Four Brazilian high school students are representing their country at the 19th Ibero-American Biology Olympiad, which opened on Monday at the Instituto Butantan in São Paulo.
The week-long international competition brings together 57 contestants aged 16 to 18 from 16 countries across Central and South America, as well as Spain and Portugal, for academic tests, scientific challenges, and cultural exchanges running through 4 September.
This marks the first time the Instituto Butantan has hosted the regional tournament. Located in São Paulo, the institute is one of Brazil's principal biomedical research institutions, widely recognized for its development of vaccines, antivenoms, and public scientific education programs.
Brazilian student delegation
The Brazilian team includes Caio Heronville Machado from Colégio Santo Antônio in the state of Minas Gerais, Caio Nascimento Gonçalves Marques from Colégio Etapa in São Paulo, Luca Oliveira Santos do Carmo from Farias Brito Pré-Vestibular Aldeota in Ceará, and Theo Daltro Santos Camilo, who also attends Colégio Etapa.
All four students secured their selection for the national team after completing an intensive training program conducted by the Instituto Butantan in May this year.
Carmo said representing Brazil at the event was an honor, especially with the competition taking place in their home country. He said that in addition to attempting the exams, the gathering offered a valuable opportunity to meet new people, share experiences, and engage with different cultures.
Carmo added that the training provided by Butantan was essential for their preparation, particularly because it allowed them to work with advanced laboratory techniques used by researchers at the institute. He expressed confidence that the experience would help the team perform at their best during the competition.
International participants
Visiting contestants include a representative from Costa Rica, who expressed enthusiasm about exploring the host institution and connecting with participants from other nations.
Kristen López said she felt excited and slightly nervous about the examinations, but was proud and happy to represent Costa Rica in São Paulo. She noted that she was aware of the Instituto Butantan's work in manufacturing vaccines and serums, and said she was eager to learn more about its scientific operations, as well as visit its museums and animal exhibits.
López added that establishing friendships across borders was a major highlight of the trip. She said she had already spoken with numerous fellow students and was delighted to have the opportunity to share experiences with them.
Exam format and activities
Throughout the competition, participants will be evaluated across two theoretical exams and three experimental practical tests covering various branches of biological science.
Alongside formal assessments, the event features a scientific scavenger hunt designed to foster collaboration. Participants will be randomly assigned to mixed-nation groups to tackle complex scientific tasks and compete for awards.
Organizers have also incorporated social activities to promote integration among the delegates. These include a Talent Night, where students present cultural traditions, performances, and items from their home countries.
Bid for the World Olympiad
Hosting the Ibero-American tournament strengthens Brazil's official candidacy to host the International Biology Olympiad in 2030, a global competition bringing together top biology students from around the world.
Esper Kallás, the director of the Instituto Butantan, encouraged participants to take full advantage of their time at the institute to learn about the facility, connect with one another, and build a network for sharing scientific knowledge.
Kallás said that exchanging experiences and methods to better understand biology could act as a seed for discovering solutions to global challenges and improving human life.
