The NZ International Biology Olympiad team of David Chou (MacLeans College), Stuart Curran (Lindisfarne College), Gillian McNaughton (Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu) and Evelyn Qian (Diocesan School for Girls) journeyed from Auckland to Bern via Dubai in early July. To allow the team to acclimatise and prepare for the competition, the group visited Zurich and Lucerne. In Lucerne, the group went by paddle steamer across the lake and up Mt Rigi on a cob railway. For one team member who was on crutches, the trip proved slightly challenging. Happily another student was able to carry his bags. The cohesive nature of the group led by team leaders Dr Heather Meikle and Mr Richard Hendra made pre-competition and post-competition travel an enlightening and enjoyable experience for all involved. Curiosity, humour and high level critical thinking and creative problem solving skills were evident on many occasions. All keen biologists, the group spent a happy hour studying the spiders in the hedges of Zurich.
Competing against 237 students from 62 countries, the NZ team once again excelled as each team member won a Bronze medal! Stuart Curran gained the top Bronze medal in the competition, ranking 72nd, while Gillian McNaughton came 83rd, with Evelyn Qian at 93rd and David Chou 113th. The students’ ability to problem solve, think critically under pressure, complete challenging practicals and apply the knowledge that they had gained from the NZIBO training camp, tutorial programme, their individual study and from their mentors was evident. We were complemented on their demeanor and scientific ability by other teams.