Iran's National Elites Foundation (INEF) has held a ceremony honoring 17 talented students and young individuals who have won gold, silver, and bronze medals in the International Science Olympiad competitions in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Economics, and Computer Science.

Speaking during the event on Saturday, INEF Deputy Head Saeed Khodaygan said that Olympiad medalists automatically enter the “elite pathway,” a journey that marks the beginning of their scientific flourishing and a true test of their impact on society.

He emphasized that the path embodies both privilege and duty, a privilege bestowed upon the elite by society, and a duty the elite must uphold in service to that society.

“Your medal is a great honor for the country — but it is only the beginning of the journey,” he told the medalists. “In the years to come, what will hold greater value than the medal itself is your social impact and scientific service to the nation. That is the true medal that society gives you.”

The official further highlighted the challenging and complex nature of the elite pathway, saying it marks a stage during which the individual must transition from being a recipient to becoming a provider of scientific and social services.

“I hope that through your personal dedication, the support of families, and the collaboration of the country’s scientific institutions, you will continue on the path of elite development with steadfastness — so that your name may be proudly etched in Iran’s history,” he added.

In July, Iran’s biology team won 3 golds and 1 silver at the 36th International Biology Olympiad in the Philippines, cementing its place among the world’s top teams.

In the same month, Iran’s national mathematics Olympiad team shone at the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad 2025 in Australia, winning two golds, three silvers, and one bronze

In August, the Iranian National Olympiad Team in Astronomy and Astrophysics, for the second year in a row, claimed top honors at the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), where 64 nations took part.

The Iranian team staged an outstanding performance in this year’s competition and managed to secure first place with a clean sweep of five prestigious gold medals.

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