Hanover Students Win 2025 NII Science Olympics; Owen Sound Students Among Participants
John Diefenbaker Senior School won the 2025 NII Science Olympics where 18 teams, including students from Owen Sound, competed in STEM challenges hosted by the Nuclear Innovation Institute.
Hanover’s John Diefenbaker Senior School (JDSS) claimed first place at the third-annual NII Science Olympics, held May 9 at the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s (NII) Advanced Technology Campus in Saugeen Shores.
The event brought together 18 student teams from across Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties—including participants from Owen Sound—for a day of science-based challenges and collaborative problem-solving.
The competition featured two teams each from Owen Sound District Secondary School and St. Mary’s High School, alongside teams from other regional schools. Students took part in hands-on tasks spanning multiple scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and Earth science.
JDSS “Team B” rose from ninth place in preliminary rounds to take the overall championship following a final challenge, outperforming their counterparts from JDSS “Team A” and Wingham’s F.E. Madill Secondary School, who placed second and third respectively.
Educators and organizers described the day as both academically enriching and highly engaging. Basil Yeldhose, a science and math teacher at JDSS, noted the strong showing by both school teams. Fellow teacher Rachael Murray highlighted the value of working collaboratively outside the classroom setting.
NII’s Director of STEM Education, Phillip Craig, said the event helps bridge opportunity gaps between rural and urban students by fostering skill development and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The Science Olympics are part of NII’s broader efforts to support future careers in STEM fields.
This year’s event was supported by Bruce Power, alongside NII Founding Members including BWXT, Cameco, E.S. Fox, Kinectrics, AtkinsRéalis, Power Workers’ Union, and the Town of Saugeen Shores. The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers sponsored the final challenge.
Keith Lefebvre, Superintendent of Education for the Bluewater District School Board, praised the event for providing students with a platform to demonstrate creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving—skills essential for future career readiness.
The NII Science Olympics continue to grow in scale and participation, marking their largest turnout to date in 2025.
For more information about the Nuclear Innovation Institute and its educational programming, visit nii.ca.