Bright Minds Arrive for International Physics Olympiad

The 2012 International Physics Olympiad opened in Tallinn on 16 July, an event involving over a thousand participants representing 82 countries.

The 2012 International Physics Olympiad began in Estonia.Speaking at the festive operning ceremony, Riigikogu Speaker Ene Ergma, an astrophycisist by training, encouraged youths to reach for the sky when the earth is not enough.

What's different about this year's olympiad is that competitors, advisers and international jury are in separate cities - Tartu and Tallinn, reported ETV. "As an e-nation we use a lot of information technology solutions, something that is a very new experience for our guests. They aren't accustomed to such an extensive application of IT as we have. The work flow will not be set on paper as has usually been the case at the Physics Olympiad, but through information technology solutions," said the event's chief organiser Ene Koitla.

Estonia's hope for the gold medal is Jaan Toots, who recently completed the 11th grade at Tallinn Reaalkool. Having previously won the silver and bronze medals at the International Physics Olympiad, Toots recently returned from Singapore with a gold medal from the International Biology Olympiad.

The competition itself will take place in Tartu on Friday, 20 July, with the winners to be announced on 23 July.

Estonian Public Broadcasting