International Theoretical Physics Olympiad

1.1. Definition

The International Theoretical Physics Olympiad (hereinafter "ITPO") is an annual international competition in theoretical physics, focusing on analytical reasoning, model construction, and mathematical derivation from first principles.

1.2. Stewardship and Continuity

Following the suspension of operations after the 2021 cycle, the ITPO was formally reconvened in 2024 by the ITPO Secretariat (Re-established), an independent body comprising former medalists and the scientific community. The Secretariat serves as the permanent custodian of the Olympiad's legacy, archives, and future operations.

1.3. Objectives

The objectives of the ITPO are:

(a) To identify and encourage exceptional talent in theoretical physics at the secondary and tertiary levels.

(b) To establish a global standard for evaluating first-principles reasoning capabilities.

(c) To promote international collaboration among young physicists.

2.1. Composition of Teams

(a) The competition is open to teams of 1 to 3 students.

(b) Teams may represent a specific institution (university/school) or be composed of members from different institutions ("Mixed Teams").

2.2. Age Limit

All participants must be under the age of 23 on the first day of the contest.

2.3. Academic Status

(a) Participants must be enrolled in a secondary school (High School) or a university degree program (Bachelor's or Master's).

(b) Exclusion of Doctoral Students: Individuals who have commenced doctoral studies (PhD) or hold a doctoral degree are NOT eligible to participate in the main competitive track.

2.4. Participation Limit

An individual may participate in the ITPO a maximum of 4 times.

3.1. Format

The competition consists of a theoretical examination. The duration, number of problems, and specific format (e.g., 24-hour research round vs. 5-hour exam) are determined annually by the International Academic Committee.

3.2. Syllabus

The problems cover the general field of theoretical physics, including but not limited to:

• Classical Mechanics (Lagrangian/Hamiltonian formalisms)
• Electrodynamics and Field Theory
• Quantum Mechanics
• Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
• Relativity (Special and General)

3.3. Aids and Tools

Unless specified otherwise, participants may use standard mathematical handbooks and non-programmable calculators. The use of generative AI tools (LLMs) is strictly regulated and may be prohibited or restricted to specific tracks.

4.1. The Jury

The evaluation is conducted by an International Jury appointed by the Secretariat. The Jury's decision on grading is final.

4.2. Ranking

Teams are ranked based on the total sum of points obtained.

4.3. Distribution of Medals

Medals are awarded to the highest-ranking teams according to the following approximate distribution (based on the total number of participating teams):

• Gold Medals: Top 8%
• Silver Medals: Next 17%
• Bronze Medals: Next 25%
• Honourable Mentions: Awarded to teams that do not receive a medal but completely solve at least one problem or show significant theoretical insight.

5.1. Role

The Secretariat is the executive body of the ITPO. It is responsible for:

(a) Maintaining the official website and archives.

(b) Coordinating the annual competition cycle.

(c) Appointing the Academic Committee and Jury.

5.2. Archives

The Secretariat maintains the integrity of the historical results (2016–2021). These records are considered immutable official history.

6.1. Non-Human Participation

The Secretariat reserves the right to establish a separate "Machine Intelligence Track" for the evaluation of artificial intelligence systems.

6.2. Benchmarking

Results from the Machine Intelligence Track shall be ranked separately and shall not affect the ranking or medal distribution of human participants.