Well-BeingThe Biology Olympiad for future scientists — Supported by Nikon’s microscopes —

60 students compete for the top

The IBO is a global competition for students under 20 who are not enrolled in university-level studies. Originating from the International Biology Contest in 1985, it now brings together representatives from over 80 countries and regions to participate in both theoretical and practical examinations that test their knowledge, creativity, and perseverance in biology. Japan has hosted the IBO twice — in Tsukuba and Nagasaki.

“The Japan Biology Olympiad, or JBO, is Japan’s edition of the IBO,” explains Associate Professor Kimiko Fukuda of TMU, who researches life sciences and teaches at the university. “This year, 60 students who passed the preliminary round with approximately 1,600 participants took part in the finals’ theoretical and experimental exams. The event also serves as the selection process for Japan’s representatives at next year’s IBO.”

Professor Fukuda served as the Executive Committee Chair for JBO 2025. She was also involved with IBO Tsukuba 2009 and Hungary 2019 as a staff member, and contributed to the test development for IBO Nagasaki 2020.

4 days of challenge, discovery, and connection

The JBO 2025 finals were held in Tokyo from August 18-21 as a four-day residential program. The first day featured the opening ceremony and theoretical exam; the second, the experimental exam. On the third day, students participated in a “research experience” session at the university, followed by an evening exchange session that brought together about 100 people, including the students and staff. The final day concluded with the award and closing ceremonies, marking the end of the four demanding yet fulfulling days.

The students’ knowledge, focus, and stamina were put to the test over the first two days, when they took theoretical and experimental exams containing questions that could take up to two hours to complete.

These questions were developed by university professors through a process of trial and refinement. After the exams, the professors provided thorough explanations for each question. Nikon microscopes and microscope images were used during both the creation of the questions and the post-exam explanations.

For the “research experience” portion, students were divided into six groups to take part in activities on various themes, including plants, soil, and insects. In the “microscope imaging experience session,” students had the opportunity to use Nikon microscope systems — the same models commonly used in university research — to capture and analyze images of samples.

Following a lecture from Nikon staff on microscopy fundamentals, students observed samples such as mouse kidney tissue, water fleas, and water bears (tardigrades). They performed the full imaging process themselves — adjusting the microscope, observing, capturing and analyzing images, and compiling their findings into reports.

"One of the features of this year’s event was to give participants a sense of what research and practical training are like at university," said Professor Fukuda. "When we learned that Nikon would be supporting this year’s event, we thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to let students try fluorescence imaging using Nikon’s confocal microscope." She continued, "Imaging technology is indispensable in today's research. We wanted the students to experience the excitement of the world revealed through the confocal laser scanning microscope."

Associate Professor Naohito Takatori of TMU, who co-organized the JBO events and took part in both event planning and question design. He also contributed to the planning of the “research experience.” He added, "Observation is the first step in research — it begins with deciding what to observe and how to observe it. With a deeper understanding of microscopes, students can make better choices for effective observation. I also wanted students to understand how humanity has expanded the possibilities of observation by means of microscopy — and to experience that through Nikon's AX confocal laser scanning microscope."

True to the professors’ hopes, students were captivated by the fluorescent images they captured, gathering around the monitors to share their discoveries with excitement, while learning to appreciate the importance of careful observation.

Professor Takatori uses Nikon's confocal microscopes — both the A1 and AX models — in his research and teaching. "I've used the A1 for about 12 years; it's customized and feels like an extension of myself. The AX offers a wide field of view and high resolution, making it very reliable. I also appreciate Nikon's extensive range of objective lenses," he shared.

Japan's representatives prepare to take on the world

At the closing ceremony, top-performing students received gold, silver, and bronze medals, as well as special awards such as the Tokyo Governor's Prize.

This year, the Nikon Special Award was also presented — established to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Nikon’s microscope business, which began in 1925 with the launch of the JOICO microscope. The award was given to the students who achieved the highest score in imaging-related questions.

In the end, twelve students were announced as Japan's candidates for the 2026 International Biology Olympiad in Lithuania, from which four will be selected to represent the country on the world stage.

Behind the scenes, dedicated staff members supported the participants throughout the competition. Among them, the student volunteer organization SCIBO (Students' Community of IBO) played a particularly important role.

Many SCIBO members are former Biology Olympiad participants themselves. They assisted in event operations, accompanied the students, and even engaged in lively discussions about biology — becoming an invaluable source of support throughout the event.

Lastly, we asked Professor Fukuda about future plans. “JBO is one of the few educational events in Japan dedicated to biology, and it plays an important role in advancing future science,” she remarked. “I plan to continue supporting it.” She also shared a message for aspiring young scientists: “I became a researcher because research is fun. I hope you'll enjoy it too — and cherish that sense of enjoyment.”

Nikon will continue to refine its technologies, products, and expertise to support future researchers and their discoveries.