GENIUS Olympiad promotes a global understanding of environmental issues and the achievement of sustainability through basic science, arts, creative writing, engineering, design, and business development. GENIUS Olympiad provides challenges and opportunities for secondary school students, to instill in them the skills and knowledge needed to be the citizens, leaders, scientists, artists, writers, engineers, and policy makers of the future—agents who will promote and contribute to greater environmental sustainability throughout their lives. GENIUS is also an abbreviation of Global Environmental Issues and Us.
GENIUS Olympiad focuses on all aspects of global environmental issues with the following goals:
- To enable high school students around the world to cope with environmental problems, and to elicit their abilities to produce solutions.
- To inspire high school students to contribute to the protection and improvement of the environment.
- To equip young generations with environmental consciousness.
- To provide a forum for youth from around the world to come together and share ideas.
- To inform the public about global environmental problems.
A GENIUS has:
- affection for all humanity
- wisdom in all circumstances
- a deep sense of responsibility for society and the world
- dedication to deeply held values, acting accordingly with passion
Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State
It’s a pleasure to send greetings to everyone gathered for the GENIUS Olympiad, sponsored by SUNY Oswego and the Terra Science and Education Foundation. I commend all affiliated with this ambitious project for your hard work and commitment to creating a better future for our world. I hope you enjoy your stay in New York and that we will see you again soon. With the warmest regards, and best wishes for continued success."
Kristin Gillibrand, U.S. Senator of New York
"It is with great pleasure that I send greetings to each of you attending the GENIUS Olympiad hosted by SUNY Oswego. Our future relies on this generation of young students committed to the study of global environmental issues. The multidisciplinary approach of this program enables students to be creative and use ingenuity to solve many of these environmental problems. Your enthusiasm for a collective global consciousness is inspiring and greatly appreciated. I share your commitment and commend your hard work and dedication. Your efforts exemplify the positive contributions that hard-working individuals can make in their communities and you should be proud of your actions by continuing to lead with confidence. Your commitment to the future is indispensable to the growth of our nation. I want to extend my best wishes for a bright future filled with continued success."
Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator of New York
"It is my great honor to congratulate each of you on your acceptance into this remarkable international high school competition. Through hard work and determination, you have been selected to be this year’s competitors at the GENIUS Olympiad in areas such as science, art, creative writing, architectural design, and music. I am proud to commend you all for your efforts in attaining a global understanding of environmental issues and achieving sustainability. During your participation in the GENIUS Olympiad, you will come together for a week-long enriching experience, joining other students from around the globe. I encourage you to take in as much as you can and enjoy this very special time. Your passion and dedication to learning are truly commendable. You all stand out among your peers. I would also like to recognize and thank the volunteers from Terra Science and Education Foundation and SUNY Oswego for their hard work in organizing this year’s competition. You are inspirations and role models to our youth who have come together to compete. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors."
GENIUS Olympiad is hosted at Rochester Institute of Technology university campus (see the picture and map below for exact location), located in Rochester, New York, USA. Participants will have safe and fun experience at RIT, which is one of the leading universities in design, engineering, arts, and more. For more information about RIT University, please scroll down.
Airport: The nearest major transportation center is Greater Rochester Airport, which is 10 minutes away from the campus. GENIUS Olympiad will have scheduled pick-up/drop services from this airport (please check schedule or finalist guide for further information). Participants arriving at any other location must arrange their own transportation to RIT campus. Those who will attend optional GENIUS trips after the Olympiad can register to be picked at JFK airport in New York City if they are dropped at the same location after the trips (please read finalist guide/trips for further information about this option).
BY CAR, ROCHESTER IS:
90 minutes to Syracuse
80 minutes to Niagara Falls/Buffalo
3 hours to Toronto, Canada
6 hours to New York City (JFK), Boston, or Philadelphia
7 hours to Washington D.C.
For more information about RIT Campus and programs, visit: http://www.RIT.edu
At RIT, we are always on to something amazing.
Rochester Institute of Technology: Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Beyond its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT has international campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. And with nearly 19,000 students and more than 135,000 graduates from all 50 states and over 100 nations, RIT is driving progress in industries and communities around the world. RIT is a top 100 national research university. RIT offers 8 doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in astrophysical sciences and technology, color science, computing and information sciences, imaging science, engineering, mathematical modeling, microsystems engineering, and sustainability; 77 master’s programs, including, Master of Architecture (M.Arch.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Science (MS), and Master of Science for Teachers (MST); and 85 undergraduate degree programs, including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Science (BS).
Academic programs include Art, Design, Architecture, Business, Communications, Digital Media, Computing and Information Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Game Design and Development, Health Professionals and Health Sciences, Photography, Film, Animation, and all STEM areas, such as Biology, Chemistry, Material Sciences, etc. In addition, RIT has more than 300 student clubs and organizations which provides a vibrant and social campus life, which is also part of the learning experience at RIT.
According to U.S. News & World Report, RIT is:
Ranked 104th in the “National Universities” category
Ranked among top 20 universities recognized for excellent co-operative learning and internship programs
Ranked 50th among “best value schools”
According to Princeton Review, RIT is: Ranked eighth nationally for “Top Schools for Video Game Design for 2019”
According to College Factual, the college rankings data provider for USA Today College Guide 2018, RIT is:
Ranked fifth in computer software and application
Ranked seventh in computer and information sciences
Ranked ninth in engineering-related fields
Ranked 10th in management information systems
Ranked 10th in design and applied arts
Ranked 17th in film, video and photographic arts
Ranked 42nd for criminal justice
We would like to thank all participants who provided constructive feedback in order to make our organization better in the years to come. We took the feedback to heart and will make several changes in the coming year. Below are the quantitative and qualitative results of our latest GENIUS Olympiad survey.
TESTIMONIALS
- US: I love the experience of Genius Olympiad. I feel this event is not a simple science fair. I feel like it is a learning experience and world-class cultural exchange.
- International: Fulfilling experience. Enjoyed meeting new people and exploring the projects. Such an awesome way to promote the love of science and art for the enhancement of the environment.
- US: This was an excellent event. It was an honor to be invited to participate and to be involved.
- International : It was a great experience. I really enjoyed it.
- US: It was an amazing experience for both my student and myself.
- International: I really liked the organization of the whole competition. I liked the trips and staying on campus. it was fun and the environment was great!
- US: Awesome! I loved the performances by the students and enjoyed seeing and experiencing the different cultures during the international fair.
- International: The whole experience was wonderful! All the students, supervisors, and directors were very kind and helpful. The food was great, and the activities such as Niagara Falls and the Mall during the Olympiad were fun!
- US: Overall, the conference is very nice and promotes a lot of connection between students of different countries.
- International: Everything was awesome! Overall, I loved the Genius experience. I met amazing people, learn new things. It couldn't have been any better.
- US: It was a wonderful event overall. We appreciate all the hard work that was put into this event. We appreciate the opportunity to visit the Niagara Falls. Great event and wonderfully organized. Thank you all.
- International: I loved Genius Olympiad. It was not just a excellent science fair, but also a great experience!
- US: Students were having a wonderful time. International students may have been surprised how much the US people enjoyed seeing them and wanting to get picture with everyone
- US:: One student has attended both years, and continues to talk about the wonderful time and experience she had. You do a great job balancing the fair and enjoyment of the participants.
- International: It was very nice experience to be in such an environment
- US: The food was delicious. Please, thanks the chefs for me. Because of them not once during the 5 days I was there, did I leave the cafeteria with an empty stomach.
- US: The food was DELICIOUS. I don't think I've ever tasted eggs yummier than this. Thanks to the chefs
- International: The meals were planned to meet the different cultures that would be attending.
GENIUS 2019 Facts:
- 1,698 projects were submitted, 789 projects were accepted (53% acceptance rate)
- The number of projects submitted from the United States was 403 (27% of submitted projects)
- The country where the most number of projects were submitted: Kyrgyzstan with 117 projects (Tajikistan 56 projects, South Korea 53 projects, Jordan 52 projects, Indonesia 51 projects)
- The high school which submitted the most projects are Jubilee Schools, Jordan (45 projects), Yahya Kemal Schools, Macedonia (40 Projects), Yorktown High School, US (31 projects) Bishkek Aichurol School, Kyrgyzstan (51 projects).
- The number of countries where projects were submitted: 78
- The number of US States where projects were submitted: 39
- The number of accepted Science projects: 420 out of 842 submissions (50% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Art projects: 136 out of 247 submissions (54% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Short Film projects: 36 out of 77 submissions (49% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Creative Writing projects: 68 out of 123 submissions (54% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Robotics projects: 42 out of 69 submissions (60% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Music projects: 27 out of 42 submissions (64% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Business projects: 30 out of 63 submissions (48% acceptance rate)
- Total number of participants was 1512
GENIUS 2018 Facts:
- 1,657 projects were submitted, 729 projects were accepted (44% acceptance rate)
- The number of projects submitted from the United States was 386 (23% of submitted projects)
- The country where the most number of projects were submitted: Kyrgyzstan with 167 projects (Indonesia 83 projects, Macedonia (64 projects), Kosovo (63 projects), Korea (53 projects)
- The high school which submitted the most projects are Yahya Kemal School, Macedonia (61 projects), Kharisma Bangsa School, Indonesia (39 Projects), Jubilee School, Jordan (36 projects), Horizon International School, Viet Nam (31 projects), Yorktown School, NY, USA (30 Projects)
- The number of countries where projects were submitted: 70
- The number of US States where projects were submitted: 34
- The number of accepted Science projects: 406 out of 897 submissions (45% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Art projects: 109 out of 297 submissions (37% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Short Film projects: 48 out of 107 submissions (45% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Creative Writing projects: 76 out of 188 submissions (41% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Robotics projects: 46 out of 82 submissions (56% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Music projects: 26 out of 39 submissions (66% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Business projects: 18 out of 47 submissions (38% acceptance rate)
- The number of participants: 1348
GENIUS 2017 Facts:
- 1,409 projects were submitted, 597 projects were accepted (42% acceptance rate)
- The number of projects submitted from the United States was 373 (26% of submitted projects)
- The country where the most number of projects were submitted: Kyrgyzstan with 83 projects
- The high school which submitted the most projects are Bishkek Aichurok School, Kyrgyzstan (32 projects), Yorktown, NY, USA (26 Projects), Feza Girls High School, Tanzania (25 projects)
- The number of countries where projects were submitted: 73
- The number of US States where projects were submitted: 40
- The number of accepted Science projects: 365 out of 801 submissions (46% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Art projects: 103 out of 255 submissions (40% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Creative Writing projects: 52 out of 178 submissions (29% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Robotics projects: 31 out of 56 submissions (55% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Music projects: 22 out of 54 submissions (41% acceptance rate)
- The number of accepted Business projects: 24 out of 65 submissions (37% acceptance rate)
- GENIUS hosted 1057 participants.
GENIUS Olympiad 2016 FACTS:
- 1,354 projects submitted, 515 projects were accepted (38% selectivity)
- The number of projects submitted from United States was 294 (22% of all projects)
- The high school which submitted the most projects are Istanbul Kartal Doga School (20 projects), Istanbul Ulus Jewish School (20 Projects), Colegio Esparanca Internacional, Angola (20 projects)
- The number of countries from which projects were submitted: 65
- The number of US States from which projects were submitted: 32
- The number of Science projects which were accepted: 298 out of 729 submissions
- The number of Art projects which were accepted: 111 out of 286 submissions
- The number of Creative Writing projects which were accepted: 42 out of 159 submissions
- The number of Design projects which were accepted: 29 out of 87 submissions
- The number of Music projects which were accepted: 16 out of 39 submissions
- The number of Business projects which were accepted: 19 out of 53 submissions
- GENIUS hosted 986 participants.
GENIUS Olympiad 2015 FACTS:
- 1,171 projects submitted, 401 projects were accepted (34% selectivity)
- The number of projects submitted from United States was 262 (22% of all projects)
- The high school which submitted the most projects is Istanbul Okyanus High Schools, Turkey (44 Projects)
- The number of countries from which projects were submitted: 69 (We accepted finalists from 65 countries).
- The number of US States from which projects were submitted: 34 (We accepted finalists from 33 US states).
- The number of Science projects which were accepted: 253 out of 625 submissions (40% Selectivity)
- The number of Art projects which were accepted: 68 out of 298 submissions (23% selectivity)
- The number of Creative Writing projects which were accepted: 38 out of 125 submissions (30% selectivity)
- The number of Design projects which were accepted:20 out of 70 submissions (28% selectivity)
- The number of Music projects which were accepted: 13 out of 22 submissions (59% selectivity)
- The number of Business projects which were accepted: 9 out of 26 submissions (35% selectivity)
- GENIUS hosted 920 participants.
GENIUS Olympiad 2014 FACTS:
- 842 projects were submitted and 328 projects were accepted (39% selectivity)
- The high school with the most project submissions was Istanbul Okyanus High Schools, Turkey: 22 Projects.
- The number of countries from which projects were submitted: 57 (We accepted finalists from 55 countries).
- The number of US States from which projects were submitted: 36 (We accepted finalists from 33 US states).
- The number of Science projects which were accepted: 217 out of 502 submissions (43%)
- The number of Art projects which were accepted: 57 out of 169 submissions (34%)
- The number of Creative Writing projects which were accepted: 34 out of 111 submissions (31%)
- The number of Design projects which were accepted: 13 out of 47 submissions (28%)
- The number of Music projects which were accepted: 7 out of 13 submissions (54%, first year promotion :))
GENIUS Olympiad 2013 FACTS:
- 769 projects were submitted: 414 science, 215 art, 114 creative writing, 19 design, 2 city
- 58 countries submitted a project: total 601 international projects
- 38 states submitted projects: total 168 US national projects
- 325 projects were accepted: 232 science, 58 art, 26 creative writing, 7 design, 2 city
- 427 students were accepted: 231 female (54%) and 196 male (46%)
- 42% overall acceptance rate
- 385 students and 149 supervisors participated
- 282 projects were presented: 214 science, 38 art, 26 creative writing, 6 design
- 193 projects from 53 countries and 89 projects from 30 states were represented
- 65 judges volunteered to evaluate the projects
GENIUS Olympiad 2012 FACTS:
- 663 projects were submitted: 429 science, 134 art, 81 creative writing, 19 design
- 52 countries submitted a project: total 436 international projects
- 37 states submitted projects: total 227 US national projects
- 253 projects were accepted: 185 science, 40 art, 18 creative writing, 10 design
- 381 students were accepted: 203 female (53%) and 178 male (47%)
- 35% overall acceptance rate,
- 293 students and 139 supervisors participated in,
- 217 projects were presented: 156 science, 36 art, 15 creative writing, 10 design
- 151 projects from 49 countries and 66 projects from 30 states were represented
- 63 judges volunteered to evaluate the projects
GENIUS Olympiad 2011 FACTS:
- 1066 students applied
- 647 projects were submitted: 558 science and 89 art
- 46 countries submitted a project
- 35 states submitted projects
- 195 projects were accepted: 165 science and 30 art
- 30% overall acceptance rate
- 212 students and 118 supervisor participated, with 23 volunteers
- 142 projects were presented: 118 science and 24 art
- 33 countries and 30 states were represented
- 47 judge volunteered to evaluate the projects
If you would like to become a GENIUS Olympiad-affiliated fair in order to provide your participants with the opportunity to interact with other students from all over the world, please contact us at [email protected] In order to be affiliated: your fair must host 100 or more projects, is not in a region of your state or country where we have affiliated fairs, and must be regional (includes multiple schools). If you would like to organize GENIUS Olympiad in your country or state as in its current structure and format, we can partner with for exclusive engagement.
NATIONAL FAIRS |
INTERNATIONAL FAIRS |
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GENIUS Olympiad Organizational Board
- Dr. Fehmi Damkaci, Chair of Department of Chemistry at SUNY Oswego
- Dr. Tolga Hayali, Superintendent of SANY Schools
- Ian Mortimer, Vice President, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Dr. Rick Beal, Director of International Programs, Terra Science and Education
- Kaylee May, Director of Operations, Terra Science and Education
- Bekir Turkkan, Director of Technology Services, Terra Science and Education
- Claire Madigan, Director of K-12 Programs, Terra Science and Education
- Mary Eileen, Director of Terra Regional ISEF Fairs
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (315) 400 1763
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GENIUS Olympiad Founded
647 Project Applications from 46 Countries
230 Participants Hosted by SUNY Oswego
Science & Art Categories
2011
2011
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Exceeded 500 Participants
769 Project Applications from 58 Countries
534 Participants Hosted by SUNY Oswego
Creative Writing & Design Categories Added
2013
2013
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Exceeded 1000 Projects
1171 Project Applications from 69 Countries
920 Participants Hosted by SUNY Oswego
Business & Music Categories Added
2015
2015
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Exceeded 1000 Participants
1409 Project Applications from 73 Countries
1057 Participants Hosted by SUNY Oswego
Robotics Category Added
2017
2017
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Exceeded 1500 Participants
1698 Project Applications from 78 Countries
1512 Participants Hosted by SUNY Oswego
Short Film Category added
2019
2019
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Celebrating 10 Years
Rochester Institute of Technology, as a New Host, Welcomes GENIUS Olympiad
2020
2020
