The Ministry of Education and Training announced on October 17 that Vietnam ranked behind Russia, China and host Uzbekistan at the second Al-Fergani International Physics Olympiad (FIPhO 2026).
The competition took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 10 to 17, attracting 107 contestants from 15 countries and territories.
Le Ba Tuan Viet, a student at the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, won the gold medal.
Two silver medals went to Truong Ba Chi Thanh from the same school and Tang Hao Nhien from Quoc Hoc Hue High School for the Gifted in Hue City.
Le Hong Nhan from Lam Son High School for the Gifted in Thanh Hoa Province secured the bronze medal.
Vietnam's team was selected from students who were in Grade 11 during the 2025-2026 academic year and had participated in the national selection examination for the 2026 International Physics Olympiad.
Hanoi National University of Education was assigned to organise training and coordinate the delegation.
Named after scientist Ahmad al-Fergani, the competition aims to promote interest in physics, develop scientific research skills and encourage international academic exchanges.
This year's examination comprised theoretical and experimental components, each lasting five hours.
The theoretical section featured three problems worth a maximum of 60 points, while the experimental section carried 40 points.
Theoretical questions covered topics including deformable solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, energy engineering, optics and gravitational physics.
Contestants were required to develop mathematical models, apply physical principles and analyse the limitations of their solutions.
The experimental section assessed their ability to design measurements, process data, test theoretical predictions and evaluate errors.
The Ministry of Education and Training said the team's results reflected the students' scientific capabilities and the efforts of teachers and institutions involved in their preparation.
