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The Genius Olympiad, first held in 2011, is an international high school project competition focused on environmental issues. It was established and organized by Terra Science and Education and is hosted on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York.


 

About Genius Olympiad

Eligibility and Participation

   - The competition is open to students aged 13 and above.

   - High school students aged 17 and above must attend without a supervisor.

 

Objectives and Vision: Solving Environmental Problems

The Genius Olympiad aims to:

   - Cultivate the ability of high school students worldwide to propose solutions to environmental issues.

   - Instill environmental awareness in the younger generation.

   - Provide a forum for youth from around the world to gather and share ideas.

   - Raise public awareness of global environmental issues.
 

According to Kristin Gillibrand, U.S. Senator of New York, "Through the comprehensive approach of this program, students can use their creativity and originality to solve many of these environmental problems." Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator of New York, also commended the efforts, stating, "I am proud to applaud your efforts to achieve a global understanding of environmental issues and sustainability."

2024 Competition Schedule

   - Submit Application: March 8

​   - Finalists Announced: March-April

   - Participant Registration: May 1

   - Genius Finals: June 10-14


 

Categories of the Genius Olympiad

1. Science

GENIUS Science utilizes scientific knowledge to understand and propose solutions to environmental issues.

   - Participants: Up to 2

   - Submission/Presentation: Research explanation paper (including data, graphics, photos, and design concept drawings) as part of a presentation.

   - Topics: Environmental Quality, Ecology and Biodiversity, Resource and Energy, Human Ecology, Innovation

 

2. Writing

GENIUS Creative Writing uses written work to raise awareness about global environmental issues and encourage actions toward solutions.

   - Participants: 1

   - Submission/Presentation: 5-minute reading to the audience.

   - Categories: Short Story, Essay, Poetry

 

3. Business

GENIUS Business aims to raise awareness of environmental values in the business world, from launching eco-friendly products and services to establishing positive relationships with society and the environment.

   - Participants: Up to 2

   - Submission/Presentation: 10-minute PowerPoint/Prezi (or similar) presentation followed by Q&A.

   - Categories: Entrepreneurship, Social Responsibility

 

4. Robotics

Genius Robotics is a student-centered competition that helps students understand the role of engineering and research in addressing environmental issues.

   - Participants: Up to 3

   - Submission/Presentation: Robot

   - Categories: Lego, Tetrix, VEX

 

5. Art

GENIUS Art raises public awareness of global environmental issues and solutions through creative works.

   - Participants: 1

   - Submission/Presentation: Creative work

   - Categories: Photography, Poster Design, Mixed Media

 

6. Music

GENIUS Music increases public interest in environmental issues and proposes solutions through impactful performances.

   - Participants: Individual or team

   - Submission/Presentation: Composed or self-written song

   - Categories: Solo Performance, Group Performance, Singer

 

7. Short Film

Sequential images have been used for over 200 years to captivate and sustain the public's attention with diverse stories and purposes.

   - Participants: Up to 2

   - Submission/Presentation: Animated, live-action, or documentary short film under 6 minutes

   - Categories: Narrative, Documentary, Animation


 

The Genius Olympiad is not only significant in STEM fields but also in various areas in modern society, which is why it's heavily covered in high school AP programs. By participating in the Genius Olympiad, students demonstrate their ability to effectively utilize information, possess highly demanded technical skills, and solve complex problems. These qualities make them stand out as strong candidates in college admissions and future careers.