Dear Fair Directors and Students,

Ensuring the health and wellbeing of GENIUS Olympiad attendees is of utmost importance to us. Considering the current, unparalleled travel restrictions, embassy closures, limitations to gatherings, and New York State’s position as epicenter of COVID-19 in the US, GENIUS Olympiad believes the best decision is to cancel this year’s program. As COVID-19 recovery and after effects are still largely unknown, we are concerned that we would not be able to provide the best experience for this year’s participants.

During this unprecedented global challenge, we are disappointed for each highly qualified finalist who anticipated participating in GENIUS Olympiad alongside finalists from around the world. We also recognize the extensive groundwork already completed by many people dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for GENIUS Olympiad 2020 attendees.

The decision for GENIUS Olympiad to cancel its 2020 fair, instead of postponement or virtual judging, was made with much thought and consideration. We know many regional fairs in the US and around the world were not held, impacting a significant number of potential participants. Additionally, we believe GENIUS Olympiad is a fair that offers meaningful cultural and personal enrichment with the exchange of ideas, experiences and friendships that can only be represented through an on-site GENIUS Olympiad.

We want to recognize and celebrate students selected as finalists and now consider them as finalists for GENIUS Olympiad 2021! In addition to what we announced previously, we are also announcing several other opportunities for you and your students to consider:

1. Finalists may keep their finalist status for 2021 without taking any action, and we will roll their projects into 2021 registration. Finalists who will be a student at a university next year will not be eligible to attend in GENIUS 2021, therefore they should withdraw their projects.
2. Finalists may withdraw their application, which will result in losing their finalist status for 2021. Finalist may withdraw project(s) and request a refund through application system(under project tab) by June 1, 2020. If they change their mind, they need to reapply as a new project and be reevaluated compared to other new applications to be a finalist for 2021.
3. Applicants not selected as finalists may improve their projects and reapply next year as a new application to be a finalist after a reevaluation. However, non-finalist projects may not request an application fee refund as the decision on those projects is final.
4. Finalists in the science category can become a published author by submitting their research for publication in our International Journal of High School Research! Go to ijhighschoolresearch.org for guidelines on how to submit and format your work. If you have any questions email [email protected] Through this opportunity, you may present your work to the world.
5. RIT University announces a scholarship package: The scholarship package includes specific scholarships for ALL APPLICANTS and FINALIST of GENIUS 2020, as well as previous GENIUS Awardees. As one of the top 50 universities in the US, RIT encourages students to apply to RIT and take advantage of the GENIUS Olympiad scholarship. Experience RIT’s exceptional education and campus, and new students at RIT can be part of GENIUS Olympiad 2021 as a staff member. Click here to obtain a copy of RIT-GENIUS Scholarship letter, which can be included in your application to RIT. Click here to print the scholarship letter.
6. Be a GENIUS Olympiad partner in your country: GENIUS Olympiad is looking to allow organizations to hold country-based Genius Olympiad fairs in their own country or region. Interested parties will take part in a franchise agreement with Terra Science and Education. If your organization is interested, please fill out this interest form as the first step in initiating communication about a partner fair. Click here for the application form.

We are also happy to announce that GENIUS 2021 will be held on June 7-12, 2021 with RIT University as the host.

We look forward to healthier and happier times and to GENIUS Olympiad 2021. GENIUS Olympiad Team