UQ to welcome world-leading computer whizzes in 2013

As the curtain closes on the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) 2012 in Lake Garda, Italy, and the world’s best and brightest young computer talents return home with their medals, all eyes are now on Australia – host of next year’s Olympiad.

Jointly organised by The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT), the 2013 event will be hosted for the first time in Australia on UQ’s St Lucia campus in Brisbane, with participants travelling from more than 80 countries to compete in the event.

Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, UQ’s Head of the School of Mathematics and Physics, said she was eagerly looking forward to hosting next year’s Olympiad.

“The students competing at the IOI have already been successful in national competitions to earn the right to be here and belong to the best in the world in their field,” Professor Rubinsztein-Dunlop said.

Australia's annual participation in the IOI is administered by AMT, based at the University of Canberra. The Olympiad program, similar to those in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, is held under the auspices of UNESCO.

AMT Executive Director Professor Peter Taylor said that these Olympiad programs had previously attracted participation from many of Australia's leading scientists under the age of 40.

“They are now serving their country in science in areas such as climate change and defence," Professor Taylor said.

This year’s Australian Informatics Olympiad team secured a silver and two bronze medals at the 24th International Olympiad in Informatics held in Italy last month.

The silver medallist – a first-time participant – was Joshua Lau, of James Ruse Agricultural High School, New South Wales.

The bronze medals were won by Michael Chen of Scotch College, Victoria – adding to his bronze in 2011 – and Daniel Goldbach of Emanuel School, New South Wales.

The team leader was Jarrah Lacko, former dual silver IOI medallist, while the deputy team leader was Christopher Chen, former dual gold IOI medallist. Both students are from the University of New South Wales.

At the closing ceremony, the IOI flag was formally handed over to the Australian delegation.

Next year’s IOI event, to be held from July 6 to 13, will also be an opportunity to showcase to the visitors the diverse and world-class attractions of Brisbane and South East Queensland, said Mr Chris Shannon, UQ School of Mathematics and Physics Manager, as well as IOI 2013 Administration Manager.

“It will be a rewarding experience for all who participate,” Mr Shannon said.

Further information on IOI 2013 is available at www.ioi2013.org.

Media: School of Mathematics and Physics Communications & Marketing Officer Aarti Kapoor (07 3346 9935, a.kapoor@uq.edu.au)