International Neuroscience Olympiad – INO
Unlock your scientific potential and explore the mysteries of the human brain
- Over 12,000 participants from 40+ countries and regions
- A chance to earn a fully funded Ivy League research experience
- Officially supported by the Delaware Public Health Association and Indigo Research
- Up to 60% of participants receive international recognition
- Enhance university applications with certified global achievement
Introduction
The International Neuroscience Olympiad (INO) is a prestigious research-focused academic competition founded at the University of California, Berkeley. It aims to ignite young minds’ passion for exploring the human brain and to cultivate the next generation of neuroscience pioneers.
Supported officially by the Delaware Public Health Association and Indigo Research—a leading U.S. educational institution – INO connects outstanding students worldwide with world-class mentors and cutting-edge research opportunities.
The human brain, one of the most complex and least understood organs, governs everything from cognition and emotion to movement, memory, and social interaction. By engaging with the INO, students embark on an interdisciplinary journey that bridges biology, psychology, and medical science—developing analytical, research, and problem-solving skills essential for 21st-century scientific leaders.
Since its founding, INO has inspired over 12,000 students from 40+ countries and regions, including the U.S., UK, Canada, China, France, India, South Korea, and Vietnam.
In 2024, three young scholars from China, the U.S., and India emerged as Global Final winners and received fully funded access to Harvard Neuroscience Labs, where they co-authored papers alongside Ivy League professors.
Structure
INO consists of three major rounds: Open Round, Semifinal Round, and Final Round. Each stage is carefully designed to assess not only academic knowledge but also creativity, analytical thinking, and research potential.
Open Round
This round introduces participants to the fundamentals of neuroscience—covering neural networks, neurotransmitters, brain anatomy, and real-world applications. It emphasizes critical thinking and comprehension of scientific concepts.
Semi-final Round
At this stage, participants deepen their understanding of neuroscience through applied scenarios involving neurochemistry, neural disorders, and cognitive processes. The questions encourage integration of research-based reasoning and analytical problem-solving.
Final Round
- Official Academic Partners:
- Indigo Research – mentors from top universities such as Columbia, Stanford, Cambridge, NYU, and Michigan.
- Delaware Academy of Medicine / Delaware Public Health Association (DPHA) – combining medical scholarship and public health advocacy.
In the final stage, participants receive research case studies in advance, prepare detailed proposals, and present their analyses to a panel of professors and neuroscience experts.
About Competition
| Round | Open Round | Semifinal Round | Final Round |
| Date | October 27, 2025 | November 24, 2025 (Monday) | November 24, 2025 (Monday) |
| Eligibility | Grades 7–12 / Year 8–13 (Ages 13–18) | Awarded students from Open Round |
Awarded students from Open Round |
| Form | Online | Individual Test | Online | Individual Test | Online | Individual Test |
| Format | 35 multiple-choice and 5 short-answer questions |
10 multiple-choice and 10 short-answer questions |
10 multiple-choice and 10 short-answer questions |
| Awards |
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Skill Development
Throughout the INO journey, participants develop critical scientific and personal competencies:
- Research & Analytical Skills – mastering experimental design and scientific reasoning
- Critical Thinking – applying neuroscience concepts to real-world medical challenges
- Problem Solving – interpreting data and forming evidence-based conclusions
- Communication Skills – presenting ideas confidently to professional audiences
- Collaboration & Innovation – engaging with global peers and mentors
Registration Details
Registration Deadline: October 13, 2025
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The school sends the list of participating candidates to email enquiry@sooncheng.com – Subject: INO 2025-2026.
Upon receiving confirmation from the organizing committee, the school sends a copy of the payment receipt for the exam fee to the bank as instructed.
For independent candidates, please contact SOON CHENG for registration guidance.
- WeChat: SeederStar_SC
- WhatsApp: +65 9695 5152 / +84 362 996 088
- Zalo: +65 9695 5152
- Website: https://sooncheng.com
- Email: enquiry@sooncheng.com
