The International Greenwich Olympiad (IGO) is an annual international project-based competition in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) for school students, organised and hosted by North London Grammar School in London, United Kingdom.
Open to students aged approximately 10âÂÂ19, the Olympiad invites research and creative projects across a broad range of STEAM disciplines. The event combines academic judging with lectures, workshops and cultural activities, and has been described as a platform for scientific innovation and intercultural exchange.
In 2025, North London Grammar School received the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Award for International Provision, with judges citing the Olympiad as an example of global collaboration and educational impact.
The Olympiad is part of an international network of affiliated science fairs and is recognised by the youth science organisation MILSET.
The contest is organised and hosted by North London Grammar School, an independent day and boarding school in Hendon, north London. References to IGO medal winners appear in documentation from 2019 onwards, indicating early iterations of the competition prior to the launch of the current full-scale format. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Olympiad adopted online and hybrid participation models.
The modern residential, London-based format began in 2022 after the easing of travel restrictions. The inaugural physical edition combined exhibitions at NLGS and partner university venues and established a week-long model featuring academic sessions and cultural excursions.
Published 2022 results include a gold-medal project on hydrogen-powered aircraft submitted by NLGS students.
The 2023 Olympiad saw significant growth, with 356 students from 41 countries presenting 224 projects. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) became a principal partner, providing exhibition halls and accommodation. The programme incorporated excursions to Cambridge and major London cultural institutions.
In 2024, 449 students from 134 schools in 48 countries presented over 300 projects. The opening ceremony was held at Oxford Town Hall, attended by civic and academic representatives. Cultural events such as a culture night supported the OlympiadâÂÂs aim of fostering international understanding.
A notable 2024 gold-medal project investigated porous cellulose-amine materials for COâ capture, produced by a Slovak student under university supervision.
The 2025 edition featured 522 students from 53 countries presenting 356 projects across 13 categories, making it the largest Olympiad to date.
The opening ceremony again took place at Oxford Town Hall, followed by exhibitions and judging at QMUL.
Following the event, the Independent Schools Association awarded NLGS its 2025 Award for International Provision, citing the OlympiadâÂÂs global reach.
IGO is owned and organised by North London Grammar School. Strategic direction is provided by an advisory board composed of international academics, industry figures and educational specialists.
IGO is recognised by MILSET and works with affiliated national and regional science fairs which nominate top projects for international competition.
Eligibility extends to students aged approximately 10âÂÂ19 working individually or in teams of up to three. Each project is supervised by an adult mentor aged over 20.
Two participation tracks are available:
As of 2025, IGO categories include:
Judging panels include academics and industry professionals, with over 100 judges participating in some years. A published rubric allocates scores across creativity, methodology, data analysis, presentation quality and student understanding.
Online presentations are overseen by trained moderators who verify identities, manage timing and ensure academic integrity.
IGO awards gold, silver and bronze medals in each category, along with honourable mentions.
Notable recognised projects include:
Schools with recurring medal success include Shanghai High School International Division, Galaxy International School (Ghana), and Triad Math and Science Academy (United States).
IGO collaborates with a global network of regional science fairs whose top projects qualify for participation.
Examples include:
QMUL is the main higher education partner, while Oxford Town Hall has hosted opening ceremonies.
IGO maintains an active media presence through press releases, social media and a dedicated YouTube channel. Local media in London regularly highlight the OlympiadâÂÂs scale and NLGSâÂÂs international outreach.
Internationally, the Olympiad is widely covered by school newsletters and regional education news, often framing medals as national achievements in STEM education.