UG School USAYPT 2025 Triumph: International Recognition in Physics Education

Each year, the youngest physics team from UG School, fully sponsored by the University of Georgia, participates in the United States Young Physicists Tournament (USAYPT). This prestigious international competition brings together top schools and emerging young scientists to engage in rigorous scientific debates and experimental research.

At the 2025 tournament, the UG School team competed against 16 of the strongest physics teams and secured an impressive fifth place. This remarkable achievement is even more significant given the competition’s elite participants, including Phillips Academy (Andover, MA), The Nueva School (San Mateo, CA), and Trinity School (New York, NY).

"USAYPT was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to stand alongside some of the brightest young physicists in the world and demonstrate our capabilities," said team member Alexander Mujiri.

The tournament’s jury recognized the structured mentoring program at UG School as a key factor in the team’s success:

Certified Mentors: USAYPT-certified mentors, Gennady Kian and Mikhail Kian, played a pivotal role in guiding students through scientific debates and experimental design.

“The USAYPT experience provides UG School’s physics team with a unique opportunity to develop advanced research skills, directly impacting their future career prospects,” noted Gennady Kian, UG School physics teacher and team mentor.

UG School’s outstanding performance at USAYPT 2025 reaffirms its position as a leader in STEM education, where innovation, knowledge-sharing, and teamwork drive international recognition. The team remains committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists and preparing for future competitions.