More than half a million young competitors entered the preliminary rounds of this year’s Tashkent International Mathematics Olympiad (TasIMO), a striking indicator of the growing global appetite for science and technology skills. The final stage, held at a mountain resort in the Tashkent region, brought together 350 students from 13 countries across Europe and Asia.
Organised by Nordic International University, TasIMO combines national qualifying rounds with an international final. Students compete in age-based categories designed to test mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. The competition’s rapid expansion mirrors broader trends: many European nations, from Germany to Poland, are investing heavily in STEM education to meet demand for specialists in fields ranging from engineering to artificial intelligence.
From Sofia to Tashkent: A Gold Medal and a Wider Message
Martina Krasimirova, a 16-year-old from Sofia, has attended every edition of TasIMO since its launch. This year, she earned her third consecutive gold medal. “The problems have become harder and harder every year, which I really love,” she said. For Krasimirova, the achievement carries significance beyond the podium. “I am a girl, and most people believe that maths is not for girls. It is not only here. It is everywhere in the world. Every time I win, I feel like I inspire some girls to try out and not be scared of mathematics,” she added.
Her remarks underscore a persistent challenge across European education systems: the underrepresentation of women in advanced mathematics and STEM fields. While countries like Sweden and Finland have made progress, disparities remain in many member states, including Bulgaria, where Krasimirova lives.
More Than an Examination
The competition is about more than solving equations. Participants spend several days discussing solutions, exchanging ideas, and meeting peers from different countries. Altai Beysan, who travelled from Kazakhstan for his first TasIMO, said those exchanges remain one of his strongest memories. “After the Olympiad, we shared our solutions, our thoughts, our expectations about our scores. That is the distinguishing atmosphere of Olympiads in general, and TasIMO gave this opportunity to feel it again,” he said.
Alongside the mathematics contests, students took part in sports competitions, team challenges, and cultural activities designed to encourage interaction. Ivan Chan, a jury member from Malaysia who also attended last year’s edition, said these activities play an important role. “If you think from the perspective of the students, these activities are exactly what they needed to have a long-lasting, memorable experience,” he said.
Growing International Interest
The surge in TasIMO entries comes as many countries ramp up STEM investment. Marek Murin, a jury member from Slovakia and a member of the problem selection committee, noted that both the academic and organisational aspects of the competition have evolved since his first participation. “TasIMO is an emerging international Olympiad. It is very nice to see all of the hard work coming together, from the organisational perspective, from the problem selection committee, and from the students whose hard work is going to be rewarded accordingly,” he said.
The event was held in a region deeply linked to the history of mathematics. Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, the ninth-century scholar widely regarded as one of the founders of algebra, was born in what is now Uzbekistan. The word “algorithm” derives from the Latinised form of his name. This historical resonance adds a layer of cultural significance to the competition, which also included excursions and cultural activities that encouraged participants to explore the local heritage.
Chan said competitions like TasIMO can help spark interest in mathematics and science. “If you think from the perspective of the students, these activities are exactly what they needed to have a long-lasting, memorable experience,” he reiterated. For many European participants, the Olympiad offers a rare chance to connect with peers from Asia and beyond, fostering a network of young mathematicians that transcends borders.
As STEM fields continue to shape Europe’s economic and technological future, events like TasIMO serve as both a barometer of interest and a catalyst for talent development. The competition’s growth—from a few hundred entrants to over half a million in just a few years—suggests that the continent’s investment in mathematics education is paying off, even as challenges like gender disparity persist.
