Spain

The Spanish Biology Olympiad Association (OEB) is a non-profit organization officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Spain. It is responsible for organizing the national round of the Biology Olympiad and for selecting and coordinating the Spanish delegation for international competitions, such as the International Biology Olympiad (IBO)and the Ibero-American Biology Olympiad (OIAB).

olimpiadadebiologia.edu.es

The association is composed of secondary school and university teachers and researchers from all 17 autonomous communities and the two autonomous cities of Spain. Each region autonomously organizes its own regional Olympiad and student selection process. In this stage from 2 to 6 students are selected for the National Round from each community.

The General Assembly of the OEB includes all regional delegates (teachers and researchers). Every four years, the assembly elects the Executive Board, which consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four board members.

The first round is held separately in each of the Spanish regions (Comunidades Autónomas). Altogether the number of students that participate is estimated to be approximately 4.000 students.

Each autonomous region defines its own regional phase, from which around 60 students qualify for the national round. This first round is different in each region. In some regions like Madrid, Cataluña or Valencia, there is also a practical selection.

The national round consists of 2 theoretical test with 50 to 100 questions, plus 4 practical tests.

The national phase is hosted annually by a different Spanish university and includes:

• Four practical laboratory exercises
• Two theoretical exams

The top 4 students represent Spain at the IBO, and the next 4 at the OIAB.

They receive a 5-day training camp at a Spanish university in early July. This includes:

• Practical laboratory sessions
• Review of theoretical topics
• Mock exams and discussion groups

They get access to exams of past IBOs, and receive some classes by university professors.

Students use Campbell’s Biology textbook, curated summaries, and educational videos as preparation resources.

In the national round:

• Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded (about 15 in total).
• The top 10 students receive a €1.000 cash prize from the Ministry of Education.
• More than half of all national participants are offered a one-week research internship at a scientific center.

Students selected for the IBO and OIAB receive a free copy of Campbell’s Biology textbook.

Additionally, regional rounds may include local prizes such as university tuition exemptions.

Eligible students: Final-year students (2º de Bachillerato) from public and private Spanish schools

The last of secondary school. Equivalent to: Grade 12 in most international systems

Biology instruction: 3 to 5 hours/week

Total class time: 30 hours/week

Media coverage:

• The OEB maintains strong media visibility during both the regional and national phases, and when Spanish students win medals at international competitions. Media highlights are published on the official website:
• 🌐 http://olimpiadadebiologia.edu.es
• Each region also has their own independent means of promotion.

secretaria@olimpiadadebiologia.edu.es (National affairs)

javierportal@olimpiadadebiologia.edu.es (International affairs)

There is media coverage specially in regional newspapers,

Albeit it is very unlikely to appear in the news in national newspapers.