This post covers the winners of the International Research Olympiad (IRO) 2024, with free STEM guides from Rishab Jain along the way.
The International Research Olympiad (IRO) spotlights some of the most promising young researchers from around the world. Held from May 31 to June 2, 2024, the 2024 IRO Finals showed an exceptional level of talent, innovation, and resilience. The competition spans over 45 countries and draws more than 1,000 participants annually, built around critical thinking and real-world problem-solving.
International Research Olympiad (IRO) 2024: An Unforgettable Experience
This year’s Finals reflected real adaptability and resilience from the contestants. Rishab Kumar Jain, President and Chair of the Student Board of Advisors, highlighted what makes the IRO distinct: its commitment to nurturing critical thinking. Jain noted, “What sets the IRO apart is our commitment to critical thinking, which is essential for scientific research. We’ve seen a high number of contestants who possess extraordinary potential—and who are serious and motivated about their research-based, real-world interests.”
Yashvir Sabharwal, Executive & Education Coordinator, echoed this, praising the students for tackling pressing global issues with innovative solutions. “Each student tackled a crucial issue, and presented their solutions so that they would matter to the world today,” said Sabharwal.
Meet the Winners
The 2024 IRO Finals saw some incredible achievements. Here are the standout performers:
Gold Medal: Jaansi Patel
Jaansi Patel, a 16-year-old junior from Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, took home the gold medal. Patel’s passion for neuropsychology and mental health advocacy shone through her research. Her commitment extends beyond academics: she runs her school’s annual TED event, teaches computer science to Girl Scouts, and co-hosts the LearnOn Podcast, a science show for young audiences.
Silver Medals: Edward Kang and Antara Chhabra
Edward Kang from Bergen County Academies in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, earned a silver medal. He has done groundbreaking research in machine learning applications for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD using retinal images. Kang’s interests also include music and sports, reflecting a well-rounded approach to academics and extracurriculars.
Antara Chhabra from Shri Ram Global School in Bengaluru, India, also received a silver medal. Chhabra’s dedication to continuous learning and her drive to make a positive impact were clear in her research. She balances her academics with basketball, singing, and creative writing.
Bronze Medals: Vishnu Mangipudi, Ruuhan Anand, and Ethan Sullivan
Vishnu Mangipudi from Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, was awarded a bronze medal. He has developed machine learning models in environmental and medical research, including projects diagnosing heart arrhythmias and analyzing glacial calving from satellite data. Outside research, he is involved in community service and teaching STEM classes.
Ruuhan Anand from Raffles Institution in Singapore also earned a bronze medal. Anand’s passion for biomedical research and his aspirations in medicine are complemented by his love for cafe-hopping, fiction, and anime.
Ethan Sullivan from Ransom Everglades School in Miami, Florida, rounded out the bronze medalists. Sullivan’s dedication to neuroscience and community service was highlighted by his Eagle Scout project aimed at improving stroke outcomes in underserved communities. He was recently selected for the prestigious Coolidge Senators program and received a Bowden Fellowship to study the motivations of thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail.
The IRO’s Impact
The IRO is more than a competition. It’s a platform designed to inspire and challenge students aged 13 to 18 from around the world. Unlike traditional science olympiads, the IRO focuses on skills that apply across research disciplines, helping students build a deeper understanding of the scientific process while sharpening their creativity, critical thinking, and analysis.
Want to Start an IRO Club? Here’s How
Starting an IRO club is a great way to promote scientific research at your school and join a global community of curious students. Here’s a quick guide:
- Confirm requirements: check your school’s policy for starting a new club, including paperwork and finding an adult sponsor. Ask a teacher or principal for guidance.
- Register your club: complete the forms and secure a faculty sponsor to make it official.
- Promote it: advertise through school newsletters, announcements, and flyers, following your school’s posting guidelines.
- Organize meetings: plan regular meetings focused on IRO exam prep or other research activities, at times that work for everyone.
- Use the resources: take advantage of the IRO website, including example problems and presentations, and the IRO Discord server for support and networking.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate these outstanding young researchers, we look forward to the next International Research Olympiad. To take part, visit internationalresearcholympiad.org to sign up.
The IRO is committed to shaping future leaders who will tackle global problems and make a real difference. By focusing on thorough research and critical thinking, it continues to develop young talent and push scientific discovery forward.
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