Welcome to the NZ Young Physicists’ Tournament!

The International Young Physicists’ Tournament mimics, as closely as possible, the real-world processes of scientific research. It adds real world skills in experimental design and fabrication, data modelling, problem solving, presentation, teamwork and concise communication to classroom theory.

IYPT in New Zealand is organised by the NZ Young Physicists’ Trust, registered charity CC62496. We run an annual national competition for school teams that is based on seven of the seventeen IYPT problems. The Trust also uses these IYPT problems in a competition for individual students that selects a five student NZ Representative team that competes in the International Young Physicists’ Tournament, (IYPT) every year.

In July 2026, IYPT will be in Switzerland at ETH Zurich University – Einstein’s old school.. In 2027 we’re bringing IYPT to Auckland!

An aerial photo of the main building of the ETH University In Zurich

IYPT is often called the “world cup of physics” (honest – google it!).

In July 2027 the Trust is running the 40th International Young Physicists’ Tournament here in Auckland! About 200 students for 36 countries will attend. Like any world cup, IYPT needs it’s own tournament logo.

Header for FUSION design competition.

In a New Zealand first, the top three teams were all young women. Congratulations to you all!

1st St. Cuthbert’s College Y12, Auckland

2nd Queen Margaret College, Wellington

3rd St. Cuthbert’s College Y13, Auckland


From Curious Student to Committed Mentor:

Daniels journey from participant to mentoring Trustee (with health devices and aerospace engineering on the side)

A head and shoulders picture of Daniel

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