Polytechnic University at the International Astronomy Olympiad

Sirius hosted the third Open World Astronomy Olympiad (OWAO). About 100 high school students from 20 countries took part in it, half of them in person.

The Olympics opened with congratulations to the cosmonauts from Earth orbit, who are currently conducting scientific experiments as part of the ISS crew. They are Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub and Alexander Grebenkin. The participants of the competition were congratulated by the Minister of Education of Russia Sergey Kravtsov and Hero of Russia cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka, who also gave a lecture.

The Olympiad had four rounds — theoretical, practical, observational and test rounds. Participants solved problems on knowledge of the starry sky, analyzed scientific material, performed astronomical calculations and made forecasts. And, of course, they communicated with famous scientists and astronauts, which undoubtedly helps to increase the motivation of talented young people to get STEM-education. This direction of youth policy is a priority both in Russia and worldwide.

The expert from Polytechnic University at the Olympiad was Hussein Ali Krayani, a teacher of supplementary education at the HS IEP and a senior lecturer at the department. It is the second time he has been invited to be a member of the jury.

Hussein combines the activity of an expert with active work on popularization of the International Astronomy Olympiad. He contributes to expanding its geography and attracting new participants from Arab countries.

The energy and activity of such Polytechnics as Hussein Krajani undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the image of Russian education in the world, helping to increase the number of talented applicants to St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, expressed his opinion Dmitry Arseniev, Vice-Rector for International Relations at SPbPU.