IYPT - The History of the IYPT

The History of the IYPT

The concept behind the IYPT originates from the former Soviet Union. After a tournament of that kind was executed there for quite a while the first international IYPT took place in 1988. One of the first western countries to participate where the Netherlands. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the IYPT was carried out in other European countries as well, whereas the number of participating countries grew continuosely.

In 2004, the IYPT took place outside of Europe for the first time. Venue was Brisbane (Australia).

Meanwhile, the number of participating countries has grown to over 25. There are also representatives from every continent in the meantime.

In addition the IYPT has developed from a lose community of idealists into an officially registered corporation. In many countries there are national organizations, corporations and associations now which organize qualification competitions and represent their respective countries in the committees of the IYPT. Some of these associations, including the Austrian AYPT - Forschungsforum junger Physiker , also have been officially and formally recognized by the IYPT in the meantime.

Venues

The IYPT is held in another country every year. The IOC decides which of the applying countries may inherit the holding. The organisation itself is then accomplished by Local Organizing Committee (LOC).
Here a list of some past and future (planned) venues:

This map shows all the countries that have participated in the IYPT. Green marks the countries that have already sent a team to the IYPT, red is for those who have also hosted the IYPT. Russia and Austria have both been hosts more than once.