SwissPhO - Swiss Physics Olympiad

You can now register here for the preliminary round of the Swiss Physics Olympiad. Registration deadline is 31 December 2016.

All important dates for this year's physics olympiad can be found here.

The 47th International Physics Olympiad took place this year in Zürich. The participants faced two five hour-long exams. During the experimental part, one task for the students was to study a model of the theory about phase transitions including beads. During the theoretical part of the exam the participants had to solve three problems. The topics reached form classical mechanics and gravitation to electric circuits with nonlinear components and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. Besides the exams the program included excursions to Liechtenstein, the PSI and CERN.

• Markus Köhler, aus Balgach/SG (Kantonsschule Heerbrugg)
• Nicolà Gantenbein, aus Eschenbach/SG (ehem. Kantonsschule Wattwil)
• Caroline Rossier, aus Cottens/FR (Collège Sainte-Croix)
• Quirin Reding, aus Honau/LU (Kantonsschule Alpenquai)
• Bastian Lengen, aus Uvrier/VS (Lycée-Collège de la Planta)

The Swiss team performed really well at these competitions: Markus Köhler won a Bronze Medal, and Nicolà Gantenbein, Bastian Lengen, Quirin Reding und Caroline Rossier were decorated with a Honorable Mention!

Congratulations to all the participants not only for their individual results but as well for the great team performance

• Press releases in German and French
• The entire results can be found atIPhO 2016

Aarau - April 2nd and 3rd the final round of the Swiss Physics Olympiad took place at the NKSA in Aarau. The 25 participants that qualified at the first round in January, solved exams for over 6 hours. Their goal was to be one of the five best, synonymous with a spot in the Team, which represents Switzerland at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) taking place in Zürich this year.

The exams were a big challenge for the participants. In the theoretical part knowledge in a wide range of topics in Physics was asked. The energy source of a space probe, the mechanics of the coorbital moons of Saturn and the properties of a synchronous motor are some examples. During the experimental part the practical skills of the participants were tested. First the period of a physical pendulum had to be determined with the help of a gravity pendulum, second the properties of a water jet had to be defined.

The final ranking of the SwissPhO 2016 is given as follows:

1) Best Swiss Participant (Swiss Physical Society Award)
2) Second Best Swiss Participant (Swiss Physical Society Award)

Congratulations to all the participants, especially to the first five of them who are thus taking part in the IPhO 2016 "at home" in Zürich.
Everybody else that would like to be part of the IPhO 2016 as well, may register as Team Guide here.

Additionally we encourage all the candidates to participate next year again. The experience you gained this year will definitely give you an advantage next year. All others who can not participate next year are welcome to help out the organization!

Press release by the ASSO: :german, french.

Photos of the competition and the closing ceremony can be found on the website of the ASSO.