return to Moscow and visit HSE University again in the future. The course was both challenging and rewarding, and I gained valuable knowledge in practical physics.’
Reda Al-Khalaf
‘My trip to Moscow for the training course was a new experience, and to be honest, it was overwhelming. The city's architecture is magnificent, and the natural beauty is breath-taking. The training programme was demanding, but overall, I gained a lot of knowledge. My experience at HSE University was wonderful, and I would be more than happy to train there again.’
The experiment with training at HSE University can be considered a success. The 54th International Physics Olympiad took place from July 21 to 29, 2024, at Isfahan University of Technology in Iran and lasted for nine days. Around 200 students from 46 different countries participated in the competition. The Saudi Arabian team, consisting of five students who had received their final training at HSE University, won one silver and three bronze medals, making it the best result for their country to date. It is also worth noting that the Russian team members won four gold and one silver medals.
Victoria Panova
‘The visit of the school team from Saudi Arabia was a significant event not only for HSE University, but also for the entire educational community. This was the first time such an international programme had been conducted in Russia, and we are ready to deepen our cooperation with colleagues from Saudi Arabia in the scientific and educational fields. We will also conduct training for teams from different countries in various fields,’ emphasised HSE Vice Rector Victoria Panova.
The educational training of Saudi Arabian school students for the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO 2024) was carried out under an agreement between HSE University and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity. This event was organised by the Faculty of Physics at HSE University, with the support of the Multilateral Strategic Projects Office, the International Partnerships Office, the International Admissions Office, and the Department of Internationalisation.
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