New Zealand’s premier physics competition for senior high school students.
The International Young Physicists’ Tournament mimics, as close 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. The Trust also uses the 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!
Independent jurors needed in March
We need teams of (ideally) six jurors for the jury that assess the physics matches. The jury panel is a mix of physics teachers and independent volunteers, none of whom will be associated with the teams in the match. New jurors are always supported by an experienced juror and jury chair. And you don’t need to be a physics teacher. Plenty of professionals with a physics rich training, and who’s occupation means they regularly use theory-based analysis qualify. Engineers, Architects, IT developers, etc. If you are free to join us – why not give it a go?
There is a compulsory new juror training session online at 7pm on March 17th.
And you need to be available for one, ideally both days of the Tournament, during office hours on Saturday March 21st and Sunday 22nd.
Learn more at the Volunteering Auckland website where there is a full description of the role. Or apply directly using the link at the top of the sidebar.
The 2026 Tournament is nearly over in New Zealand!
We will conclude the New Zealand part of the Tournament on March 21st at the national school’s competition, Once again we are proudly sponsored by Auckland Grammar and the University of Auckland’s Physics department. Entries need to be received before March 19th.
This year’s Tournament fee is still at the 2024 level of $135 per team, however we are now GST registered. This means the total invoice will be for $155.25 however your school is almost certainly registered for GST and will reclaim the addditional $20.25
The World Cup of Physics is coming to Auckland!
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 all world cups, we hope the excitement of the event will raise awareness and participation, while the infrastructure we put in place will support IYPT in New Zealand for years to come. We want to put on an event that will excite and inspire participants to return. It is a once in a generation chance to showcase New Zealand’s STEM education and careers. If you’ve ever hired someone with a degree that required high-school physics please consider sponsoring us.
IYPT 2027 logo competition
Like any world cup, IYPT needs it’s own tournament badge/logo. In the best physics tradition – we have no money, so we have to think….The result? A logo design competition running in term two 2026. Students across NZ can enter their designs for a tournament badge the represents both IYPT and New Zealand. You can see our immediate predecessors below – but we can probably do better than our first attempt. Watch this space!
ACCELERATE!
From Particles to People: Jennifer Randle’s Journey from Physics to Public Health
Alumni Dr Jennifer Randle and her team were finalists in the International Young Physicists’ Tournament in Austria 2010. They placed third, winning gold medals. Read how IYPT gave Jennifer the intense scientific debating and examination skills, that are essential to her profession as a public health physician.
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