Science Olympiads in Luxembourg: the country's best students compete for a place in Europe

On Thursday, the finalists of the Science Olympiads gathered at the Lycée Michel-Rodange to determine the team that will represent Luxembourg on the European science scene. Among the 2,500 registered participants, the top 24 students made it to the final round.

The competition is based on the principle of teamwork: the organisers form groups of three, with one student strong in biology, one in chemistry and one in physics. This approach, according to Christophe Ternes, vice-president of the association that organises the Olympiad, gives each team an equal chance of success at the international level.

Lara, 16, a student at École européenne Kirchberg, admits to L'Essentiel that she is a little nervous before the test begins: "I have been fascinated by science since childhood and I want to continue my studies in this field."

During the final task, participants performed laboratory experiments that required precision and scientific thinking. In one experiment, Lara tested the oxygen content of the air by heating iron shavings in a glass tube. The process requires precision and an understanding of chemical reactions, and so far, Lara says, things are going according to plan: "The results look logical," she smiles.

The winners will be announced on 18 March, when an award ceremony will be held at the National Museum of Natural History (natur musée). This is the team that will have the chance to go to the international stage and show the level of Luxembourg students in Europe.