Shanum Sarkar, a recent graduate of Bangladesh International Tutorial (BIT), has made the nation proud by winning a Silver Medal at the prestigious International Psychology Olympiad (IPsyO) 2024. Competing against students from 42 countries, Shanum’s achievement is a milestone in the growing field of psychology in Bangladesh.
The IPsyO, a relatively new but rapidly gaining recognition, is open to students worldwide with no qualifying rounds, making it accessible to all. This year, the competition focused on how AI can aid in understanding and addressing mental health challenges, an area where Shanum excelled.
Reflecting on her experience, Shanum said, “This olympiad taught me the real-life applications of psychology. The theme on AI and mental health was particularly insightful, highlighting how technology can be a tool for better mental health strategies.”
Shanum is only the second Bangladeshi to win a medal at IPsyO. Last year, Parthib Paul from Government City College, Chattogram, won Bronze, showing Bangladesh’s growing talent in the field.
The International Psychology Olympiad continues to inspire the next generation of behavioral scientists by encouraging research and promoting psychology as a tool to solve real-world problems.