In recent years, the popularity of biology-related disciplines has been steadily increasing, attracting growing attention from students worldwide. For those aiming to apply to top-tier universities in biology or related fields, participation in high-profile biology competitions has become a key strategy. These competitions not only help improve academic performance in school but also lay a solid foundation for university-level courses.
BBO Biology Olympiad – Related Competitions
1. USABO – USA Biology Olympiad
The USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) is organized by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE). It is one of the most rigorous and prestigious biology competitions in the United States, with over 10,000 high school students participating annually.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Competition Period: Annually in April
Format: 50 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 50 minutes
Syllabus:
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Cell Biology
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Plant Anatomy and Physiology
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Animal Anatomy and Physiology
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Animal Behaviour
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Genetics and Evolution
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Ecology
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Biological Systematics
Awards:
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Gold: Top 10% of total scores
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Silver: Top 25% of total scores
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Bronze: Top 35% of total scores
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Regional High Achiever: Top 20% in each region (outside national awards)
2. iGEM – International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition
The International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM), founded in 2003 by MIT, is a leading international academic competition in synthetic biology.
Each year, iGEM research outcomes are published in top journals such as Science, Nature, Scientific American, and The Economist.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12, all academic disciplines
Competition Period: January to early November
Registration: Team formation starts in January, final registration in June
Presentation: Late October to early November
Format:
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Team-based competition led by a faculty advisor
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Recommended team size: 15–20 students
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Teams independently select their research topic
Participation Components:
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Laboratory experiments
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Research papers
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Posters and project presentations
Team Categories:
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Dry Team: Mathematical modeling, web programming, design, and visualization
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Wet Team: Project design and laboratory experiments, requiring knowledge of synthetic and molecular biology
3. HOSA – Future Health Professionals
The HOSA-Future Health Professionals competition is an officially recognized platform by the U.S. Department of Education and Career & Technical Education associations, focusing on biology and health-related student activities.
Since its introduction in China in 2019, thousands of Chinese students have benefited, with regional qualifying rates exceeding 45%, and students achieving 20 global awards in past competitions.
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
Competition Format:
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Divided into three categories; each student may select 1–3 activities, but only one project per category
Categories:
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ATC (Academic Testing Center): Foundational studies in biochemistry
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BCE (Beneficial Competitive Event): Community impact and applied practice
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CCE (Career-oriented Competitive Event): Life sciences and health professional studies
4. Brain Bee – Neuroscience Competition
The Brain Bee was founded in the United States over 20 years ago and is now jointly organized by the American Psychological Association (APA), Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS), Society for Neuroscience (SfN), and the Dana Foundation.
Annually, over 100,000 students worldwide participate.
Eligibility: Grades 5–12
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Grades 9–12: Brain Bee Senior
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Grades 5–8: Brain Bee Junior
Format:
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Individual competition
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Includes three stages: Regional, National, and International