The Olympiad was the first to be held in the southern hemisphere and was indeed the largest ever held to date. The XXVI IPhO took place at the University of Canberra which generously provided examination and laboratory facilities and is where the competitors and Team Leaders were accomodated. The IPhO was founded around 30 years ago in Eastern Europe but it was not until the early 1980's that Western Countries began to participate, first through Germany then UK, USA and Canada. Australia first took part in 1987. The competition is for teams of five students, none of whom have yet entered University.
Individual competitors sit for intensive practical and laboratory examinations.
For their efforts the students can be awarded gold, silver or bronze medals or honourable mentions. In 1996, the 27th International Physics Olympiad will take place in Oslo, Norway. The Patron of the XXVI International Physics Olympiad was the Honourable Paul J. Keating, Prime Minister of Australia. Future Host Nations Nation Participation History Results of the 25th IPhO in Beijing China Statutes 27th IPhO in Oslo, Norway 1996. Sponsors The Australian Government through the Department of Employment Education and Training.