The British Physics Olympiad (BphO) began in 1979 and has a history of nearly 25 years. Each year, over 1,600 talented young physicists from the UK participate. Since 1983, the BphO has officially selected the UK national team, primarily composed of Oxford University, the British Institute of Physics, and the Odgen Foundation, with its office located in the Department of Physics at Oxford University.
The BphO places great emphasis on the flexible application of physics knowledge; all questions are proof-based. Participants must use their knowledge of physics to complete the challenges, which cover a wide range of topics. Students are not required to complete all questions; instead, they are encouraged to choose and complete the sections that best suit their interests and learning areas. Outstanding British citizens will represent the UK in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).
In 2016, the British Physics Olympiad Organizing Committee officially partnered with the ASDAN China office, becoming the organizer of the BphO in China. In this competition, Chinese and British students will have the opportunity to compete on the same stage, take the same exam, and have their papers graded by the Oxford University Physics System, vying equally for global gold, silver, and bronze medals in the British Physics Olympiad. Although Chinese students cannot be selected for the British Physics Olympiad national team, winners of the BphO China region still have the opportunity to be invited to participate in the British Physics Olympiad training camp (China region) for selecting the British Physics Olympiad national team.
