Preparations Begin For 2027 Math Olympiad
Bermuda has taken its first formal step towards sending a national team to the International Mathematical Olympiad following its attendance at the 2026 competition in Shanghai, China.
Dr Kevin Minors, founder of the Bermuda Mathematics Academy, represented Bermuda in an observer capacity at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad. The visit enabled Bermuda to learn about the standards and procedures required before seeking approval to participate with students at the 2027 competition in Budapest, Hungary.
He observed how the competition’s six problems are selected, how marking schemes are developed and how scores are coordinated consistently across different countries and languages.”
“Seeing how the IMO operates from the inside was an incredible experience,” Dr Minors said. “The care taken to select the problems, coordinate the marking and establish fair medal thresholds demonstrated the extraordinary rigour of the competition. It was inspiring to see so many countries brought together through mathematics.”
The spokesperson said, “The 2026 IMO attracted 666 contestants from 117 countries. The competition consists of six problems completed over two consecutive days, with students given four and a half hours each day to solve three problems.
“Although six questions may sound modest, IMO problems require exceptional creativity, insight and perseverance. Contestants must construct complete mathematical proofs without calculators or electronic aids. Each problem is worth seven points, producing a maximum possible score of 42.
“The Bermuda Mathematics Academy is now working towards securing the students, funding and training required to send Bermuda’s first team to the 2027 IMO. A participating country may enter a team of up to six secondary-school students.”
“Few international arenas allow Bermudian students to compete alongside their peers from countries such as China, the United States and the United Kingdom,” Dr Minors said. “Our goal is not simply to pursue medals. We want students to experience mathematics beyond the standard curriculum and develop the creative thinking, abstract problem-solving and perseverance needed to tackle genuinely difficult problems.”
The spokesperson said, “The Academy intends to identify and prepare talented students from both public and private schools. Its long-term objective is to establish a sustainable national programme through which students can receive regular Olympiad training and progress towards international competition.
“The IMO also offers opportunities beyond the exam. Its international programme allows students to form friendships with young people from around the world, experience the host country’s culture and share their own national identity.”
“For a student from a small island, representing Bermuda on such a significant global stage could be life-changing,” Dr Minors added. “It would show our young people that Bermuda’s size does not limit what they can achieve.”
The spokesperson said, “The next step on Bermuda’s road to the IMO will be the Bermuda Mathematics Academy Summer Olympiad, which will take place on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 3 p.m.
“The local competition is open to all middle- and high-school students. Students who enjoy mathematics, problem-solving or testing themselves against unfamiliar challenges are encouraged to participate. Registration details are available at www.maths.bm.
“The Bermuda Mathematics Academy is also seeking support from individuals, businesses and organisations to fund student training, specialist coaching, educational resources and international travel.
“Those interested in sponsoring Bermuda’s journey to the IMO or supporting the development of mathematical talent on the island can contact hello@maths.bm.”
