This is a comprehensive guide to the most prestigious biology, medicine, and neuroscience competitions globally. For students looking to bolster their CVs for Ivy League or Oxbridge admissions, these contests offer the ultimate platform to demonstrate elite-level expertise.
The Big Leagues: International Olympiads
International Biology Olympiad (IBO)
The “World Cup” of high school biology. Only the top 4 students from each participating country are invited to compete in this grueling week-long event involving both theoretical exams and complex laboratory practicals.
- Link: ibo-info.org
USABO (USA Biology Olympiad)
The premier biology competition in the USA. It consists of three rounds (Open, Semifinal, and National Finals). The top 20 finalists attend a residential training camp at Marymount University to vie for a spot on Team USA.
- Link: usabo-trc.org
British Biology Olympiad (BBO)
Run by the Royal Society of Biology, this is the UK’s leading competition for students in Year 13. It challenges students to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar biological contexts.
Intermediate Biology Olympiad & Biology Challenge
Junior versions of the BBO. The Biology Challenge is for ages 13–15, while the Intermediate version is for Year 12 students. These serve as excellent stepping stones for the senior Olympiad.
Neuroscience & Brain Bees
International Brain Bee
The world’s central neuroscience competition. Students are tested on human neuroanatomy, histology, and clinical neurology.
- Link: thebrainbee.org
British Neuroscience Olympiad
The UK qualifying round for the International Brain Bee. It aims to inspire the next generation of neurologists and brain surgeons.
US Brain Bee & International Neuroscience Olympiad (INO)
These competitions focus heavily on the Brain Facts publication by the Society for Neuroscience, testing everything from neurotransmitters to brain disorders.
Medicine & Disease Specialized Contests
International Medicine & Disease Olympiad (IMDO)
A global championship focused on medical knowledge, cell biology, and pathology. It’s one of the few competitions dedicated specifically to pre-medical interests.
- Link: imdolympiad.org
UK Medicine & Disease Olympiad (UKMDO)
The UK’s qualifying round for the IMDO. It features high-level questions on human physiology and disease mechanisms.
- Link: ukmdo.co.uk
USA-China Bio Olympiad Initiative
A collaborative program that allows students from both nations to engage in high-level biological problem-solving and cultural exchange.
Essay & Writing Competitions
The Cottrell Essay Prize (Medicine & Veterinary Science)
Hosted by Lucy Cavendish College (University of Cambridge), this is a highly prestigious prize for UK students interested in pursuing clinical careers.
- Link: lucy.cam.ac.uk
Maurice R. Hilleman Essay Contest
Named after the man who saved millions through vaccines, this contest asks students to profile a scientist and their contribution to vaccine science.
- Link: hillemanfilm.com/contest
DNA Day Essay Contest (USA & European)
Celebrates the discovery of the DNA double helix. Students write about genomic complexies and the social implications of genetic research.
Research & Project-Based Challenges
Regeneron ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair)
The world’s largest pre-college science competition. Students must qualify through local and regional fairs to showcase original research.
iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine)
The “Olympics of Synthetic Biology.” Teams design, build, and test biological systems using standard molecular biology parts.
- Link: igem.org
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
A prestigious international award for students who have developed a research project aimed at solving water-related challenges.
- Link: siwi.org/sjwp
Quick-Fire Reference List
- MIT THINK: A high school initiative that funds and mentors student research proposals. think.mit.edu
- Conrad Challenge: An entrepreneurship competition focused on STEM-based solutions to global problems. conradchallenge.org
- Breakthrough Junior Challenge: A video contest where students explain complex scientific concepts in under 2 minutes. breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org
- National Science Bowl: A fast-paced buzzer competition run by the U.S. Department of Energy. science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb
- Canadian Brain Bee: The premier neuroscience competition for high school students in Canada. brainbee.ca
- Genius Olympiad: An international high school project competition about environmental issues. geniusolympiad.org
Ready to start your journey? Most of these competitions require months of preparation. Check out our study guides and worked solutions at Biolympiads.com to get ahead of the curve!
Full list of competitions can also be found here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_BwAJtWQpvs01wbOwO91mNPn8iviEDqmTyobiGGoeoI/edit?gid=0#gid=0
