Johann, Ido, and Tanay (left to right) / © FSJL
Luxembourg's debut at a major international science fair saw students from FJSL impress judges with a project developed alongside LIST, earning awards and university scholarships.
Two Luxembourg secondary school students have brought home a silver medal from the GENIUS Olympiad in New York, marking the country's first award at the prestigious international competition focused on science and sustainability.
Ido Somekh and Johann Bost, representing the Fondation Jeunes Scientifiques Luxembourg (FJSL), were recognised for their project exploring how electric vehicles could help stabilise Luxembourg's national electricity grid. Their research, developed in collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), placed in the top 15% of more than 700 entries from around the world, as only those 15% received medals. Both students were also offered scholarships to the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Also representing Luxembourg was Tanay Karnik, whose project examined the environmental legacy of colonial-era tea cultivation in Darjeeling. While he did not receive a medal, Karnik said he was proud to present his research on the international stage and valued the friendships he made during the event.
The GENIUS Olympiad brought together over 1,200 student finalists from 69 countries and 34 US states. All three Luxembourg participants have been invited to submit their work to the International Journal of High School Research, a peer-reviewed publication showcasing promising secondary school scientists.
This year marked FJSL's first participation in the competition. The students' involvement was made possible with support from the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, which acknowledged the projects' relevance to today's environmental challenges. FJSL director Sousana Eang praised the delegation's success, saying it showed Luxembourg could stand alongside the world's best.
Outside of the competition, the students explored New York, visited Niagara Falls, and even stayed in a room once used by Nikola Tesla. "It was more than a competition – it was a chance to build real friendships," said Bost.
