The International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO): A way to raise public awareness of geoscience, particularly amongst younger people and enhance the quality of geoscience education internationally

Since 1959 when the first International Math Olympiad for school students was held, other scientific Olympiads have developed, last but not least, the International Earth Science Olympiad-(IESO) in 2007. This article summarizes the organisation of this event that to date has involved 39 countries and aims to involve more in the future. IESO is a competition for school students where the best students from all over the world test their knowledge and abilities in the subject. It is an amazing opportunity for brilliant students, with an interest in Earth science to get to know each other, share their passion and grow an international network. It highlights the importance of increasing the range of countries that participate in this competition and the role national selection processes can play to focus the attention of National Ministries of Education to give the appropriate time and space for Earth science in the school curricula. This in turn can lead to more school students continuing with post-school studies in the Earth. sciences and take up careers in this field, following their passion for Earth science and thus contributing to their countries growth.