The Road to the International Biology Olympiad 2026 - Alex Brinkworth

Kia ora everyone!

My name is Alex Brinkworth, and I hail from Central Southland College in the small town of Winton, Southland. I have had the honour of being selected as one of four students to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the International Biology Olympiad 2026 — an incredible opportunity for both myself and the wider Southland community.

This is the first time anyone from Southland has been selected to represent New Zealand at the IBO. My selection reflects many hours of independent study and dedication to learning about biology, from the smallest units of life through to the largest ecosystems. Through this journey, I was fortunate to be selected as one of the country’s top young biologists, and I am incredibly proud to represent Aotearoa on the world stage.

This year, the International Biology Olympiad will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania. Due to rising international travel and competition costs, attending the Olympiad is a significant financial undertaking, and any support towards my journey would be sincerely appreciated. My family and I are currently pursuing several avenues of fundraising, and I am extremely grateful for the support already shown by organisations such as the Winton Lions Club, Winton Rotary Club, and Central Southland College throughout my science journey.

Thank you for taking the time to follow my journey to the International Biology Olympiad. This experience has only strengthened my passion for biology, discovery, and lifelong learning.

- Alex