Lithuanian students scoop silver and bronze in the Philippines

Lithuanian students have brought home two silver and two bronze medals from the 36th International Biology Olympiad (IBO), held July 20–27 in Quezon City, the Philippines. The event took place at Ateneo de Manila University and drew nearly 300 students from 77 countries, according to Lithuania’s National Agency for Education (LINEŠA).

“Despite the challenges of time zone differences, cultural adjustments, and rather disorganised arrangements, our students once again demonstrated their talent and high level of preparation – all four team members are returning with medals,” said Dr Gediminas Beresnevičius, Head of the Talent Development Department at LINEŠA.

Silver medals were awarded to: Justas Miliauskas from Vilnius Lyceum (teacher: Alyda Daulenskienė) and Emilijus Latakas from Klaipėda Lyceum (teacher: Ingrida Rimkienė).

Bronze medals went to: Artūras Makselis from Varėna “Ąžuolas” Gymnasium (teacher: Vida Stonienė) and Titas Balčiūnas from Vilnius Jesuit Gymnasium (teachers: Ala Vaicekauskienė and Simas Ignatavičius)

IBO medal | LINEŠA

During the Olympiad, participants tackled both theoretical and practical tasks across a range of biological disciplines, including cell biology, genetics, ecology, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, ethology, microbiology, and biotechnology.

The Lithuanian team was led by Dr Andrius Petrašiūnas, Associate Professor at Vilnius University’s Life Sciences Centre; Indrė Lapeikaitė, Assistant at the same institute; and Dominykas Murza, a PhD candidate at the Centre’s Institute of Biotechnology.

Between July 20 and 27, at the 36th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) held in Quezon City, the Philippines, Lithuanian students won two silver and two bronze medals. | LINEŠA

The IBO’s mission is to identify, inspire, and support the next generation of life sciences leaders while fostering international cooperation. Dr Beresnevičius emphasised the importance of such events in nurturing gifted students:

“The International Biology Olympiad is far more than a test of knowledge. It rewards curiosity, encourages intercultural dialogue, and helps build a network of future leaders in life sciences. I am proud of the Lithuanian team and delighted by their achievements.”

Having earned the confidence of the international scientific community, Lithuania will host the 37th International Biology Olympiad in Vilnius from July 12–19, 2026 – a landmark event for the nation’s education sector and wider scientific community.