The 8th edition of the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad is organised for the first time in Romania, by the Romanian Ministry of Education in partnership with the Suceava County Council, Suceava County School Inspectorate, „Stefan cel Mare” University Suceava and the Cygnus Scientific Society — a UNESCO center. The event will take place from 1 to 11 August 2014 in Suceava.

About 220  students from 39 countries will participate in the competition. They will carry out the theoretical phase at the „Stefan cel Mare” University in Suceava, and the observational one at the Dragomirna monastery and at the Suceava Planetarium. Dr. Paula Gina Isar, researcher from the Institute of Space Science (ISS), will participate as evaluator teacher at the second phase of the competition, between 7-10 August 2014.

The purpose of the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad is to promote the interest in astronomy and astrophysics for the young students, giving them the opportunity to meet other pupils who share the same interests. This will enhance the relations between the participating countries and will also encourage future collaborations.

Romania has a vast experience regarding the participation in these competitions, being the winner of the last edition of the contest with two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal. The country has been represented by students at 11 editions of the International Astronomy Olympiad and at 7 editions of the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad, students who brought to the country 67 medals, of which 20 were gold ones.

More information will be published on the official website of the event.