For Jonas Forshamn, teacher at Kitas Gymnasium in Gothenburg and Director of EOES 2026, it is all starting to feel very real.
“It’s incredibly exciting now that it’s just around the corner. We are both proud and grateful to be hosting the event in Lund, in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and LTH. It truly feels like the perfect setting for a competition that puts experiments and collaboration at its core,” he says.
EOES stands apart from many other science olympiads. Instead of competing individually, students take part in teams, and all tasks are based on experimental work in a laboratory setting. To solve the challenges, participants must collaborate, collect and analyse data, and draw on their knowledge of physics, chemistry and biology – alongside a solid foundation in mathematics.
“This is a competition where you really depend on one another. No one can do everything on their own, and that reflects how research and working life function in reality. That’s one of the things that makes EOES so special,” says Jonas Forshamn.
As host country, Sweden is also able to enter more teams than usual. In total, four Swedish teams – twelve students who have qualified through selection competitions and training camps – will take part.
However, EOES is about more than competition.
“Students often arrive feeling both nervous and excited. But above all, they tend to have a great deal of fun. We place strong emphasis on creating a positive and inclusive week, where participants have time to get to know one another across national borders. That’s just as important as the competition itself,” he adds.
The programme spans a full week and includes, alongside the competition, social activities, excursions and shared meals – all designed to offer a well-rounded experience of both science and community.
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming EOES 2026 to Lund. It’s fantastic to meet so many young people with a strong interest in chemistry, physics and biology. We are delighted to open up our environments and give them a glimpse of life as a scientist,” says Charlotta Turner, Vice-Dean for first and second cycle education at the Faculty of Science.
Kristofer Modig, Assistant Dean for first and second cycle studies at LTH, also highlights the importance of the collaboration:
“EOES truly demonstrates what can be achieved when schools and universities work together. It is a unique opportunity to inspire young people to discover the joy of experimenting, collaborating, and thinking scientifically.”
The opening ceremony will take place in the Concert Hall at Stadshallen, bringing together participants, team leaders and guests from across Europe. Among the opening speakers are Christina Månberg, Chief Director of the Swedish National Agency for Education, Mats Helmfrid, Chairman of the City Council in Lund, Johan Wullt, Head of Communications at the European Commission Representation in Sweden and Katja Stopar, Vice President of EOES Europe.
It will mark the beginning of a week filled with curiosity, problem-solving and international exchange. EOES will conclude with a formal ceremony at Science Village Hall, where, among others, Nobel Prize laureate Anne L’Huillier will take part – and the winning team will be announced.
The hope is that participants will leave Lund with more than just new knowledge.
“We want them to take away a sense that science is something you do together – that it is fun, challenging and full of possibilities. And perhaps that they have also made friends for life,” says Jonas Forshamn.
Follow the Faculty of Science LinkedIn page or the hashtag #EOES2026 on social media to catch highlights from the competition.
This article has been written by the author with some support from AI-based language tools, including translation.